Get to know a Buffalonian...

Lori Joyce: Photographer

Lori Joyce, a local photographer who runs her own photography studio, recently created Buffalo Brands: Skinart Portraits of the 716, a book of portraits of Buffalo residents with tattoos. The official book release is this Saturday, November 19, 7-11pm, at Guerilla Gallery/Maddtat2 (1110 Elmwood Avenue). We spoke with her about her upcoming book and which influences have contributed to her artwork.

What is your background? When did you start developing an interest in photography?

I have loved taking pictures since I was in high school. I went to RIT to study photography and graduated with a BFA. When I got out of school, I moved to Buffalo and started working for a few different commercial photographers. A family friend asked me to shoot a wedding and I fell into the wedding and portrait business after that.

How does the atmosphere of Buffalo inspire your photography? Where are some of your favorite local places to photograph?

Buffalo is inspirational for so many reasons. The city itself is wonderful for its diversity. You can get so many different looks in a relatively small area. The Inner Harbor is spectacular, and places like the Historical Society with the Japanese Gardens and Delaware Park provide unbelievable backdrops. Forest Lawn is another oasis in the middle of the city. Then there’s downtown, with all of the historical landmarks. It is impossible not want to shoot there.

What are the benefits of running your own photography business?

The best part of working for myself is being able to set my own schedule. I have three kids so while they were growing up it was important for me to be able to be there for them when they needed me but still get work done. Now that they have grown, it’s nice to have the time to do some projects that interest me, such as the Buffalo Brands project. I work almost every day but it’s great to not have to punch a time clock.

What is your favorite part about photographing tattoos?

The best part of shooting Buffalo Brands has been the people I’ve met. I started shooting tattoos because I was interested in the art of the tattoo itself. I have come to realize that the stories that go with the tattoos are just as interesting. Meeting all of these unbelievably creative, colorful people has been a huge bonus that I hadn’t expected.

How did you meet Mark Madden of Guerilla Gallery/Maddtat2?

I heard about Mark Madden from a friend who knew him and said he was a great artist. I popped into Madd Tiki on Hertel Avenue and told him about my idea for the Buffalo Brands book. He was awesome. Within a week he sent me 10 models and it hasn’t stopped since then. Not only has he sent his customers over to me, but also he has introduced me to a whole group of other artists who have also started sending people my way. The energy and creativity that Mark has brought to this project has been amazing.

BONUS: Do you have any tattoos?

No, I don’t have any tattoos. I am a little too much of a baby to get one, but I appreciate them. I love to look at them and talk about them and photograph them.