In the 1950s, Westport was home to Famous Artists School.
A few years later came Famous Photographers School.
Half a century on, the Artists Collective of Westport is a thriving group of 150 talented artists, working in diverse mediums.
Now there’s a Westport Photo Collective too.
It’s much smaller — only a couple of dozen photographers so far. But like its artists counterpart, its members share knowledge, create friendships, and grow professionally.
The Photo Collective is the brainchild of Jenaé Weinbrenner and Maya Porrino. A couple of years ago, the friends realized that photography can sometimes be a lonely art.
It’s not easy to find “co-workers” to bounce ideas off of, and learn from.
Photography by Jenaé Weinbrenner.
They came up with a list of Westport photographers who might want to join them. Over pizza at Julian’s, the Collective was born.
Members — some of whom are art photographers; others specialize in weddings and corporate events, while some do both — share news about jobs.
They participate in shows. The next is the Photography Fine Art Fair at MoCA CT (October 18-19, noon-4 p.m.).
The Photo Collective hopes to host their own show in the future too, as the Artists Collective of Westport already does.
Member Kristyn Miller demonstrates her craft.
Tom Kretsch, a well-known photographer, hosted members recently at his home studio.
He offered hints on how to get the most out of art shows — and how to get into them in the first place — along with a demonstration of how to cut and frame prints.
Tom Kretsch (far right), in his Westport studio with Photo Collective members.
Art Nager, whose work is shown internationally, has helped members with their portfolios.
Feedback has been excellent, Weinbrenner says. Photographers are grateful for a group they can feel part of, professionally and socially.
Famous Artists and Famous Photographers Schools eventually over-expanded. They went bankrupt in 1972.
The Westport Photo Collective, and its older artists’ cousin, are on much firmer footing. They’ll be around — contributing to members’ careers, and the cultural life of Westport — for decades to come.
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