Fine Art Photographer Rochelle Berman grew up in New York City and now makes her home in Miami, Florida. From an early age she immersed herself in the arts—drawing, painting, and writing poetry—before discovering in college that her deepest passion was photography.
Classically trained in black-and-white film, Rochelle explored the darkroom with double exposures, solarization, photomontage, and other experimental techniques. Over time her artistic voice evolved into a love affair with color, pattern, and emotional resonance, which shine through in her vibrant photographic artworks.
Her creative practice is also deeply connected to her work as a writer and healing arts guide. Rochelle is the author of several books on creativity, the vagus nerve, and emotional well-being, and she teaches photography classes that weave together technical mastery with a mindful appreciation of the present moment.
Well-traveled, Rochelle captures the beauty of the world through nature studies, architectural imagery, and evocative portraiture. Her work has been exhibited internationally, and she is an active member of the Broward Art Guild, 2+3 Artist Organization, and the National League of American Pen Women—one of the oldest professional organizations of women in the arts.
Artist Statement
As a Fine Art photographer, I love challenging experimentation into new avenues of visual expression. Digital photography is the process or medium I use to create my artwork .
We live in a somewhat chaotic, fast moving society where hustle , disease and an over abundance of technology prevails.
I invite my viewers to slow down, contemplate, relax and be inspired.
My inspiration comes from extensive world travel and extended periods in natural environments especially the ocean, beach and mountains. With camera in hand , I venture out to capture my subjects , carefully attending to proper exposure, lighting , color and composition.
Having a somewhat mystical view of the world , I approach my subjects in order to see them in the best possible light , both in actuality and metaphorically speaking.
I utilize my personal technology tools of camera and computer to create a more humanized space for my viewers to decelerate. Even if just for a moment, to find a bit of tranquility and view a brighter side of life. When I return to review my images on the computer, a transformation may begin. I happily spend hours and days with my imagery until the final metamorphosis is complete.
I perform this digital alchemy in order to better align my images with the actual vision and emotion I feel at the time of capture along with my current perceptions of the subject. Formally , I used chemical darkroom techniques as a film photographer. Now I use the digital dark room of software technology, creating the multiple special effects of digital photo painting, photo collage and mixed media.
The world that I see has a synchronicity and an interconnectedness of ideas with the people and places that I photograph. I hope to evoke a magical dream like intensity utilizing light, color, form and textures that will transcend the purely material representation.