Artist Biography
Kirsten Doherty is a young adult who grew up on Cape Cod and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography. Her love for photography was sparked when she travelled to Jupiter, Florida with her family, as she took photos of the harbor and unusual trees using different angles. She looked back at her collection of photos taken that day and realized it was something she loved to do, maybe even as a career. Over the course of the next few years, Kirsten experimented with color and composition, specifically spiking an interest in portraiture and sports photography.
Over the course of her studies, Kirsten has been greatly influenced by the portraiture work of Annie Leibovitz and Cait Oppermann. She believes that the lighting techniques they use in their photographs engage both the model and the viewer, creating a unique and interesting portrait. Kirsten claims, “what makes a good artist is to look at situations in a different perspective, and transform it in a way that cannot initially be seen.”
Kirsten jump started her career by creating her own business Kirsten Rose Photography. She has worked with numerous clients ranging from senior photos and family portraits to weddings and engagement photos. Additionally, she photographs for Cape Cod Life Publications. Kirsten will be the head photography intern for Cape Cod Baseball League the summer of 2021.
Thesis Abstract
My thesis portrays personal trainers in a unique form, one that is not typically represented or advertised on social media. I employ a variety of techniques such as gels, shutter dragging and multiple exposures, to mimic the energy, concentration, intensity and focus that goes into being a personal trainer. These individuals train and provide guidance to multiple clients a day, while simultaneously training and pushing themselves to achieve a mindset and body that reinforce their role. The energy and motivation that radiates from the personal trainers are resembled by the lighting, colors, and movement that is captured within the frame. The photographs are not posed, rather they are freezing a raw moment in time where the trainers are fully immersed in their practice.
As one who is looking to become a personal trainer in the near future, I not only want to spend time with individuals in this career to learn how they train and interact with others, but I also want to specifically concentrate on their body language and how they are able to instruct their clients to mirror their movements the best that they can.