Photography with a Vision

"I love doing photography and I do photography because I love it."

Bette Redman Reichman- Public Eye Photography- photographer extraordinaire to the famous, the infamous, and  the everyday people since 1981. Queen Elizabeth, Former President Bill Clinton ,  Senator Hillary Clinton, President George Walker Bush and his family, Vice-President and Mrs. Cheney, Karl Rove, Senator Joe and Hadassah Lieberman, Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani, Al and Tipper Gore,Kevin Cosner,Henry Winkler, Bill Cosby, Patty Duke, Naomi Ryder, ZZ Top. Judy Collins, Nolan Ryan, Lyle Lovett, Sammy Davis Jr., Elie Wiesel- are just a few of my more recognizable subjects. I am a wife of 30 years , a mother of a thirteen year old son, a sister, and member of the Austin community since 1968.

    After graduation from Bellaire High School, I was off to the University of Texas at Austin- initially to study nursing, followed by studio art, and finally culminating in Art History. I bring a unique understanding of composition and perspective built on that foundation after receiving both my Masters and Bachelors degrees in Art History. During my later pursuit of a Doctorate, I discovered I was more interested in creating art than being called 'Doctor'.

      In 1980, I discovered stereo photography. The Stereo Realist camera was a unique camera which debuted during the early 1940's, peaked in the mid 1950's and was discontinued by the end of that decade. Like the view master we all grw up with, two separate images were viewed together to create a single 3D image. Completely manual- without a light meter or a battery- I explored, learned,  mastered ,and loved photography. Traveling through Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia  led to an exciting collection of pictures which were exhibited in a Canadian Art Gallery- the inaugural showing of my work.

     With technique now established, I sought opportunities which would allow me to build an in-depth portfolio of experience. Hired as Texas State House of Representatives photographer, I 'shot' at least 10 - 30 rolls of film per week. Through my photojournalistic position, I not only created 'official' shots of current events, but also portraits, official photos, calendar photos, and everything from soup to nuts( at many State Dinners). One of my proudest moments occured when my photo of the Capital tied with a yellow ribbon during Desert Storm reulted in 1st place National Honors presented  by the Agfa Film Company and was used by Gib Lewis, Speaker of the House, for his annual holiday card. One of my  favorite photos was of all the Texas senators, House of Representative members, and Governor Ann Richards standing in the dug out hole( now the Capitol extension) with the State Capitol building behind them.

    After the birth of my most precious son, I reutrned to work at the Legislature. I soon realized that my son was more important to me than my position. A year  later, Public EYe Photography was born- my own photographic business-which enabled me to work when I desired and be 'mom' when I wished. I am very fortunate to be able to merge my creative side and family side.

     Political photography has put me on both side of the aisle-shooting the gripand grin, fundraisers, position speeches and of course flattering campaign photography. Public Eye Photography has photographed 100's of weddings, portraits, events- who can keep count.

     I discovered along the way another unique gift which brings my pictures to life. My love for people has cultivated an exceptional talent of bringing out the best in my photographic subjects. I enjoy making everyone feel at ease which allows their inner beauty to break loose and  transcend to a deeper level, as demonstrated by the twinkle in someone's eyes, the bond between sisters, parent and child, bride and groom, and so on. In reality, it is this gift which allows the people within the picture to add that extra dimension which has brought joy and celelbration to my pictures.

    This has held true regardless of my 'shooting'  prominent figures, leading members of the Austin community, production shots for Zachary Scott Theater , or the everyday people  who are the most important people in our lives. The chemistry that is created is exciting and tangible. It is the magic which truly captures life-long memories.