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NANCY RIBECK

PROFILE
I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts graduating from The Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and Tufts University with a BFA/BS; a combined degree. While attending The Boston Museum School, I concentrated on classical painting, and photography. I moved to New York in the late 70’s and worked as an art director in two of New York’s leading advertising agencies. Through the business, I met an animation producer, and together we formed an animation company which we ran in partnership for several years. During this time, I produced and directed hundreds of animatic, animation and computer graphic commercials for the New York City advertising community.

Eventually I met and married a commercial photographer; and decided to return to my roots of classical portraiture, which had always fascinated me during my art school years. When I began to shoot portrait, I noticed that my style of shooting had a casualness and fluidity to it. I attribute this love of movement in part, to the years I spent in the world of animation. I began taking portrait classes at the International Center of Photography in New York City, as well as learning a great deal from working with my husband, Amos Chan.

Moving from film making to still photography has been very challenging for me. Now I only have a single frame to tell a story or make a visual impact; as opposed to the endless possibilities that film making allows. The picture either works or it doesn’t, and you only get one chance. That is certainly quite a challenge. No matter how good you are or how many years you’ve been shooting, that challenge is both difficult and thrilling to face, each time you pick up the camera.

THE PHOTOSHOOT
The portraits that I do in studio, are often classically lit, but casually designed. This combination offers the beauty of traditional portraiture mixed with a contemporary look. The portraits are anything but formal or rigid. This classical but informal approach to studio portrait is an unusual combination that has often produced some beautiful results.
The location shoots are more spontaneous; as you have a lot more environmental factors to consider and play with, instead of just focusing on the subject.
As a portrait photographer, whether in studio or on location, it is my job to photograph the visual best of you; as well as creating an interesting picture. A portrait you can keep coming back to and find something new in.

I am also very interested in my clients’ input, and see the photo shoot as a fusion of ideas. My intention is to create something different and personal with each assignment.
After you book your shoot date we will have a precession consultation either by phone or in person. This will establish your goals and expectations of the shoot. I am also happy to hear your own visual ideas at this time. You can shoot both black and white and color during the same sitting if you choose to. If you need a hair and make-up person, that can be arranged at the time of your photoshoot. From our consultation, I will create a shot list and also work up some thumbnail sketches of what we will be shooting.

When I’m working with children in the studio, music plays an important part of the shoot. Depending on the child, music is either energizing or soothing. Many children past the age of three, want to assist me, and I often encourage them to express their own visual ideas. Their point of view is often hilarious, charming, and original. I do listen to the childs' visual sense as well; because sometimes it allows me to create a photograph that is very much them. If they have a great idea, I’ll try it.

By making the children stars in their own production, we all have a lot more fun, and create the kind of atmosphere that makes an exceptional portrait possible. I believe a good portrait photographer is able to find the uniqueness in his or her subject. If I can accomplish this with my portraits, I have done the job well.

When you make your final print order, I am glad to help you with selection and cropping. I will also give you a list of reputable framers in all different price ranges. Remember, matting and framing is an essential part of the final product. If it’s not done to enhance the photograph it is like putting a diamond in an ugly setting. It’s harder to appreciate that diamond.
For my clients and future clients, I hope you come away with portraits you will treasure. It gives me great pleasure to deliver my art to you. Thank you so much for visiting our web site. You can contact me by phone, E-mail or fax with any questions you might have; or to set up an appointment.

Where you might have seen my work:
Magazines: Town and Country, Martha Stewart Living, Modern Dad, New York Magazine
Advertising & Corporate: Ogilvyone Worldwide, ACRMD, Children’s Aid Society,
Lttlefield Marketing & Advertising, Miss Pym, Carol Naught and Co,
Indiana University Medical Center, Barnes & Noble, Neuburger Berman Advertising

Stock photography available upon request: