Drawing Inspiration from Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot for Impressionist Photography on International Women’s Day

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s a perfect opportunity to draw inspiration from remarkable female artists like Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, whose contributions to the Impressionist movement have left an indelible mark on the world of art. While they worked in painting, their techniques, themes, and perspectives can certainly be translated into the realm of photography.

Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot defied societal norms and blazed trails in the male-dominated art world of the 19th century. Through their paintings, they depicted intimate scenes of everyday life, with a focus on women, children, and domestic settings. Their themes resonate deeply, even today, inviting viewers to connect with the human experience on a profound level.

 

As an impressionist photographer, you can draw inspiration from their approach and apply similar techniques to evoke emotion and tell compelling visual stories through your photography.

One aspect of Cassatt and Morisot’s work that you can emulate is their ability to portray the complexity of human relationships and emotions. Whether it’s capturing the bond between a mother and child, the solitude of a contemplative moment, or the joy of shared experiences, your photographs can convey these universal themes with authenticity and depth.

To infuse your impressionist photography with the essence of Cassatt and Morisot’s approach, focus on capturing candid moments that illuminate the genuine emotions and interpersonal dynamics of human relationships.

Much like Cassatt’s intimate portrayals of maternal bonds and Morisot’s depictions of everyday domestic life, aim to encapsulate similar moments in your photography. Utilize impressionist camera techniques to enhance these moments, such as employing shallow depth of field to isolate subjects, utilizing natural light to create soft and evocative atmospheres, and experimenting with intentional blurring to convey movement and intimacy.

Additionally, you could employ techniques like panning or long exposure to convey the contemplative solitude of a figure amidst a bustling cityscape, emphasizing the juxtaposition between the individual and their surroundings. Through these impressionist camera techniques, you can evoke a profound sense of connection and nostalgia in viewers, inviting them to empathize with the authenticity and humanity captured within each image.

Moreover, like Cassatt and Morisot, you can challenge traditional notions of beauty and femininity through your photography. By showcasing women in all their diversity and strength, you can contribute to a more inclusive and empowering representation of femininity in the visual arts.

In your work, you can explore themes of light and atmosphere inspired by the Impressionist movement. Whether it’s capturing the soft, diffused light of dawn or the vibrant colours of a sunset, your photographs can transport viewers to a world of beauty and wonder.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and honour the legacies of Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot, let their work inspire you on your photography journey. Embrace their techniques, themes, and perspectives as you create unique visual narratives.
Remember, as Mary Cassatt once said, “I am independent! I can live alone, and I love to work.” May you find the same independence, passion, and creative spirit in your artistic endeavours, guided by the trailblazing women who came before you.