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randy bacon photography
studio + gallery
the STORY
Randy often is asked how he got into still photography (and now cinema). The answer covers a long road. From a very early age it was evident, Randy was one of those kids that had the creative side of the brain working full force. He was always painting, drawing, sketching, doodling and even doing the music thing. At the age of 15,Randy got his first camera, a Pentax 35mm, and from that point his pursuit of art became solely focused on the medium of photography...as an art form.
As a teen, Randy did not know how it would manifest itself as a career or other, but he knew his passion for art, creating, and speaking through still and motion images were implanted by God within his core. After graduating from high school, a degree in fine arts began at Missouri State University, but Randy switched mid-stream and completed degrees in psycology and management. Bacon states, "At the time, I was so disappointed in myself that I did not get my degree in art and photography, but now looking back I know it was a God thing.Seeing the way I now combine my psychology, artistic abilities and love of God has truly defined my style of portraiture. It has helped me create a powerful, unique style of photography and cinema."
Professionally, Randy has been shooting since 1985 and is in high demand as a portrait, editorial and commercial shooter. He is also grown into a highly sought after public speaker at universities, schools, churches, businesses and more.
In addition to the photography/video work, Randy and his wife, Shannon, own and manage one of the Missouri's premiere art destinations, the Monarch Art Factory. The Monarch is a 16,000 square foot art center that is home to a multitude of creative endeavors including Bacon's 8,000 square foot studio and art galleries.
Randy reflects, "Looking back at that 15 year old that fell in love with photography and where I'm at now, I can say...I am more excited about my photography and video work than I ever have been. I am blown away by the passion for this art form that God continues to grow within me and use as His voice. I know the best is yet to come."
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lisa
ashley
marty
shannon
Creative Assistant Director + Artist Rep + Writer
Randy and I have been working together for over ten years. We have even stayed very happily married through the process and he's still my best friend and the love of my life. Mushy, I know. It is difficult to say what I do daily because every week is truly different. My main job is assisting Randy with the creative process. I'm the sounding board you could say. I'm definitely an idea person and still get a thrill helping him with photo and video shoots, etc. My favorite thing is working with Randy on writing/photo projects and film making. My degree is in communications, public relations and journalism, and after all these years, I still am crazy about these fields of interest. I get a thrill from loving and talking to people and I am crazy about writing and film. My desire with my work is to inspire, encourage and motivate people through words and still and moving images. I know God wants to use me in this way and I believe we can change lives using these art forms. I do cartwheels when I experience a person who reads a story and views a photo or film and feels touched, blessed, excited or changed from the inside out. And yes, I clean the men's restroom and serve cheese and change trash cans at our First Friday Art Walk. Also, its easier to write about someone else or other things than myself.
Monarch Ministries Coordinator + Office & Events Manager + Photographer Assistant
With a degree in Missions, Lisa has a heart of compassion to make a difference in the lives of people all around the world. After working with several christian non-profits, she began working for Randy Bacon Photography in effort to develop and expand Monarch Ministries domestically and internationally. With a strong background in administration, Lisa serves as office manager, events manager and Monarch Ministries coordinator.
Lab Technician
I started my career in the darkroom of my Father's photo studio while still in high school many, many years ago. This was my calling, rather than the camera end of the business. I stayed in the dark for most of the next 40 years. I started doing Randy's lab work while I was still running a small photo lab, doing the B&W lab work for several local photographers and one hour color labs. When digital started to take over the industry, my business started to dry up. I started teaching myself Photoshop. This was a natural - put somewhat painful- transition for me. I was now able to do things to images that any darkroom tech had done since the early days of photography, but do them in a way that did not look artificial. Such as major retouching, head replacements, and adding or removing people or objects. And now I no longer go home smelling like fixer all the time!
I have been working for Randy full time since 2003. At first, this was a combination of mostly darkroom work, with a little digital. Now it is all digital darkroom work. With only a few hours here and there in the real darkroom.
Monarch Art Factory Coordinator + Gallery Curator + Gallery Sounds Manager + Photographer Assistant
Ashley came to Springfield to attend college and pursue an education in Urban Outreach. After finishing her degree she searched for a career where she could exercise her skills in the stated field and reach people. After connecting with Randy and beginning at the Monarch Art Factory she as developed a desire for things creative and outreach to meet and build a positive atmosphere for Springfield and other cities alike. Here at the Monarch Art Factory, in the Randy Bacon Gallery, Ashley not only assists Randy but also coordinates and directs local ministry and activities, the Gallery Sounds venue, and Figment Gallery and Culture House.
the TEAM
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THE facts
AWARDS:
American Photo-Image of the Year(2007 portrait selection)
417 Magazine - Photographer/artist of the year (2008 and 2005)
Gannett News-Leader---Photographer of the Year(2008, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001)
CLIENTS:
Our list of commissioned personal portraits extends throughout Missouri, as well as across the entire nation and internationally.
Commercial and editorial clients include (partial list):
Seventeen Magazine
Time Magazine
Baron's Magazine
Christianity Today
Pentecostal Evangelist
Nestle Corp.
Pepperidge Farms
Accounting Today Magazine
James River Assembly
Operation Us/Marriage Matters
Assemblies of God
Cox Health Systems
Literacy Council
Convoy of Hope
Mission of Mercy
Forest Institute of Psychology
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES:
Randy and his team of creative professionals offer photography portraiture for individual, commercial and editorial clients. We are highly trained and equipped for both studio and location shooting with a full staff of assistants. In addition, we are experienced and outfitted to travel nationally and internationally for our clients.
CINEMATOGRAPHY SERVICES:
My expertise in still shooting technique and composition naturally evolved into our motion-cinema work services. My deep interest in the art of "film" coupled with my artistic styling further enhanced my segue way into cinematography. We offer full cinematography services including video capture, writing, graphic design, editing and audio recording.
WRITING SERVICES:
On staff, we have a degreed skilled professional writer for your advertising-marketing, screenplay, editorial or documentary projects.
THE STUDIO:
Our photography studio is a one-of-a-kind, sight-to-see and is housed within the Bacon's beautiful and historic Monarch Art Factory. The studio spans over 6,000 square feet includes a bar-kitchenette area, numerous seating areas, Wi-Fi, and wall-to-wall art work.
The Monarch Art Factory is a completely renovated 16,000 square foot historic building in Springfield's downtown art district. The beautful 100- year-old Monarch mixes the charm of old brick, wood concrete, and steel with a highly modern, urban feel and decor.
The photo and video studio has a full inventory of still and motion lighting equipment and accessories with skylight natural lighting too. A wide range of backdrops are also available.
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copyright randy bacon 2009
