A bit about M. Chris Leese...
I think the first time I saw my dad say, "Ahhh… Get 'cha!" to my baby brother as he snapped a picture of that cute chuckle, I knew I LOVED photography!It wasn't about the picture; it was about, "the moment." That sweet second in time was captured. What I didn't know was how happy it made me feel to give that moment back to people. I've taken thousands of photos over the past ten years, while reporting for our online magazine, PleasureHorse.com, but it's just been the last few years (since I've upgraded all my equipment) I have found photojournalism and portraiture is more of a passion than a job. Because of public response to my prints, I've pursued more of the art of photography. I seem to have an eye for instinctually but was lacking some mechanics. As fate would have it, I ended up in Florida last spring, on an unexpected trip, where I learned that my last living great-uncle, James Robbins, was a hall of fame photographer! I had to meet him. We had an instant connection as he described photography as "painting with light", and he has been teaching me ever since. The retired James Robbins had such a well-known talent in portraiture that he used to teach lighting at colleges and seminars across the country, and several of his prints are archived in the Photographers' Hall of Fame, but this week, the master flew in just for me! We had three full days of sittings scheduled with the graduates and families I've worked with in the Charlevoix area this year. It was quite a Grand Opening. Specializing in glossy 'coffee table style' memory books of family trips to the beach, I love working with high school seniors for their graduation pictures. "I try to get to know the students enough to capture their personalities. It takes more effort, but then the photo is a more personal memory." Its great to live in Charlevoix, I can be creative and travel to your favorite places. Last week I hiked to the tallest tree on Mt. McSauba. This summer I worked a sailboat shoot at full keel from a second boat resulting in a beautiful Poster-sized print (a copy of which I donated to the new marina). This is our 12th year in the area and I'm very thankful for all the opportunities in northern Michigan. James Robbins and his input into my photography is the icing on the cake for me, and I couldn't be happier to have his support. He's 77 years old now and I hope I can carry on even a glimpse of his great legacy in photos. [Photography by M. Chris Leese is a member of the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce, the Equine Photographers Network and the American Quarter Horse Association. Her studio is located at 1600 Marion Center Road, but she will also travel to your destination for your photo needs.] From International Photography Hall of Fame Honors Album: Jim Robbins has built the reputation as one of the leading portrait photographers in the East. He is a master of lighting and composition. He feels that portrait photography is a blend of reality and fantasy and the proper mixture of each lend to making a great portrait. Jim has received many awards including the National Award and the President's Award from both the Rhode Island and New England Photographic Craftsmen degrees. Several of his portraits are in the Honors Album Collection, and were made part of the archives October 22, 1989. He has also taught photography throughout the United States, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. He started in photography in Michigan at his brother's studio in 1944. (He was still in high school.) His brothers had three studios and two of his brothers were drafted into the service to fight a war. Jim 'liked' photography until about 40 years ago and at that point, he fell in love with portraiture. Jim has great versatility in high key, low key, medium and mixed key. He can create great moods in all keys of photography. "As a portrait and wedding photographer, I have great pleasure when I can capture the character of men, the sweetness and innocence of children and the mystery & seductiveness of women." ~ Jim Robbins ~ [Robbins Studio was in Johnston, Rhode Island 53 years; James retired to Zephyrhills, FL] |
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Our new Studio, located at 1600 Marion Center Road is open by appointment for your photo requests. Phone: 231.237.9204 or Email our Office.
State of the art equipment accompanied by the dying art of Portrature, brings the best of both worlds into view. M. Chris Leese is a prodigy of portrature being sheparded by her great-uncle, James Robbins, who is in the photography Hall of Fame for his creative work and expertise on lighting a portraits. James visited Charlevoix recently to help set up this studio correctly and be sure his methods were being captured correctly. Ever thankful for his personal interest in the success of this studio, we hope to bring the fine art of portraiture to you and your family.
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