EMPOWERMENT ISSUE

43

ALT

HAUS September 2016

@theartoflettersco

#001

EMPOWERMENT

View our submission guidelines and purchase our print issues at: www.althausonline.com Submissions for our November issue due

by October 25th

Photography: Daniela Brown

Contributors Editor

Daniela Brown

Photographers Cami Rose Dakota Burns Daniela Brown Stephanie Diaz

Writers

Daisy Hall Cami Rose Daniela Brown Stephanie Diaz

Illustrators

Katy Seymour Sharaya LaFortune

Photography: Dakota Burns Model: Sierra Anne Thornton

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Contents WE ARE ALT HAUS Featured Looks pg. 08

Powerful Looks: WITCH HOUSE Interview | Daniela Brown pg. 10 When Fear Keeps You Home Article | Daisy Hall pg. 16

4am Portraits

Illustration | Sharaya Lafortune pg. 20

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Covered Not Confined

Interivew | Daniela Brown pg. 24

KATHARSIS

Tutorial | Stephanie Diaz pg. 30

Behind The Lens: Dakota Burns Interview | Daniela Brown pg. 34

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Ruminating | Recreating Poetry | Cami Rose pg. 40

Bearded Beauty

Illustration | Katy Seymour pg. 44 @althausonline @althausonline

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@althausonline

LISTEN WHILE YOU LOOK We Were In Love // Ta-ku Feels // Giraffage Massage Situation // Flying Lotus Just a Memory // Dirty Ant Club FUSE // Hudson Mohawke Wildcat // Ratatat Balkan Express // Gramatik Crystals // M.O.O.N. www.soundcloud.com/alt-haus/sets/empowerment

FOLLOW OUR CONTRIBUTORS Daniela Brown: Cami Rose:

@daniela_brown

@theartoflettersco

Dakota Burns:

Stephanie Diaz: Daisy Hall:

@dakotaburnz

@cryptofkatharsis

@yesiamdaisy

Katy Seymour:

Sharaya LaFortune:

@diznimau

@s.thefortunate

Sierra Anne Thornton: Lauren Gray:

@littlefox__

@voguinginvintage

Photography: Dakota Burns Model: Lauren Gray

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the first issue of ALT HAUS, We would like to create a home for those whose sense of style is not confined to current trends. We celebrate your personal fashion sense as it cannot be replicated, and your individuality and diversity deserves to be celebrated. I decided early on that the first issue of ALT HAUS should focus on EMPOWERMENT. Finding that courage to be unapologetically yourself is something that can be absolutely terrifying, but ultimately liberating. One of the best examples of someone who stays true to themselves is Brenna Hanisee, my best friend.

Growing up together she gave me the courage to dress differently, and be unashamed of who I am. She helped cultivate that feeling of empowerment within myself that I so desperately craved. She was my main inspiration behind ALT HAUS, especially this first issue. We want to celebrate the array of styles within the alternative community, while simultaneously providing inspiration to try new things. I strongly encourage you to listen to our accompanying playlist. It is a good representation of the feelings we are looking to portray through this issue. Thank you to our contributing artists, I am so proud to di play your work to the world. ALT HAUS desires to provide the same feeling of empowerment and individuality that Brenna inspired in me.

Daniela Brown, Editor in Chief

Photography: Daniela Brown

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Featured looks from our readers

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ARE

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ALT

HAUS

Tag your photos #WeAreALTHAUS on Instagram to be featured

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Powerful Looks: WITCH HOUSE Exclusive Interview with Jah-Howell-El

Jah Howell-El is the mastermind and designer behind WITCH HOUSE, a line of handmade body harnesses that are an intricate balance between sensual and sophisticated. WITCH HOUSE seeks to break down the barriers between gender and sexuality, and instead focuses on the beauty of the human body. Each harness is tailormade to the subject’s body, to best compliment their features and complex bone structure. Jah stepped into my life in August of 2015. Throughout the following year, she started an array of artistic ventures, and truly showed me what it meant to be a creative. She continually pushes herself in a new direction, and never settles for ordinary. She is undoubtedly one of my favorite subjects to photograph, and skilled in styling unique and daring looks. As she works on new and upcoming designs, she gave us a brief look into the inspiration behind her most recent line...

Daniela: What started your initial interest in fashion?

Jah: I grew up in Louisiana. We had to wear uniforms grades K-12. After wearing uniforms for so long I just really wanted to be able to express myself through my clothing. I started by matching my socks hair bows and purses all while still wearing my lame-ass uniform.

Daniela: How would you describe your brand?

Jah: Sexy, classy, and seductive.

Daniela: What is your vision behind your designs?

Jah: I want to create designs that both men and women can wear, and feel an equal amount of power while wearing them.

Daniela: Where did you learn to design fashion?

Jah: I am self taught. I sometimes take my clothes apart just to learn new techniques.

Daniela: If you could style three people, who would they be?

Jah: Grace Jones, Lady Gaga, and Prince.

Daniela: What inspired you to start your own brand?

Jah: Being in a relationship with someone that inspired me to have more interest in life. My spouse has really educated me and continues to educate me.

We would watch fashion documentaries like almost every night when we first met which really inspired me as well.

“Wearing uniforms for several years has influenced my style heavily. I’ll never let anyone tell me what to wear again.”

“Stay true to Daniela: What are your favorite items that you’ve designed so far and why?

Jah: My back harness and full body harness Daniela: How has your background influenced your designs & personal style?

Jah: Wearing uniforms for several years has influenced my style heavily. I’ll never let anyone tell me what to wear again.

Daniela: Who is your biggest style inspiration?

Jah: Grace Jones is so fierce and fearless when it comes to her fashion. She’s just a beautiful person and everything looks awesome on her. Her features are very strong just like mine and she’s definitely helped with my confidence.

Daniela: How do you stay inspired and creative?

Jah: I take trips to Home Depot and I research machinery.

Daniela: What advice would you give to people who are interested in alternative fashion?

Jah: Stay true to your creativity.

your creativity.”

Daniela: What other interests do you have aside from designing?

Jah: Creative direction!

I love creating things. I’m currently working with an artist named Bradlea-Roi, she literally makes me think outside of the box. Which I enjoy doing because I hate these boxes society puts us in.

Daniela: What do you hope to achieve with your designs?

Jah: I would love to design for celebrities.

Daniela: Why did you decide to design harnesses?

Jah: Because they’re dope AF! I honestly just love how they go with the flow of bodies.

Daniela: What is next for your brand?

Jah: Surprises.

Styling & Modeling by Jah Howell-El Photography and Interview by Daniela Brown

Find more of WITCH HOUSE on Instagram @_witchhouse

Find more of Daniela’s work on her website & Instagram: www.daniela-brown.com @daniela_brown

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When Fear Keeps You Home Travel Guide by Daisy Hall

I always knew I wanted to travel. At the age of 9, my family and I uprooted ourselves from Greenville, North Carolina and moved to the United Arab Emirates, and we stayed there for two years. After that I was always scheming.

I planned fantasy transcontinental road trips. I made lofty goals to learn about 15 different languages. I read books and looked at pictures, and dreamed of seeing those unfamiliar places with my own eyes. Even if I didn’t know how I would get there, I always knew I’d go.

Yet, I still put it off. I saved what would be more than enough money to spend two months in Europe, and I kept waiting. I would think to myself, “there’s too much going on this month, I’ll start planning next month.” Or, “I missed this deadline, I’ll have to wait for the next one.” Every time I did this, I grew more frustrated with myself. I had no rational reason to not go. But I was doing this dream trip alone, and I was scared.

I’m an introvert. I’ve never had a problem being alone. I’m content never leaving my house for days in a row. But my travel choices were so unfamiliar to me—Russia, Paris, Wales. I would have to take a lot of unfamiliar modes of transportation, and be surrounded by unfamiliar languages. It was terrifying to even think about it. I hadn’t conquered those fears even after I bought my plane ticket.

I spent a month in a medium-sized town in Russia, taking Russian language classes at a local school. I knew almost nothing when I arrived, but thankfully I had classmates that were much farther along in their studies than I was. We went out to eat, visited bookstores, and went to the movies almost every day.

I still almost never had to be alone.

Of course, that didn’t last. One by one, I had to say goodbye to those classmates, until finally it was down to two of us in Saint Petersburg. We parted ways after spending the day traversing Nevsky Prospekt, and I went back to my hostel and cried. The next day I would have to find my way to the airport on my own, and then I would be in Paris, which seemed huge and intimidating. I was terrified.

But, the next morning, I got up early and rode a bus down to the Hermitage Museum. I spent hours there. At first I fought crowds to get a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s works or a collection of Rembrandts.

Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, Paris

But then, I just wandered. I spent as long as I wanted to staring at paintings and studying marble sculptures. It struck me suddenly how nice it was to not have to worry about anyone but myself.

In Paris, I was terrified to exit the airport, to leave the safety of wifi in order to find my hostel. I had never had to navigate a metro system on my own before. But once I figured it out, I had an amazing time.

Karelia, Russia

I didn’t have to wait on anyone to be ready, or worry about someone else’s comfort or appetite. Instead of crying in my hostel because I was afraid, I found myself crying inside cathedrals out of sheer awe.

I never completely lost that fear. I was in unfamiliar environments, I was alone, and I was traveling as a woman, which added a unique dimension to what was already pretty scary. I felt uncomfortable sometimes. I had a few mishaps along the way. None of it was enough to make me wish I hadn’t gone. I learned a lot, I grew as a person, and I’ll be better prepared for the next scary trip I go on.

Here’s what I would tell someone else who’s preparing for their own first solo travel experience:

1. Practice being alone before you go

If you aren’t comfortable doing things by yourself in a familiar environment, you might have a hard time when you’re away from home. But, don’t worry—it’s something you can practice. Go out to eat by yourself, see movies on your own, go to nearby parks or museums or events without coordinating with your friends beforehand. Learn to use public transportation in your city if you haven’t already. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Just because you travel by yourself doesn’t mean you’ll be completely isolated the entire time. Hopefully you’ll meet people and make new friends. But you can’t expect constant companionship. You don’t want to miss out on great experiences because you had no one to go with you, and you don’t want to feel constantly miserable because you’re uncomfortable being by yourself.

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2. Be prepared for transitions

You’ll feel a lot better if you know exactly what you’re supposed to be doing at each new stage in your journey. Make sure you have the money you need (in the correct currencies!), have proof of your reservations, bring an extra battery for your phone. Don’t assume you’ll always have wifi. The more experience you have with travel, the more comfortable you’ll feel about winging it, but for your first few trips, be kind to yourself. Make the process as easy on your future self as you can.

3. Allow for Inspiration

Once you know where you’re going and how you’re getting there, don’t feel like you need to plan out every hour of every day. By over-planning you’ll just stress yourself out, and if even a small thing goes wrong, it’ll derail all the hard work you did. You’re by yourself—you can be flexible!

I took full advantage of this in Paris. One day, I passed up going inside the Notre Dame cathedral because the line was to long. Instead I went inside a small art museum I’d never heard of before. I found a painting I loved so much I sat in front of it for 20 minutes, just taking in all the details. The next morning I went by the Notre Dame again, and there was no line at all. Take advantage of the fact that you can follow your own bursts of inspiration. You might find yourself somewhere you never dreamed of.

4. Don’t be ashamed to start small

Travel isn’t a contest. It’s not just a method to get the best pictures to post online. Travel still counts, even if you aren’t going to western Europe or the Bahamas. If going somewhere far away is unthinkable right now, try something smaller. Spend a weekend in the next state or country over, or take a day trip in another city. You’re still exploring the world around you and learning about yourself and others. It’s still worth doing, and it can help you build the confidence to go to more far-reaching places.

Fear is a natural reaction to unfamiliar situations and environments, and traveling goes hand in hand with unfamiliarity. Even if you do all the preparation in the world, you still won’t feel completely without fear. But, that doesn’t have to stop you. Don’t put off what’s important to you just because you’re afraid. Prepare as much as you can, and then go, even if you’re still scared. You’ll be glad you did. @yesiamdaisy

Photography by Daisy Hall

Find more of Daisy’s work on her website: www.daisymhall.com

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4 AM PORTRAITS

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SHARAYA LAFORTUNE

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@s.thefortunate

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Covered, Not Confined: The Beauty Beneath the Veil

It was shortly after my 20th birthday when I decided to join my family in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Traveling and exploring other cultures is a great passion of mine, and I excitedly shared the news with my friends. They were taken aback, asking me “You know it’s a Muslim country, right?” I had little knowledge of the culture, and had heard that Islam is a religion of peace; however, I cannot remember a time it was ever portrayed as such through western media. I must admit, I was uneasy about moving to the Middle East, as I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasently surprised, and after spending some time here, I can honestly say that I have never felt more welcome in a country that is not my own. The Muslim men and women have extended an incredible amount of hospitality and grace. They’ve patiently answered all kinds of questions I have about their lifestyle and beliefs, and my experience here has been both humbling and eye-opening. Coming from a background of fashion and portait photography, the intricacy and beauty of the abayas and hijabs here immeadiately caught my eye. I was very curious and decided to try and understand how they felt about their dress and culture. I posted on social media, asking for volunteers to be photographed and interviewed. After photographing these women and speaking with them about why they cover, I realized that many of them feel liberated and empowered. Women all throughout the world express themselves through their personal style, and Muslim women are no different. The prevailing western belief is that Muslim women are covered because they are oppressed; what most don’t see is the beauty beneath the veil. This has been a very rewarding project, and an overwhelming number of women came forward to tell their story. I want to respect their time and candor and will be sharing more responses and photographs in future issues. I would like to thank them all for taking the time to be a part of this project, and I am proud to call these women my friends.

Many are not familiar with the traditional Islamic dress, I asked Yashmeela, a Branch Manager of a Malaysian Construction Company, to explain the differences...“The word hijab describes the act of covering up generally but is often used to describe the headscarves or shawl worn by Muslim women.

The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf.

The burqa is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It is a one-piece veil that covers the face and body, often leaving just a mesh screen to see through.

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The abaya is a simple, loose over garment, essentially a robe like dress. Has been modernized with colors and design which is suits with new era.”

As I was compiling questions, I spoke with some of my friends in the US, asking them if there were any questions they had for Muslim women. Many of them asked if covering is a requirement or an option. Yashmeela had an interesting take on the subject: “A simple thought, why a nun can be covered from head to toe and she’s respected for dedicating herself to God, but when a Muslim woman covers, she’s viewed as ‘oppressed?’ Sounds contradicting. The key to understanding Islam and Muslims is to resist stereotypes and examine each situation according to Islamic teachings, and NOT some Muslims’ actions.

There is nothing in hijab that restricts a Muslim woman’s freedom to express her views and opinion, to own property, to have an education and a career. It is all about an act of honor and dignity, an empowerment, and a guarantee that a woman will be judged according to her inner spiritual beauty rather than her outer superficial appearance. No doubt, there are Muslim women not given their rights, but it is not the fault of Islam. It happens when the culture and tradition are shadowing the teachings of Islam, either through ignorance or unhealthy cultural practices.”

Mashal, a journalist in Dubai, gave us an look into her story regarding her hijab: “My covering started off as a requirement, as my family background is extremely conservative. However, over time through trial and error, along with experience and maturity, it has become a part of me, a very important aspect of my identity. It was when I realised I had a choice when I felt most empowered.

When I realised that I wanted to cover myself. I felt like I had taken a step in the right direction with regards to the teachings of Islam. That I was following my religion wholeheartedly, rather than simply abiding by familial pressures. There is great empowerment in being able to make your own decisions, to be able to choose how you want to appear in front of the world.”

I often find that the way I dress gives me a sense of empowerment, I spoke with Farah, a Makeup Artist from Sharjah, to see if she experienced the same through her Abaya.

“Of course I feel empowered and confident. I would like to share a verse from the Quran, Surah 33, Al Ahzab, verse 59 ‘O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better as they shall be known (as free respectable women) and will not be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.’

“It is all about an act of honor and dignity, an empowerment, and a guarantee that a woman will be judged according to her inner spiritual beauty rather than her outer superficial appearance.�

-Yashmeela

“A Muslim woman is not oppressed, but she is liberated...She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality�

-Farah

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Hijab says who we are. You can identify as a Muslim woman. Let’s suppose I walk into a room where people are talking bad about others or telling dirty jokes.

As soon as I walk in they stop, because they know that I cannot tolerate it. They know that I am a religious woman, I know my values. It is also a warning that you cannot mess with a Muslim woman, and you take this her seriously. I am much more respected, I feel confident and empowered. That’s my Islamic attitude.”

I explained to Parisa, a counselor in Abu Dhabi, that throughout western culture, many people consider covering to be synonymous with oppression.

I often wondered where this misconception came from, she explained the following: “This is not only a misconception, but also wrong understanding of Islam.

The reasons could be many. One reason is that people who hold this wrong conception have no knowledge or very little knowledge of Islam. Other reason could be that we as Muslims have failed on our part to portray our religion properly in front of the world. Another reason could be that some unidentified elements, having vested interests, are always on a spree to spread false propaganda about such aspects of Islam, knowing very well that the masses do not have proper knowledge about this matter, and they exploit it to their benefit.”

Farah gave her opinion on the matter as well: “When we see frequent pictures of the Virgin Mary, she is covering her hair out of modesty. Therefore, Muslim women are doing the exact same thing as righteous Christian women. I am a very proud Muslimah and hijab is not enforced on me. It’s my choice. Sometimes, people see covered Muslim women and they think oppression. This is wrong. A Muslim woman is not oppressed, but she is liberated. This is because she is no longer valued for something material, like her good looks or the shape of her body. She compels others to judge her for her intelligence, kindness, honesty and personality” Speaking with each of these women has been an incredible experience.

They are all so passionate about their beliefs, and what it means for them to cover. I will continue to fight for these women, and continue spreading the truth.

Hijab is not oppressive, it is a choice. Hijab is beauty, grace, liberation and empowerment. I cannot wait to lift the veil on these women, and share their inner beauty with the world. Just because they are covered, it does not mean they are confined.

Photography and article by Daniela Brown @daniela_brown

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KATHARSIS

Tutorial & Hair Care Guide by Stephanie Diaz I am Stephanie Diaz, a simple misfit who loves makeup and hair dye. Usually, I’m seen in my traditional goth style, but I do enjoy a good grunge, bohemian, or cosplay look. Nothing makes me happier than helping others express who they truly are! I was recently listening to the song Katarsis by She Passed Away, and I looked deeper into the meaning of the word. Katharsis literally means the purification of one’s emotions, especially the bad ones! Through KATHARSIS, I hope to spread the pure beauty of the weird, happy, and creepy! Today I will show you how to recreate a look called Stella, inspired by the purity of the galaxy. I used the following products, however it is possible to recreate this look with dupes or similar shades!

Kat von D’s Innerstellar Palette ($56) • NYX The Curved Liner ($11) L’Oreal Paris Infallible 16HR Never-Fail Eyeliner in Carbon Black ($7) NARS Larger than Life Volumizing Mascara ($26) • Good Vibes by Sephora ($10) Tombstone by Pretty Zombie Cosmetics ($12)

CREATING STELLA

1. Apply Gravitron, an iridescent pink/lilac shadow, to your eyelid and brow bone using your index finger or sponge tipped brush.

2. Starting from the outer corner of your eye, apply Vast, a medium taupe grey/brown frosted shadow, with a flat shadow brush all up in the that crease as well! This shade looks dark, but is very light on the skin! Apply several times for a darker look.

3. On the eyelid, apply Lycan, a matte white shadow, using a shadow brush. At this point, the shades should start looking lilac.

4. Now apply 3am, a warm taupe/brown metallic shadow, to the outer corner of your eye using a flat shadow brush. With that same brush begin to fill in your water line.

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5. With a shadow brush, apply Dios, a dark grey/blue shimmery shadow, to outer teardrop area, towards your brow bone, and under your waterline. This will create a glitter cascade that will makeyour eyes pop!

6. Do your preferred cat eye and fill in your water line using a black pencil liner and connect to the cat eye! Use a smudge brush to get a cleaner look.

7. With an angled brush, apply Good Vibes by Sephora, a dark purple shimmery shadow, under water line to cat line.

8. Apply mascara and onward to lips!

For my lips, I used Tombstone by Pretty Zombie Cosmetics. They are a cruelty free, vegan brand based in the US, and one of my personal favorite lip brands! It’s inexpensive and it lasts all night, which is essential. If you don’t have Tombstone, you can use another dark grey lipstick to substitute!

9. Take an old toothbrush and exfoliate those lips! This will enable your lipstick to look sharp and fierce!

10. Apply Tombstone around lips using the provided lip brush. If you happen to mess up during application, no worries! Tombstone is easily removed with a wet towel without leaving any smudges behind!

FINAL LOOKS

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Living with Technicolor I absolutely LOVE to dye my hair, I started when I turned 14 and although I looked fabulous because of it, my hair was dead inside! However, after practically going through all the shades of the light spectrum, I’ve come across several remedies for damaged hair. One of the potions that has really restored the life to my hair is the Regis Designline MEND THE ENDS End Sealer ($23). As mentioned before, my hair was fried from all the harsh bleach stripping its color. This has left the length of my hair incapable of retaining moisture AND color, which sucks because I look like Mufasa on good day. With the end sealer, my hair has gone from Mufasa to soft beachy (Barbie gone goth) waves!

How to apply the Regis Designline MEND THE ENDS End Sealer: 1. Applying this product on wet hair seems to have the best effect. Make sure you shampoo and condition thoroughly before applying the product.

2. Part your hair like you are about to do Wednesday Addams’s braids.

3. Take a quarter size amount of the sealer (two pumps is enough) for each side.

4. Go caveman style, and apply the sealer to the length of your hair by rubbing your hair in between your hands.

5. Do this three times a week and you’ll have Goth Barbie waves in no time!

To view a full product list, and high resolution photos of this tutorial, visit us online! www.althausonline.com

@cryptofkatharsis

BEHIND THE LENS: DAKOTA BURNS The Back Project

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Dakota Burns is a skilled portrait photographer based out of Madison, WV. He mixes the old and new, with his use of traditional film and digital photography. Through his delicate use of light and shadows, he creates intimate portraits with an air of vulnerability. His recent photographic endeavor, The Back Project, best shows his ability to step into the innermost lives of his subjects, and highlight the beauty within them. I’ve had the immense pleasure of speaking with Dakota about the inspiration behind his project, and his history as a photographer in the US...

Daniela: What inspired this project? What is the story behind it?

Dakota: My history. Backs aren’t normally something people focus on themselves unless they have medical issues (like myself), or are into fitness. This project will show the diversity of people through a part of the body that is the center of a functioning body. I have scoliosis. I have dealt with this all my life and it is something that has been very hard on me over the years—not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. I used to envy anyone with what I considered a “perfect back”. A perfect back doesn’t exist though. I use to think that backs were cookie cutter and I was just the odd one out. This project will showcase the diverse world of humans in a different matter, such as: skin, scars, muscles, stretch marks, tattoos, and so much more. This isn’t just about scoliosis. This is about diversity. This about a part of us physically, that we don’t generally focus on that leads to something much deeper than appearance.

Daniela: What kind of impact are you hoping to have with these images?

Dakota: I want people to see the beauty in diversity. Not everyone is the same. I want evoke as many emotions as I possibly can. I want people to think and see beyond just the physical.

Daniela: How do you find & select your participants?

Dakota: Regarding my art in general – from various places. Whether it’s from my gym, through Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, etc..If I find someone that sparks an interesting look, I will ask them if they would be interested in participating. The Back Project on one hand, I actually asked for volunteers, because it was a little more intense to deal with.

Daniela: Where would you like to see this project end up?

Dakota: I would love to have a gallery show at some point. I do want to create a book as well.

Daniela: What would you describe your shooting style as?

Dakota: I’ve thought about this for a while. I like to say a cinematic-esque, editorial style.

Daniela: What kind of equipment do you use to photograph?

Dakota: A Nikon D7000, Nikkor 18-140, AF Nikkor 50mm, and a prism. I also have over 30 film cameras. I generally shoot with my Canon AE-1, but will shoot with my Polaroid 600 if I have the film on hand.

“I want people to see the beauty in diversity. Not everyone is the same...I want people to think and see beyond just the physical.�

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Daniela: What initially drew you to photography?

Dakota: When I was about five, my granddad bought me a polaroid camera. I went through so much film that I was hooked. I’ve been shooting for 21+ years.

Daniela: What advice do you give to new photographers?

Dakota: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Trust your vision. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Go for it!

Daniela: Do you think equipment is a critical part of photography?

Dakota: I do, but what may be beneficial for my shooting style, may be unnecessary for someone else. You get to a point that you learn what works best for you as an artist. I don’t boast about equipment. It’s not about the tools you use, but the outcome and experience you gain.

Daniela: How do you stay creative? What inspires you?

Dakota: Life. People are my passion. The harsh contrast between light and shadow. The emotion of everyday life. Uniqueness. People who are themself.

Daniela: What is the most important thing to you when you are photographing?

Dakota: Gaining a balance with the subject. Communication is key to me when working with someone. I want that person to be 100% themselves and comfortable.

Daniela: What is your post processing workflow like?

Dakota: I use Elements. I generally always have Netflix up on the left hand corner of my screen and a caffeine beverage beside of me.

Photography by Dakota Burns Interview by Daniela Brown

You can find more of Dakota’s work on his website: www.dakotaburnsphotography.com Dakota Burns Photography @dakotaburnz

Dakota Burns Photographed by Stephen Hanson

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@theartoflettersco

BEARDED BEAUTY

@diznimau

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KATY SEYMOUR

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ISSUE 002

COMPASSION Submissions open September 7th 2016 October 25th 2016

View our submission guidelines at: www.althausonline.com

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EMPOWERMENT

@theartoflettersco