This is an interview between me and Ian Sharman of Orang Utan ComicsI will be posting interviews with other photographers again; some people were just interested in what I had to say about my own work.
"Ashley's superlative skills with a lens transform even the most mundane and ordinary scenes and objects into works of fine art that are a pure joy to behold. Her exquisite design sense melds with her expert eye for a good picture, to produce work which clearly displays her intrinsic flair for photography and clear potential to grow into a truly great artist..."
1.) What initially drew you to photography?
Well, I’ve always loved photographs… my family has always documented life through photography and at first, that’s all I wanted to do... just take snapshots. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t as in love with it as I am now until I joined DeviantArt where I was inspired by a lot of photographers that I continue to follow to this day.
2.) Has taking self-portraits changed the way you view yourself?
In some ways it has. I do not take self-portraits because I am vain or because I have no one else to shoot; it mostly has to do with the results, and knowing I can achieve exactly what I want because the idea is mine, in my head, and sometimes those ideas are too difficult to convey to anyone else. If anything, it has made me appreciate myself a bit more, given me more self-respect. I know I am not the only one, but sometimes, we are too harsh on our appearances.
3.) Who or what inspires you most?
My favorite photographers, like xxchange, Lara Jade, Nirrimi Hakanson, and Rosie Wadey, were just some of the few who inspired me from the beginning. Besides other photographers’ work, I am also inspired by music and life in general, whether it’s the dappled sunlight shining in my room, the city, or a broken heart.
4.) Is photography just a hobby for you, or do you plan to build it into a career?
That’s how it started off. I’ve mainly been interested in graphic/web design, and that is what I am pursuing when I go to college next year, however, I do think I could have a future in photography, even if it’s only a side job.
5.) What equipment do you use?
I use a DSLR camera – a Canon Rebel XSi with its standard lens (for now) and I prefer natural lighting, although I do use a white sheet and construction lighting for indoor shoots. For post-processing, I use Adobe Photoshop CS2/CS4 and Adobe Lightroom.
6.) How important is post-work in Photoshop to your photography?
It’s very important to me. While a decent camera and a great shot is important to begin with, I always like to achieve a certain mood or feeling with my finished photographs. I really like the vintage touch, so I really strive to emphasize that as my “style.”
7.) What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Be patient and look up tutorials, as well as work by your favorite artists. Typically, you do not just become a success over night. It takes time and persistence. I never thought I’d be doing what I am now – I used to have a 4.1 megapixel Fujifilm camera, but I was determined to do better. If you look at work by artists that inspire you, you can easily learn through tutorials (and trial and error) what you need to do to get a certain look. But most of all, find your own style. It will come naturally, believe me.
8.) Have you learned everything yourself through trial and error or have you had any training?
I am currently taking a semester class in digital photography during my last year of high school, however, I learned most things by myself. I’d like to think I have a little bit of natural creativity.
9.) What do you do when you're not taking pictures?
When I’m not taking pictures, I’m designing. Next year I’ll be majoring in a field that has to do with graphic/web design and interactive media. Besides designing, I also play piano and guitar, write songs, go to school, spend time with family and friends, and daydream about traveling the world.
1 comments:
Your photos are cool!
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