photoelegance

‘Clarissa Bonet uses light, shadow, color, or atmospheric effects to heighten the idea of the street as a stage. She frames her subjects by surrounding buildings of Chicago to create an interesting perspective.’

When it comes to street photography, photographers are in a moment of trying to capture a decisive moment as it’s happening that might not occur again especially in a busy city. However, Bonet does the very opposite by hiring actors and stages scenarios. She does this to make sense of her experiences and observations of Chicago’s urban landscape. She directs these actors to recreate her memories within the city. Bonet’s photos rarely include more than three or four people – and are often focused on one person. She wanders Chicago’s streets for hours, taking notes along with sketching and taking photos on her phone. After that, Bonet returns to the studio to start planning her shots. She selects locations that are less risky to shoot in without a permit.  

When it comes to her work, she is always finding a way to present to the viewer an image from her point of view. Bonet’s process allows her to control her experience and visualize it.  Light, deep shadow, and muted color are visual strategies she explores to describe the city.

Bonet prefers and uses the Canon SD Mark lll Camera which has minimal noise and great low-light capability. Along with the lenses she uses; 50mm f1.2 lens, 85mm f1.2 lens and 70-200mm lens which is great for image stabilization. Bonet shoots in long exposures during the night – it is important to have the least amount of noise possible.  

“I use light as a tool to create a stage for every day, a stage for these small dramas to unfold on.” 

Clarissa Bonet