About the Work
My portraits are based
on a deep love people, a subject of immense fascination for me since the day I
was born. I love the depth and complexities that reside in each and every one
of us. My passion is to give those I photographed the opportunity to reveal an
inner piece of themselves, one they may not normally feel comfortable enough to
show. I love watching people transform into extraordinary art. I search for
deep, meaningful beauty in unconventional circumstances.
Who we are on any given
day often depends on what is demanded of us, or what we demand of ourselves. A
boss, a friend or a stranger will all likely have different opinions of who we
are. I try to showcase all facets: good, bad, loving, indifferent, etc. I like
to bring imagination into a person’s eyes, allowing them to create something
unique, even for a brief moment, just long enough for me to capture it.
Reality is perception
and with each new moment we can decide to reinvent ourselves, to take on a new
role, to try something different or to stay where we’re comfortable. Nothing is
only as it appears to be at first glance. Through experimentation with makeup
and lighting I love taking the walls down and allowing everyday people to feel
comfortable enough to blossom into whatever they want to be, or didn’t know
they could be. It’s one of the greatest joys to watch that transformation, and
maybe even watch them discover something new about themselves.
About the Artist
Tami Bahat had it
rough. An octogenarian by nature yet somehow cast into a young body, she had to
adjust to the world, her wisdom tempered with her youth. Always passionate
about life but keenly aware of the loss and struggle that an earthly existence
bring, Tami always sought to connect with and understand people, to love deeply
and make a difference. This was obvious early on, as she often gave hugs to
complete strangers as a child.
Her family moved to Los
Angeles from Israel when she was two. Tami grew up with older brothers which
pretty much secured a competitive streak and artistic parents who exposed her
to the delightful worlds of dance, design and music. She found photography in
her teens, intrigued by the medium's ability to mold the obvious into the
interesting, the commonplace into the comment-worthy. She constantly strives to
push the boundaries of her own imagination, as well as the viewer's, by
creating bold works of art from striking perspectives. Her deep love for
imperfect beauty and the belief that art is in everyone fuel her portraiture.
Her work can be seen on covers and featured in publications such as Nikon Owner Magazine and B&W Magazine. Recent exhibitions include The Center for Fine Art Photography, The New Orleans Photo Alliance, LightBox Studios, Emerging Focus at Photo LA and “Improbable Truths – A Two-Person Show” at the Perfect Exposure Gallery.
Her work can be seen on covers and featured in publications such as Nikon Owner Magazine and B&W Magazine. Recent exhibitions include The Center for Fine Art Photography, The New Orleans Photo Alliance, LightBox Studios, Emerging Focus at Photo LA and “Improbable Truths – A Two-Person Show” at the Perfect Exposure Gallery.
