My name is Jyoti Sackett. I’m a small town girl, whose visions are vast. I have always been in awe of the uniqueness of people. I knew that I wanted to leave a lasting positive impression to everyone I meet. Growing up in an ecumenical community, I have met people from all faiths, countries, and backgrounds.
My upbringing instilled the open-mindedness, compassion and love for people. I believe that has greatly affected who I have become.
As a young child, I loved looking at photographs with a curious mind and developing eye. I remember devouring the photos in National Geographic – especially the people images. The variation of cultures, lifestyles, stories, and even the suffering portrayed made such an impression on me.
My first camera was a 110mm film camera, and I have memories of constantly showing off my photographs to friends and family. Although I’m sure they were awful back then, there was a pride, and joyfulness in it that I never quite got over.
I started shooting film in high school with 35mm cameras, participating in the school yearbook. I’m a hands-on learner and tested out all different types of cameras to learn their features and benefits and worked several places developing film. After I had my first child, I never put my camera down. I’ve always loved experimenting with different styles and subjects.
All my life I remember a passionate interest in photographs, whether they were family photos, magazines, on the wall of a restaurant or gallery. If you look through an old family album, those photographs portray a part of your past. The images capture moments in time that otherwise may have been forgotten. That means a lot to me to see one’s life as it passes along.
Being a photographer, has allowed me to connect with people on a truly personal level. Through this collaboration of ideas I strive to show through my images the vulnerability, personality, and beauty I see before me.
With emotion and a good subject there are so many nuances I can capture that reflect so many different facets of life. Women and Children are my specialty.
I love sharing sensual and tasteful depictions of women. I want to highlight the soul through my photography and show beauty in all of its aspects. I love capturing things that are hard to capture in words that might tell a story for instance. I love it when a photograph conveys a particular story through each face. I love faces that are intriguing and entice the viewer to consider what the subject may be experiencing.
Movement. Emotion. Story. Femininity. How the female often unconsciously conveys a story. Light and Shadow. Mood. Grace, Vulnerability, Love, Desire, Yearning, Sadness, Longing, Hope, Anticipation.
Deborah Turbeville inspires me to a large degree because her photos are so evocative. There is always a story to be told in her photographs. I also admire Paolo Roversi’s work because of the rawness of his images. His tone and lighting takes my breath away.
I have a simplistic style with minimal preparation. Sometimes I imagine a story and of course play with lighting to enhance the play. When working with a team though the collaborative effort is very fulfilling. I often brainstorm with make-up artists, stylists and models and am often amazed as a theme organically evolves. I love that sort of joint development. Many times my work develops as we go along. The art often creates itself.
Nikon D90, Nikon F3 and Pentax film cameras and Polaroid.
I prefer natural light because what you see is what you get. It’s real, raw and alive. Natural light is constantly changing and keeps me on my toes. My technique has evolved to a very simplistic style which I find has become more elegant over time.
In the last five years I’ve began experimenting with women and capturing unique moments through the cameras lens. What I love about this is how each personality translates into a particular image. From vulnerability to joy to sadness to contemplation the emotions all change like shifting clouds in the sky.
Sensual Photography has been an amazing source of inspiration. I strive to outreach to a wide photographic audience. Facebook and PhotoVogue, Vogue Italia have also been great ways to connect with other artists.
I look for inspiration from the Sensual Photography (SP) website and love the high caliber of work that is shared on this site. I also hope to be included in the next edition of SP’s publication.
I’m still learning. In this work I learn more and more about myself, as well as the people I’m photographing. I see myself ever evolving and being open to inspiration. I love what I do. In one version of my future, I see my art featured in galleries and magazines. I see myself traveling all over to soak in the natural beauty of the world and the people I met. I’m aware that my future may hold an entirely different reality from anything I can envision right now. My work is dynamic and so am I.
The only thing I can add is that I’m very grateful for every opportunity to learn and share my vision with the world. I am truly blessed.