More about Merri C....
What do you love about your job?
My specialty is portraiture. What I love about photographing people is the challenge of finding a comfortable space which allows them to feel relaxed enough to be themselves. When someone is engaged, an expression of that comes through the image visually. I love the process of trying to find an authentic space with the people I photograph.
What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?
The types of shoots I do vary from studio, documentary style and fine art, but I think what I aim to do in every type of shoot I do is try to find the authentic "vibe" of that person or event. I think what makes my approach unique is that I engage the subject in the creative process of pre visualizing what the shoot will be. Each shoot is a collaboration between artist and subject, and I enjoy each shoot for its unique collaboration.
Awards, honors, and recognitions received
I think my stamp of approval came when Rolling Stone used a shot of mine on their cover.
A fun fact about this photographer
The weirdest job I ever had was working for the DA's office in Queens County, NY. I was on night shifts hooked to a beeper. After a crime was committed and they had the perp at the station, they would beep me. I would drive to the nether precincts in Queens and videotape their confessions as they were being questioned by the DA. On full moons I usually got beeped more than once a night. I saw some weird stuff doing that job.