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Corey Hope Kaplan had a childhood that was deeply rooted in the city of New York. She was exposed to the vibrant culture and diverse communities that make New York City so unique. As a child in the 1960’s, she was influenced by the actions and attitudes of her teenage elders, who were responding to the many social wrongs that plagued their society.

The United States continued to go through significant social changes in the 60’s & 70’s. It was a time of civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and feminist activism. These events had a profound impact on the younger generation who were witnessing their teenage elders responding to social wrongs in America. As a young teenager during this time, Corey was influenced by these events and the images that drove individuals to participate or become aware of the issues at hand.

Corey's mother is an artist and retired as an interior designer in NYC. Corey's father built skyscrapers in Manhattan and fought for his UNION rights. His battle partially inspired her to create the series based on "John Henry’’. The story of John Henry, a steel-driving man who fought against the machines that threatened to take over his job, is a powerful metaphor for the struggle of workers to protect their livelihoods. Corey's father understood this struggle firsthand, as he battled with his union to ensure that construction workers in New York were able to continue working under fair conditions and with adequate. protection.

She had her first show at SUNY when she was 14 years old. This early achievement marked the beginning of her artistic journey, which would later lead her to complete her undergraduate studies and earn an MFA degree from Cal Arts, solidifying her dedication to the arts. Throughout her childhood in  New York City, Kaplan's experiences helped shape her unique artistic perspective that continues to inspire today. Her creative spirit led her to transform an old, asthmatic cigarette refinery in downtown LA into a vibrant art studio. Seeing the potential of this building, she breathed new life into it by repurposing it for a completely different purpose. The space was once filled with toxic fumes and pollution, but now it is filled with color and creativity. Corey's transformation of the space is a testament to her ingenuity and resourcefulness,and a sign that she might become an award-winning production designer in the los angeles film world. 

Corey's first job in photography was a dream come true - she landed an honorable position of printing for Max Yavno, a renowned photographer and close friend of Ansel Adams. Max Yavno was known for his fine art black and white photos. Corey had the pleasure of learning the intricate processes involved in creating these masterpieces, including the shared chemical receipts that were used to develop and print.

 The art of fine art black and white photos is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations of photographers. Corey was able to hone her craft and develop skills as a photographer. She learned about exposure, contrast, and tonality, she also gained insight into the artistic vision required to create truly exceptional pieces. Thanks to Max Yavno's mentorship, Corey gained invaluable experience in this technique. She learned how to masterfully manipulate chemicals to produce stunning black and white prints that are still displayed in museums across the world today.