Arzente Fine Art
About
My name is James Arzente, a fine art photographer located in Bellevue, WA, specializing in creative portraiture. I came to photography after being a full-time painter for twenty plus years. Other experiences have been in the fashion industry on the production side. My portraits focus on the individual within the frame. Everything is there to support the sitter in a natural-looking, fresh, attractive way. I tend towards less makeup and a more natural look portrait. When viewing the image, a person's response should not be about the hair, clothing, or makeup, but of the individual. If that isn't the case, then I personally feel I failed. This is what makes my work different than a commercial photographer's outlook.
What I love about photography is working with people from all over the world. Where painting is very solitary, the environment with photography is a collaborative effort. The challenges of working with people you don't know and vice versa take developing your people skills with the ability to put people at ease in front of a camera. The give and take of a photoshoot is a learning experience for both myself and the sitter. As shoots progress, we review images together, reviewing our strengths and weaknesses, building towards the final work.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
My shoots begin by sitting down, having a beverage, and talk. I find this process to be the most telling. You learn about what makes up the person along with their mannerisms that you can use in the shoot. We shoot for about five minutes; random poses nothing complicated. We then review the images from that session, seeing what worked and what didn't. We then do a second session and repeat the process. After the second session, they begin to understand the process and are feeling more empowered and confident than we're working at creating something memorable.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Most of my work has been with models and artists in both the Seattle and Boston area. I have worked with non-models with very successful outcomes. I tend to work with individuals on the more creative side which helps immensely, as does an open mind.