Last year, certified boutique photographer Lisa Kahler was invited to an international art exhibit in Illinois, where she collaborated alongside about 75 photographers, capturing children through black and white personality portraits as part of a “Simply me” series.
“It’s often said that when we take a picture in color, you’re seeing more of their clothing or the background,” Kahler said. “But when it’s in black and white, it’s more about their soul and who they are.”
The exhibit in Illinois inspired Kahler to bring it to Southeast Michigan, adding a “Simply Best Friends” and a “Silver Seniors” category.
Kahler plans to host her own photography exhibit in downtown Saline, where 100% of proceeds from the gallery exhibit will support the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, a non-profit that supports research and finding a cure for pediatric cancer.
The gallery exhibit opening is Aug. 22 from 3-6pm at The 109 Cultural Change in Saline. It will continue the same place on Aug 23 from 10am to 3pm, for those who cannot make the opening.
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Since Kahler was seven years old, she was involved in different art mediums and eventually decided on photography. While Kahler began her photo journey through taking photos of landscapes and architecture, she transitioned to taking portraits of people in 2011.
“I’m really excited about people seeing photography as art and not just something that they do on their phone,” Kahler said. “They need to see it really truly means to be a photography.
Kahler said that the current generation is a “lost generation” despite being the most photographed generation, as a lot of photos are on phones and are not printed.
“All of those images will be gone, and they don’t have a history to themselves,” Kahler said. “Seeing themselves printed for the first time, for some of them, will be really exciting for them.”
Kahler also said that she hopes that people realize that photography is more about sitting in a posed position—that personality can show through images—and ensure the art of black and white photos is kept alive.
Kahler emphasized that her company, Kaptured by Lisa Kahler Photography, is “really big” on supporting local communities and that at the beginning of the year she chooses three non-profits—one that supports the arts, one that supports animals and one that supports people receiving care. Five percent of Kahler’s art sales go to these organizations.
The ChadTough foundation was one of the organizations Khaler had previously fundraised for. She said she was impressed when she visited the foundation’s facility and the work they do. When she walked into the facility, Kahler took notice of “massive black and white images of children who have passed away from pediatric cancer.
“it really kind of struck home to me, because of what I do in my business, it resonated completely and I said, ‘if there is any other way I can help and support this organization, I would,’” Kahler said. “With places like ChadTough, it is really important that we support our communities.”
The exhibit is $10, and for those 12 and under, it is free. Click here to buy tickets and learn more about the gallery.
