trends
BY LISA BRODY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
PIERCE STREET PORTRAITS
here is a wonderful and
unique bond between
grandparents and their
grandchildren; it is an
unconditional love, with the
acknowledgement of a common
foe: the parents.
"The grandparent/grandchild
connection is so special. It's just
unalloyed love, devotion and
acceptance," says Marcia Boxman,
one of a trio of owners of Pierce
Street Portraits in Birmingham.
Boxman, Nanette Carnick and
Elaine Yaker opened a gallery to
present museum-quality photo-
graphic shows 23 years ago, after
discovering a mutual passion for
photography, and studying all
aspects of photography together.
Thirteen years ago, the ladies
expanded the gallery to encompass
their portrait work, which they sty-
listically share. They are known for
simple backgrounds, stark lighting,
clean framing and close cropping,
all done in black and white.
"It's direct and in the face," says
Carnick.
"It's a respect for the subject,"
explains Boxman. "It's an image of
the child at that time and place."
"We try to balance artfulness
with spontaneity," Yaker adds.
Pierce Street recently
moved to a new studio
with significantly more
room to accommodate
larger groups of people.
While they will continue
to photograph individual
children and their sib-
lings, the new studio
space allows Boxman,
Carnick and Yaker, all
grandmothers, to
indulge in a new cre-
ative endeavor — cross-
generational group pho-
tographs.
"As a society, we're
spread out more, and it's
a great way to bring fam-
ilies together," notes
Carnick.
While any group combination is
welcome to make an appointment
to be photographed, Pierce Street
Portraits is encouraging grandpar-
ents and their grandchildren to
capture that special bond between
them.
"Photos are priceless treasures,"
says Yaker. "After all," she points
out, "when there's a fire, the first
thing everyone runs for is their
photos."
Pierce Street Portraits does not
pose its subjects. The three pho-
tographers are nurturing and
patient, waiting and allowing the
personality and relationships of
their subjects to shine through.
Have a little troublemaker who
could pose as an angel? They'll
capture that juxtaposition, creating
a professional "candid".
"It's a wonderful experience,"
says Marcia, of photography. "It's
like having a fairy on your shoul-
der. Your heart just starts to hum."
Photography by Scott Stewart
This page: Eugene Driker (above) poses with his
grandsons Caleb (left) and Charlie Driker-Ohren.
Pierce Street Portrait photgraphers Elaine Yaker, Marcia
Boxman and Nanette Carnick (left) strike a pose.
Opposite page: The Witus/Pickard clan, pictured left to
right, beginning with the top row: Brian Witus, Susan
Witus, Daniel Pickard. Second row: Zach Witus, Grandpa
Sol Pickard, Lisa Pickard (with baby Jack), Josh Pickard.
In front: Noah Witus and Lotte Pickard.
S VI. F. A'I"l'IIE JN • APR IL 2002 •
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