November 2008: “Collecting Memories, Collecting Hats” - Photographic Portraiture By Stephanie Rosseel and Elizabeth Fraser

Collecting Memories, Collecting Hats
Photographic Portraiture
By Stephanie Rosseel and Elizabeth Fraser

November 2 through November 27, 2008

Falmouth – Two photographic portraiture exhibitions by Gray Gables resident Stephanie Rosseel titled “Collecting Memories” and “Collecting Hats” by Falmouth resident Elizabeth Fraser were on display at the Maser Gallery at Falmouth Community Television, 310 Dillingham Avenue, November 2 through November 27. Reception: Sunday, November 2nd, 3 to 5 p.m.

“Collecting Memories” by portrait photographer Stephanie Rosseel is an exhibit of black-and-white portraits selected from her client work with families and children. “Photographing in a natural setting allows me to create a portrait that feels and looks more organic than a traditional studio portrait”, says Ms. Rosseel, whose location shoots range from Eel Pond docks to hidden pathways and parks along the coastline where her subjects “are relaxed and act natural” in a non-studio setting.

“I choose to use black-and-white because I think stripping away color sometimes creates an intimacy within an image. The black-and-white photograph focuses our attention more on the relationship and personality of the subject than a color one, thinks Ms. Rosseel. Accordingly, “there are so many layers involved with creating a portrait, especially when dealing with nature”, said Ms. Rosseel She loves the beautiful varied applications of sunlight, and the textures of the vegetation. “These and the feel of the wind make a portrait shoot come alive and make the portrait, itself, feel timeless”, she said.

“Collecting Hats”, is a series of color photographs of exquisite vintage hats worn by the collector herself, Carol Letts-Simpson of Falmouth, also known as “Carol, the Queen of Hats”. The exhibit is a collaborative effort by Ms. Rosseel and Elizabeth Fraser, who conceived the idea and is an accomplished artist in her own right - photographer, textile designer, watercolorist, and master gardener. Ms. Fraser also assists Ms. Rosseel’s photo sessions with location scouting and contributes artistic inspiration. Fraser’s hat images evoke a stylish sense of design, showcasing their own come-to-life quality, at the same time portraying the beauty and regal demeanor of the model, Ms. Letts-Simpson.

A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, studying graphic design, illustration and art history, Ms. Rosseel also attended the New England School of Photography and New England Institute for Professional Photographers. Ms. Rosseel is recipient of “Best Black and White Photography”, for the last two consecutive years, in the Falmouth Artists Guild’s annual juried photography show. Ms. Rosseel is a chapter member of the Professional Photographers of New England, Massachusetts and Cape Cod.
Ms. Fraser attended classes at Brandeis University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. As a master gardener, her award winning tomatoes are a feature at the Falmouth Farmer’s Market during the summer and fall seasons. Her husband, daughter and herself are accomplished culinary aficionados.

Contact: http://www.stephanierosseel.com, 508.759.0913.