Lucy Ketchum — juliewang

With each click of her camera and each stroke of her digital brush, Lucy weaves a visual symphony that captivates viewers. Her photographs resemble the fabulous celebrations where colors and emotions intermingle, resulting in an overwhelming and cheerful spirit. These images exude a festive atmosphere, resonating deeply with the radiant messages that often tie back to her Mexican heritage.

As we explore Lucy’s vision and technique, we'll peel back the layers of her artistry, uncovering the secrets behind her unique style and celebrating the heartwarming stories her photographs tell. So, join us on a journey through the lens of Lucy Ketchum, and prepare to be amazed by her boundless creativity and the lively, cheerful spirit of her work.

1. Your photography is characterized by a consistent use of specific flowers and colors. Can you share how you developed this signature style, and what drew you to these particular elements?

My motivation to use these specific elements started by working with whatever was easier for me to find. I started photographing flowers as a way of practicing my photography but in time it became my passion. It has taught me a lot about myself and in time I have developed a special connection with certain flowers and colors. My style has been an ever-evolving journey, by continuous experimentation with a range of techniques in both my photography and my post-processing. It’s truly when I merge these two together that my style comes to life.

2. The bokeh effect with light dots is a distinctive feature in your work. Could you elaborate on how you incorporate this into your compositions, and what role it plays in conveying your artistic vision?

Ever since I learned about the different techniques of how to achieve bokeh in camera I became obsessed with it, and I immediately knew it was going to hold a special place in my creative process. I specifically look for locations were achieving bokeh is possible to enrich the visual narrative and storytelling in my compositions while helping my artistic vision by adding depth and dimension in my images. For me, more than just a photographic effect, it’s a way of transforming ordinary scenes into magical stories.

3. Your photos often feature a recurring palette of olive green, orange-red, and light yellow. What significance do these colors hold for you, and how do they contribute to the overall mood of your images?

I guess it’s a juxtaposition of different moods I’m usually drawn to, on one hand I love earthy muted tones that are soft and calm, and on the other my love for vibrant colors that are more representative of my heritage. I’m always incorporating greens as the backdrop for the subjects, grounding them in the natural world and creating a sense of balance and tranquility. The highlights of course are the colorful flowers in mostly warm hues of oranges, pinks and yellows which help me create my visual narrative and evoke emotions of serenity, passion and hope.

4. The use of repeated floral elements in various combinations is a fascinating aspect of your work. Could you explain the creative process behind selecting and arranging these elements in your compositions?

Once I’ve chosen the elements I want to photograph, I start the creative process of arranging and layering them. I experiment with different combinations, often moving things around until I’m happy with my composition, making sure that it has good balance and harmony. I pay close attention to the visual flow and rhythm as I look through the viewfinder of my camera, ensuring that it guides the viewer's eye through the image. The repetition of floral elements it’s an invitation for the viewer to explore the fame and immerse themselves in the beauty of each image.

5. Composition is a strong suit in your photography, with rich and colorful arrangements. Can you share some insights into your compositional techniques and how you approach filling negative space with light dots?

Thank you for pointing that out, it’s making me think! Sometimes we do things without knowing why. My approach to composition is about creating a visual language that engages the viewer’s emotions and about the stories I want to tell through the arrangement of the elements and the strategic use of light in the form of bokeh. The positioning of the light creates a breathing room within the frame, adding depth and emphasis to the main subject and conveys a sense of tranquility.

6. Many artists draw inspiration from various sources. What inspires you as a photographer, and how do these inspirations influence your creative process?

I find inspiration in a multitude of places and experiences, and these influences enrich my creative journey as a photographer. Among them are the masters of photography who have shaped the way we perceive and appreciate visual storytelling. Some of my favorites are Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Sebastiao Salgado, Flor Garduño, among others.

Another important source is my heritage. I was born and raised in Mexico, a place where flowers and color have always been present in my life. From the bustling and vibrant flower markets to the rich and colorful culture, this heritage holds a special place in my heart.

7. Photography is a diverse art form. How do you personally define photography, and what does it mean to you as an artist?

To me photography is a visual language that transcends words, allowing us to communicate, express, and connect on a deep, emotional level.

I personally like the side of photography that creates magic and transports the viewer to unimagined places. I like to create a sense of otherworldliness, turning an ordinary object into a portal to a world of magic.

Photography has been a vehicle of self-discovery, and it encourages me to slow down and be present in the moment, to notice the details, and to embrace the little things.

8. Your unique style has made a mark on Instagram. Could you discuss any photographers or artists who have influenced your approach or whom you admire in this social platform?

Oh, thank you, I’m so honored! I feel that social platforms like Instagram have opened up a vibrant community of photographers and artists, and I've had the privilege of being inspired by and admiring the work of many talented photographers.

One photographer whose work has had a significant influence on my approach is Ashraful Arefin (@monsieur_arefin). I discovered him years ago and I must say it was thanks to him that I started taking photographs in my own home and creating these magical scenes of simple things. His use of light, bokeh and color still fascinate me!

Another artist who has left a lasting impression on me is Nyoro (@nyotome). Her mastery of color and compositions with flowers and other natural elements, and the way she infuses emotion into each image is truly remarkable. I've learned a great deal about the power of storytelling from her work, which has inspired me to experiment and push my own creative boundaries.

I've also had the pleasure of connecting with photographers who share a passion for storytelling through visual art. I think I’ve learned something from a lot of them! The diversity of styles and perspectives is a constant source of inspiration, and I'm continually amazed by the talent and creativity of my fellow artists.

9. As a photographer who has developed a mature skill in the genre of floral photography, how would you describe your personal connection to this subject matter, and what advice would you offer to aspiring photographers looking to capture similarly floral images?

Growing up in a place where vibrant blooms were abundant and celebrated, I developed a deep love for them. Flowers have the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect us with nature. Through my lens, I strive to create magical floral scenes and to share the wonder and tranquility it brings to my life.

The beauty of photographing flowers is that you already have a beautiful subject in front of you, but on the other hand it’s a subject that has been photographed millions of times. To truly make your floral photography stand out, look beyond technical skills alone. Infuse your images with your passions, emotions, experiences, and your genuine love for the subject. It's in these personal elements that you'll discover the power to transform a familiar subject into a unique and captivating visual narrative.

The most valuable advice is to commit to daily practice. Through consistent practice, you'll not only become intimately familiar with your subject and master the nuances of light but, most importantly, you'll embark on a journey of self-discovery.

10. Looking to the future, what are your artistic goals and aspirations in photography? How do you envision your style evolving or expanding in the years to come?

My journey is an ever-evolving adventure, one that I rarely know where it will take me. I mostly let things flow as they come, I rarely set too many expectations. One thing for sure is as I continue to grow as an artist, I plan to keep sharing my knowledge, insights, and experiences through workshops, tutorials, and mentoring, hoping to inspire and empower emerging photographers. I am passionate about giving back to the photography community.

A dream constantly lurking in my mind is to travel the world photographing different cultures and their relationship to flowers. A few opportunities have recently surfaced so maybe that dream is beginning to unfold its wings, we’ll see!

Thanks Lucy and Please find more her work @lucy.ketchum

Thank YOU for reading!