Today we’d like to introduce you to Dee Ann Sibley.
Hi Dee Ann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Photography has always been my favorite creative outlet. As a photographer, it is said that you should shoot what you’re passionate about. For me, it is the human story, the expression, the life one lives. I am a storyteller and capture that story in a single image.
A freelance photojournalist, black & white fine art portrait, and event photographer. I have found my favorite subjects to be interesting faces. I love rodeo, old people, and innocent children. I also travel, a lot, and alone. In doing so it allows me to immerse myself in what I am looking to capture without distractions. I am comfortable camping alone, sleeping in my car, and enjoying the quietness that comes with solitary travel.
My education and work experience has become the foundation of my photography, reading people and understanding what makes a great image and what makes people want to connect with that image.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path has not always been smooth. As a woman, and a photographer I put family first in-between work and education. After a decade of school, I received advanced degrees in Art Therapy and counseling. My education and work experience has become the foundation of my photography, reading people and understanding what makes a great image and what makes people want to connect with that image.
Money was always tight and my confidence was low. I discovered along the way that I could apply for art grants to fund some of my projects.
I was amazed that my art was worth funding. With the support of the East Central Arts Council and Support from the State of Minnesota Arts Board through the Legacy Funds, I have been able to expand my footprint in Minnesota and beyond.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a collector of faces. I specialize in Fine Art Black & White Portraits. Several years back while on a road trip, I stumbled upon the Robert Osborn Gallery in Livingston, Montana. He and I talked about photography for an hour and I left. In 2016 I applied for a rather large grant and out of the blue emailed him to ask if he would mentor me. After a few emails back and forth he agreed.
Were have become such great friends and he is by far one of my biggest supporters and my harshest critic. Because of him, I have become the photographer I am today.
The thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to capture images that tell a story in a single shot. When working with people I strive to create an authentic image and not a photo of who the person is when they clean up.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During Covid, people in my area either believed in this virus or they did not, nothing in-between I decide to limit my portrait sessions to close friends and other subjects.
I learned that the power of a pandemic at first caused panic then created a kind of “I don’t care” attitude and people began living their lives and leaving whatever happened up to chance.
Contact Info:
- Website: dsibleystudios.com
- Instagram: @dsibleystudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dsibleystudios
