Painting with light

My goal is to see light and use it to create your portrait. It is not the cameras, lenses or equipment that create a portrait; A portrait is a direct reflection of the photographer’s ability to see and manipulate the light. I pose my subject into the light, and use the correct camera angle to capture the intensity of the light. Most importantly I use the light to define a moment in time. It is the light that sparks the color in your eyes, creates the deep serious mood, that dances on the water in the background, and gives an airy feeling to a summer portrait. Light is the most important tool, and the least forgiving.

We do not play it safe

Understanding light control is why so many photographers play it safe and use "standard portrait lighting". It's quick, easy, and OK most of the time. It takes years of study, training, and practice to develop the ability to see and use light; It is what separates my work from other studios. To make the most of my abilities, I constantly challenge myself with location photography. The light always varies, some good, some bad, and some very sweet defining light. Location photography is always the most difficult, but brings out my best.

Pre-portrait planning

At Max Bailey we invest the time to prepare you for your portrait experience. In your pre-portrait consultation we study samples, define your needs, decide what to record in your portraits, plan the location, time of day, clothing and style of your session. We are the only Portrait Studio in the area to offer this service. Whether you choose to have us photograph your wedding, family, child, baby, high school senior or event, we take the same time and care in planning.

Skills unmatched

I have spent years working with cameras, digital software, computers, and equipment to improve every photograph. The equipment is now second nature; Artwork we used to do with brushes, dyes, and oil paint, we now do by hand digitally with the same techniques. We touch, re-touch, and enhance every image before it is printed. We use only the finest archival processes, photographic papers, and watercolor papers for our masterpiece art line. My style of photography allows me to create images in natural settings, that reflect your inner longings, attitudes, and relationships. Our clients choose us for something beyond the ordinary. My freestyle approach means your portraits will never be like anyone else's, because you are not like any one else.

Let me create a lasting memory for you.

Photographically yours,

Portraitist

Joel Maxwell

Minnesota Accredited Photographer

Serving Park Rapids MN, Duluth MN, Saint Cloud MN, Saint Paul MN, Minneapolis MN, Fargo ND, Bemidji MN, Detroit Lakes MN, Itasca County MN, Brainerd MN, Northern Minnesota

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