‘Art is the objectification of feeling, and the subjectification of nature.’

About the Artist

I majored in painting at the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas. Where I also studied ceramics, printmaking and sculpture. My mother bought me my first real camera over 25 years ago. I began documenting my travels and chronicling the lives of my family and friends. My interest grew beyond the visual record. I became as obsessed with Photography as painting and continue both to this day.

Whether I am telling a story for a newspaper, shooting for a client, or making fine art, photography is about seeing and perception. To do it well, one must be present and connected to the experience. The images themselves tell a story that already exists. Working as a professional photographer & photojournalist allows me to get to know people and narrorate their stories using my visual language and sensibilities. It is a process of discovery and speaks of my relationship to people and things outside myself.

Art is more about conception. The act of creation is very different in that it is born out of isolation and demands times of solitude & personal reflection. It speaks of personal experiences and connection to myself. In all my work I am concerned with self-expression. I consistently use light, shape and color to relate an idea or emotion that is personal or universal in nature. Literal or metaphorical, created or perceived, my work is about relationships and communicating my experiences.

I have been a member of Pictage and listed on the Wedding Channel since 2005 and have preferred status on the knot. I am a member of the Kansas City Artist Coalition and the press. I'm regularly published in print and web media. Recent publications include: The Mind's Eye, Jewish Life Magazine and Sun Publications, a community newspaper to name a few.

Other works & projects can be viewed at www.pennythiemecuster.com

About Familiar Faces Photography

As my artistic vision has grown beyond what I can accomplish on my own so too has my dream to grow professionally and continue to support my community on a much larger scale.Women are often faced with the choice between family and career. Never before have we needed to parent our children and care for our elderly more than we do today.

On large events and commercial projects I work with a select group of assistants, artists, technicians and photographers who handle specific details of a shoot allowing me to focus completely on my vision, concept and creativity. They are extremely  talented and love what they do. Familiar Faces Photography is a freelance group, empowering women (primarily) to continue growing as artistic professionals without compromising the quality of care they give to their families by allowing them to take jobs on a per project basis. We provide ongoing training to ensure our group remains up to date and relevant in a fast changing field. Talented men with experience who share in our values, sensitivity, and vision will also be considered on ability and compatablity and not gender.

Familiar Faces is committed to making a difference in the world through our committment to family and community as well as our artistic vision and expression.

We also provide training opportunities for committed art, lighting, and photography students when possible.