Barbara Parkins

Multi-Talented Photographer

Self portrait: Barbara Parkins Photographer

 

Vancouver-born, Barbara Parkins' first career was as an actor, starring in hugely popular 1960's TV series' and feature films, including Peyton Place and the cult movie, Valley of the Dolls. Even in those early days, she would take her camera onto the set to photograph her fellow actors, locations and moments. 

During the filming of some of her movies, she felt lucky to meet 2 photographers who encouraged her photographic work: Edward Steichen who's hauntingly beautiful landscapes influenced her work, and Lord Lichfield who photographed her for his book, Lichfield’s Beautiful Women. Lichfield pushed her to photograph the world outside of the acting arena, although dance, movement and soft focus have all entered into her style of photography.

Barbara Parkins, Peyton Place Actress

During filming of the "Winston Churchill" series at Blenheim Palace in the beautiful English countryside, Barbara fell in love with everything English and, in 1968, moved to England to continue her acting career and carry on taking photographs of the countryside she loves so much.

Barbara now concentrates only on her photography and she is an advocate for endangered wildlife - this is clear to see in her beautiful photographs of nature.

Barbara's photography spans many years and many styles - from her colourful, Eggelston-esque LA street scenes to atmospheric black and white 'stolen moments', via beautiful natural landscapes and playful colour experiments. She really is a multi-talented artist. Barbara, we salut you!  

See all Barbara's Photography Prints available on 100Prints.