When you first meet Laurie Klein you might guess that she helps empower women, but you would never guess her method - Infrared Photography
She is known today as both a successful photographer with a signature style, and an instructor of healing workshops that celebrate women by helping them re-discover their core purpose, strengths, passions and joys.
Her life long commitment to the art of photography began 41 years ago in high school. "I didn't really discover my passion, my passion discovered me." Laurie said.
Turning from just taking pretty pictures, Laurie sought to perfect her craft by attending the photography program at R.I.T. and then getting her M.F.A. from Ohio University.
Later, Ansel Adams became one of her heroes and mentors. He taught her that discovering her own artistic voice was the gateway to becoming a fine artist.
Today, she is recognized mostly for her signature infrared photography. Her work is held in private collections and museums. She is sought after for her exclusive commissions and extraordinary creativity workshops.
Laurie's unique way of using infrared photography, and the caring, personal way she captured her subject's innermost emotions almost always became a transformational experience for both photographer and client. Today, she calls that "The Laurie Klein Experience." As time went on, she added to her shoots, the wisdom, ritual and spirituality that only 30 years experience can gather.
Sitting on the deck of her lakeside studio, she watches the clouds and their reflection in the water below. She is preparing for another Bodies in Water workshop. Nine women, all very accomplished in their own careers, will be coming for The Laurie Klein Experience. Laurie will begin with a ritualistic time of self-discovery and sharing. Each will have brought a camera, so that they may photograph one another and be photographed by Laurie.
Laurie conducts a variety of workshops with different themes: Celebrate the Feminine, The Artist Seeing, Jambalaya, Sparkling Water - Creating Visual Journals, The Goddess Athena Playdates, Lets Play Dress Up. For many years Laurie has been mentoring young people in order to give them the encouragement to follow their creative dreams. Laurie also authored Hand Coloring Black & White Photography, published by Rockport 1999.
Today, you could find Laurie winging her way to destinations across the United States and Europe.
"Empowered, successful women hire me to commemorate and celebrate where they are in their lives now. I offer them something special called My Muse. I develop a trusting environment that allows them to give themselves over completely to a transcendent photographic experience with me. Out of this usually comes a series of fine art portraits or a substantial book for them to enjoy, share and pass on through the generations.
As for the future, I am so grateful to have the life I do. I wake up every day and spend a little sacred time communing with my mother Source, Goddess in all her guises, asking for her help to empower, heal and guide others with my gifts."
