Canadian photographer Tamara Bahry has won many awards over the years. She not only has a vision that transcends national boundaries, but also has a unique talent for visual storytelling. A keen eye for landscape and a deep passion for people and animals are evident in her work. For decades, she has used her camera to tell stories, capture extraordinary moments, and deliver inspiring messages.
Living Luxe : What is your creative process? What inspired you to get into photography?
Tamara Bahry : My creative journey began at an early age when my father gave me my first camera at the age of four. Family was the beginning of our adventure and I continued to hone my skills and my photography skills have matured over the years. In 2000 , while I was still working in finance, my artistic pursuits were deepening and I held two exhibitions, showing the colorful colors of Tibet and the charming rooftops of Cinque Terre in Italy. The response to these exhibitions and invitations from galleries prompted me to leave the financial industry and devote myself full-time to the world of photography.
Living Luxe : Please describe your work and share what inspires it.
Tamara Bahry : My works try to capture the most beautiful moments in life and give them emotions and stories, often inspired by events and moments in life. For example, the "Bubbles and Reflections" series originated from the moments when I blew bubbles for my children at a beach vacation home. The colors and images reflected in the bubbles deeply attracted me, and I couldn't wait to capture these magical moments. The Flowers series was born during the pandemic, when I found inner peace by observing how light and color changed the appearance of flowers throughout the day. The "African Style" series comes from a family volunteer service trip to the Masai Mara. I was deeply moved by the original and beautiful scenery and precious wild animals of the African continent.
Living Luxe : What role does photography play in the world of design?
Tamara Bahry : Photography plays an extremely critical role in design, as it can blend harmoniously with various creative fields and disciplines. Photography is a means of visual storytelling, communication and aesthetic expression. When working with designers, I often incorporate photography into their projects to convey information, evoke emotion, and create engaging visual experiences. There is a symbiotic relationship between photography and design, where they are intertwined through a combination of composition principles, color theory, balance and visual hierarchy. Based on my experience, I am able to capture and masterfully render images that match the designer's vision, thereby enriching the entire design process.
Living Luxe : Recently, you created a blooming flower-themed installation for the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Can you share the story behind it?
Tamara Bahry : This is a great opportunity. When working with commercial or hospitality clients, their design concepts and aesthetics have a profound influence on my creations. I work to ensure my photography aligns with their brand identity, values and target audience. By combining practicality, comfort, visual appeal, and style that resonates with my clients' vision, I ensure that my artwork will perfectly blend in and enrich their spaces. I also consider practicality, color combinations, durability, and maintenance needs to ensure my photography blends seamlessly into these locations.
Living Luxe : Among your works, which piece or series has the deepest impact on you? Why?
Tamara Bahry : Like choosing a favorite child, picking a specific piece or series from my oeuvre is an extremely challenging task for me. Each collection has its own special place in my heart because they all reflect moments of joy, beauty, and inspiration in my life. Each piece of work has an important meaning in my artistic path. They represent my passion for photography and the true story I hope to convey through art.
