Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Bouché.
Hi Theresa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from the south and moved to the west coast in 2003. I always loved the arts and excelled at it in high school through college. I have passionately chased two dreams: a commercial photography career and painting. It has been a life-long journey of trial and error with gained and missed opportunities. I never thought I would see myself living in Hollywood to pursue my dreams, but I have found this melting pot of talent quite intriguing. My photography business has opened a variety of doors for me from being on the set of movies and tv shows to shooting the most well-known people in the world at the Oscars and Emmy awards. Since then, I have moved on to fashion editorials, headshots, and also real estate with video and using drones. In the future, I plan to move into aquatic photography once I get certified as a diver. My passion is unlimited when it comes to getting that magical shot! As for the art world, I found myself using art as a therapy, as means to process what stimulates my senses; I like photographing what is in front of me but also need my vision expressed onto canvas – developing all of my artistic talents have made me into the person I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The beginning of the journey of working as a professional photographer was rough. It was stressful and expensive knowing exactly all that is needed to successfully complete a shoot whether red carpet, events, headshots, fashion shoots, or real estate. As for art, I was deciding the direction of street style via stickers and posters. I would take stickers wherever and whenever I would go on trips worldwide. Marketing both art and photography can be pricey, but gradually I have built enough gear and art supplies to run my own show. I found myself having to put my street art on the back burner to focus on the photography work. Inspiration for art comes and goes. I was trying to figure out where I belong amongst other street artists or fine artists. The hardest thing I ever did was to develop a style of art that was unique and spoke my voice. I realize with art-making, I need to feed all of my senses whether music, art, or literature. I love how my mind works in either the art or the photo world. There were so many times where I failed due to not having enough batteries or flash failure or not having enough memory on the sd card. In the beginning, getting access to events without getting any pay is harsh, but the work built my portfolio and helped me learn my camera functions. It also takes a lot just to believe in yourself. Life is constantly a battle of learning a different perspective in which photography has taught me in so many ways.
Painting for me has always been a way to process living. It’s my inner child, as well as the way I process society and truth. Everyone loves to have an opinion but where we have lost grip, in reality, is learning from each other’s differences and celebrating those differences. I like making art because there is something magical about creating something from a blank canvas – like writing your own story and being the lead character. When I make art, it brings out the ‘Human’ side of me. I use making art to think for myself while sorting my personal world views in my mind. To me, if I can paint something that moves a random stranger to “feel” something then I have done right an ‘artist’ or ‘human?’ We get one moment in life and what we do with it is up to us. I feel the need to use art as a way to truly embrace a moment of inspiration versus the camera, which I use to enjoy access to doors normally closed to the average person. When it comes to art, there is something freeing about letting go on a canvas. There is such a need for critical thinking for the future to be brighter than grim. I waited a while to emerge as an artist and loved placing stickers throughout the world. I look forward to continuing my journey as an artist placing it in the streets as well as art galleries even murals on walls of buildings. What I love and respect about the artist community is the support and inspiration. It is the little things in life. I love meeting strangers and creating a bond. Being an artist keeps me gracious and humbled. Painting helps me stay connected with the universe. It allows me to manifest a better world and allows me to practice being a better human.
My ‘luck’ has come from always being unafraid to delve into the unknown. Art has also led me down such an adventurous path. It’s amazing what you can do once you open that pandora’s box of new experiences – I have taken my art all over the world, photographed the most well-known people in the world – all because of who I was “lucky” to know, and the risk of the unknown I was willing to embrace.
The only bad luck I have endured is a lack of inspiration. There is a formula of inspiring all of my senses to make art, and I treat it like a ritual. It is about what you put out to the universe. I have something to share with the world, and I am manifesting success in all facets of my talents so I can live the dream of “loving what you do.” If you believe in yourself and are prepared for any opportunity – then luck will present itself over and over again. I am thankful for chasing these two passions for over 20 years; I live with no regrets, and consider myself lucky for having these talents and creative outlets to express myself to the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.theresabouche.com www.bouchephotography.com
- Instagram: @bouche_photography @bouche_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bouche.Photography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/theresa-bouche-photography-west-hollywood?osq=bouche+photography
Image Credits
All photos by Theresa Bouché
