About Monica Rich Kosann
Monica Rich Kosann is a museum and gallery exhibited fine art photographer specializing in creative, black and white portraiture. All of her portrait work for clients is still done using film and darkroom techniques that have defined great art portraiture for decades. Her use of these techniques makes her unique in a digital world of portraiture.
She studied photography at the International Academy for Art in Salzburg, Austria, at the Sorbonne in Paris and at the International Center of Photography in New York. Her work has been exhibited at the Albright Knox Museum in Buffalo, the Delaware Art Museum, and the HBO Gallery in New York City. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Royal Photographic Society in the United Kingdom, the Center for Photography at Woodstock, Hallmark Fine Art Collection, and the Farnsworth Museum in Maine.
Monica's business and photography style have been featured in the New York Times, Town and Country magazine, CNBC's On the Money, The Today Show and Martha Stewart. Her portraits of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club children have been exhibited continuously for eleven years at that organizations' esteemed New York showhouse.
She has published three books, Treasures from Heaven, The Gift of Children, published by Penguin Studio in 1997, Thank Heaven for Little Girls, published by Adams Media in Spring 2001, and her latest book, The Fine Art of Family. Her next book, with the Clarkson Potter division of Random House, is scheduled for publication in March 2010.
On her own work, Monica Rich Kosann explains, "My photographs are black and white, which gives them a true fine art, timeless quality. When creatively displayed, they become a family's personal art form. They work anywhere within the home. Often, I suggest incorporating some vintage family photographs to mix with mine for a true historical perspective. It is a wonderful way to give context to these captured moments, to integrate the past with the present as a constant reminder of the joy of family."
Her photographs are presented as exhibition quality, silver gelatin, custom fiber prints. Clients are also offered and extensive range of fine art materials and developing techniques that enhance the artistic quality of their portraiture. All work is arranged by appointment. A special effort is made to approach each child and family in a setting that best captures their interests, lifestyle, and family energy, and bring those elements together in a collection of fine art photography.
Always interested in photographic display, a number of years ago Monica began scouring antique shows and flea markets for vintage lockets, cigarette cases, and powder compacts that could hold family photographs. Originally, she adapted these one-of-a-kind heirlooms to hold treasured photographs of children and family. As demand increased, Kosann developed her own unique line of handmade heirloom-quality, engraved silver display cases, jewelry, and handbags that are now marketed through stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Barney's, Neiman Marcus, and many other couture jewelers, and gift stores across the country.
