Living Luxe: Describe your work and tell us what inspires you.
Tamara Bahry: My creative journey began in my youth when my father gifted me my first camera at the tender age of four. As a family, we embarked on countless adventures. Over the years, my photography evolved, and I found myself honing my skills. In 2000, while immersed in a career in finance, my artistry blossomed even further with my first two shows, which featured the brilliant colours of Tibet and the mesmerizing rooftops of Cinque Terre, Italy. Based on the feedback from these shows and after being approached by a gallery to represent me, I decided to leave my finance career and pursue photography.
My work attempts to capture life’s most beautiful moments and infuses them with emotions and stories. Inspired by diverse events and time frames in my life, my collections reflect these unique experiences. The “Bubbles and Reflections” collection, for instance, emerged while blowing bubbles for my children at the cottage beach. I was captivated by the colours and images reflected in the bubbles, and I had to capture these magical moments on film. Another collection, “Flower,” was born during the pandemic when I found solace in observing how light and colours transformed blossoms throughout the day. “Out of Africa” was inspired by a family volunteer service trip to Masai Mara, where I was moved by the raw beauty of Africa’s landscape and its precious wildlife.
Living Luxe: What role does photography play in design?
TB: It plays a a vital role in design, as it harmoniously complements and enhances various creative disciplines. Photography serves as a tool for visual storytelling, communication, and aesthetic expression. When working with designers, I often incorporate photography into their projects to convey messages, evoke emotions, and create captivating visual experiences. Photography and design share a symbiotic relationship, woven together by principles of composition, color theory, balance, and visual hierarchy. My experience enables me to capture and manipulate images that align seamlessly with the visions of designers, thus enhancing the overall design process.
Living Luxe: You recently did an installation for Four Seasons Toronto’s lobby that featured beautiful blooming florals. Tell us about it.
TB: It was a wonderful opportunity. When collaborating with commercial or hospitality clients, their design philosophies and aesthetic become paramount in influencing my work. I strive to align my photography with their brand identity, values and target audience. By incorporating functionality, comfort, visual appeal and a style that resonates with the client’s vision, I ensure my art complements and enhances their space. I also take into consideration practicality, colour, durability and maintenance requirements to create a seamless integration of my photography into these environments.
Living Luxe: Which piece or what collection of your work have you been drawn to the most and why?
TB: Selecting a single piece or collection from my body of work that has affected me the most is like choosing a favourite child — an impossible task. Each collection holds a special place in my heart as they represent distinct moments of joy, beauty and inspiration in my life. Every piece has played a pivotal role in my artistic evolution, reflecting my passion for photography and the heartfelt stories I aim to share through my art.