Mompreneur: Lindsay Clipner and Dahlia Portrait

Marin photographer (and mom of a 10-month-old) Lindsay Clipner recently launched Dahlia Portrait, which blends classic portraiture with an editorial voice following the mom-to-be, child, or family. Lindsay is a former photo assistant in New York City, where she worked with, among others, renowned French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier and publications including Real Simple, More, Vanity Fair, Vogue and Parents Magazine.

As part of our Marin Mompreneur series, we asked Lindsay a few questions about herself, her photography, and living and working in Marin. You can learn more about Lindsay and Dahlia Portrait by visiting www.dahliaportrait.com.

Please tell us about you and your background.
I grew up in the midwest in Michigan, and at university I was a modern dance and photography major. I fell in love with darkroom printing and modern dance at once. Wherever I studied dance, I would photograph my fellow dancers. After moving to New York in 2003, I worked for numerous photographers, traveling with Patrick Demarchlier and Stephane Sednaoui.

What led you to pursue a career in photography?
My first darkroom print blew my mind. The printing process alone felt like magic. I had to continue this expression in any medium possible.  Pinhole camera or a 4x5. All speak differently.

What do you like best about photographing moms and children?
I was originally drawn to rolling about the floor with these little people and telling an often unexpected tale. I would try to paint the little one's voice on film. And reveal their imaginative journeys. Now that I've become a mother this year, these images hold a new beauty and attempt to preserve these intimate moments for parents and their children. I routinely ask my 10-month old to stay this age forever!  I know other moms feel this way.

What inspires you and your work?
I get lost in details. Photography allows me to appreciate light for its many moods. I am constantly inspired by other photographers like Jeff Wall, Max Wagner, choreographers Pina Bausch and Shen Wei. I look for quiet or explosive moments in dancing the way I look for them in a child's day.

What do you like best about living and working in Marin?
Wow.  Marin has light as unique as Iceland. And living here brings my little guy an ocean and a mountain practically in his backyard.  That's a haven.