Caroline Herter is a talented photographer based in Miami. It has been her habit to travel with a camera since she was 6 years old, but she began doing it professionally in 2009. The passion and curiosity she has for urban life and its daily events inspires her street photography and documentary work. It is Caroline’s passion to capture the essence of fictional and real-life characters. Cartoons and movies attracted her, and she is passionate about colors, contrast, and composition.
A multidisciplinary artist and photographer with over 20 years’ experience working professionally in the visual arts, Caroline Herter has won many awards. She captures the mood, silence, and atmosphere of the environment she’s photographing through formal lighting processes and an attention to detail. This Miami-based photographer combines time-honoured technical processes with the power and flexibility of digital media to create provocative and accessible work.
When did you first become interested in photography?
Caroline Herter: I was taking pictures at the time with my younger brother’s new camera. Taking pictures intrigued me and I was jealous. When I was studying at film school, I bought my own. When I was a kid, I thought I wanted to be a director of photography. My life took me from working as a camera assistant to assisting a few photographers here and there until before I knew it, I was honing my photography skills and building a solid clientele.
Before you start a shoot, how will you prepare yourself?
Caroline Herter: The day before a shooting, I spend a lot of time thinking about it. My approach is the same, whether I am working on a client project or my own. Watching movies, listening to music, or looking at pictures inspires me first. My ideas are put on paper, I draw lighting plans, and I prepare a list of equipment that I will need. There are no limits to what can happen after that!
How does black and white vs color play into your work?
Caroline Herter: While I enjoy both versions, my portfolio reveals a particular preference for color. Whenever possible, I use black and white for very specific images, either to focus attention on a subject by eliminating color distractions or to add drama to a shot.
What inspires you?
Caroline Herter: The moment I get an idea for a project, I keep thinking about it constantly. The studio and office aren’t the only places where I work. In connection with upcoming projects, I find inspiration or ideas around me. An example would be the way the sun lights someone outside or the way the concierge walks from a grocery store. The majority of the time, I look at things and pictures that catch my attention and ask myself, why do I like them? Often, we don’t take the time to ask ourselves simple questions like this.
What is a good photograph for you?
Caroline Herter: In my opinion, a good photograph is one that stirs curiosity and wonder in us in a certain way. There is something fascinating about a good photograph that raises more questions than it answers.
If you want to learn more about Caroline Herter and her creative work, make sure you check out her Instagram account.