Frances Quin Schaeffer

Photography for me is about preserving memories, conveying emotional content of a moment in time, and exploring the sense of place. From the time I was a child, this was my goal, to record the people, objects, places, and experiences of my daily life. As I spent more time with photography, it became clear that the medium was becoming a way for me to explore the world and seek out new perspectives on life.

When I photograph in the quotidian, I stop. I observe. I listen. The work of photography places me firmly in the moment. In the act of seeking out and creating an image, I search for a composition through my lens which will contribute to the emotional content of that present moment. This deliberate formation of the image helps drive the intangible power of photographs to engage the viewer and give the viewer an experience of their own through the unique perspective of the artist.

Sometimes, when creating an image, I'm seeking the feeling of stillness and quiet.  Other times, it's simply the spirit of the present moment - a beautiful moment in time.

I create images wherever I find myself, and when I'm home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing the piano and viola, and cooking.  I also have a passion for wandering...