Digital Image Cafe Photographer Profile
Jacqueline Kent - Bahrain

From the island nation of Bahrain, Jacqueline Kent uses her camera to "capture moments in people's lives."

Jacqueline's passion for the still image came from living in exotic places like Indonesia, Muscat, Oman, Dubai, and most recently, Bahrain. She has experienced exotic locales and a diversity of cultures and landscapes and has always desired to keep the memories alive on film.

A self described Air Force "brat," Jacqueline grew up all over Canada, never living in one place more than 3 to 4 years. "Maybe this is the reason I find myself with "itchy" feet. I am very comfortable with shifting locals; I look at changing countries as a chance for new adventures and fresh vistas," she says. Fifteen years ago, Jacqueline found a travel partner in her husband, David. Also a Canadian, David works for an oil company in Saudi Arabia, and he drives across the Saudi causeway, from Bahrain, everyday.

Over the years, Jacqueline has owned several 35mm film cameras of increasing complexity. She would click away, have the film developed and when the pictures finally came back, after an hour or a day or a week, she was usually disappointed. "I found it difficult to grasp concepts of composition and lighting, handling "F" stops and shutter speeds mostly because of the time lapse between click and review. I did have some successes, probably accidental for the most part, but it was enough to keep me fired up and I filled family albums and scrap books of our travels and life together," she explains.

In addition to sailing, windsurfing, and golf, Jacqueline also designs jewelry (www.crystallines.com). Her photography really started to take off when she bought her first digital camera, a Nikon D100, to take pictures of some of her handmade jewelry for her website. She credits a friend from Canada, Annette Pierce, with her progress. "Annette was so helpful and giving of her time," says Jacqueline, "coaching me on how to use the camera and how to "see" the image through the lens and on to the screen. Under Annette's tutelage I gained understanding by leaps and bounds." Jacqueline now considers herself an enthusiastic beginner, with a future.

Jacqueline loves to shoot people and would, someday, like to work in fashion photography and child portraits. "My inspiration comes from people, either as subjects or by enjoying other photographers work," she adds.

Jacqueline credits the Cafe with getting her up early in the morning to check her critiques. The feedback helps her get creative ideas for subjects, angles and lighting. She sees the site as a great inspiration for herself and her three daughters ages 10, 12 and 14.

"When I see the work of other artists I am humbled and inspired by their mastery of the image. I am always amazed by the point of view that other photographers are able to find. I will always love this pursuit as it constantly challenges me to become better than I am now," concludes Jacqueline.