Touched

TOUCHED

Interview #1: *charminglyBohemian

Marissa is a 15 year old from New Jersey.

First off, how and when did you start getting into photography? how: mi padre bought me a shitty camera when we went to europe for the first time back in 05 or 06, and i just started taking pictures. and surprisingly, they came out pretty good, and i got really into it.ever since them, ive been snapping away. :) How do you think you developed your photographic style? uhm, well its changed. at first, i was really really interested in the darker style, more infulenced by people like rosie hardy and such. but, once i got my canon, i'm not sure why, but i became more fascinated by the colors, and began focussing on more everyday shots, more candids, and more bright colors. =) Are there any photographic elements that you must have in your pictures? uhmmm... i really wish i was cool and could say yea, but, honestly, no. not really. i wish... but its dependent upon what i am doing really. i mean, depending on what i am trying to depict and how. so, no, sadly not really. but i do like bright, deep colors. and i will usually push them as far as they will go.

Do you think you have a different personality in your photographs than you do in real life? ooh, i like that question! uhmm sometimes. i mean, i used to. but i think now it reflects me more now. i try and throw a little of me in each shot. and, if you really know me, you can pick that out =) Ive noticed that you have taken quite a few self portraits. How were you able to think of all of those unique ideas behind them? usually, from reading, or music, or, mostly from basically daydreaming and, like, Blind, wondering what it would be like to be blind. and, when i get really interested or passionate in something, i just need to express it either through visual art like sketching, or photography. :) ive always kinda been like that.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while taking pictures? hmmmmm.... im not sure, honestly.... i think one of my favorite memories though would be taking Tristan to Friendlies and about 30 kids from school at around 11pm after a school play. i was taking pictures of everything and everyone, when our mad strict gym teacher comes in. our friend (senior, named mike) grabbed her over and started posing all provocatively with her like he was in some playboy shoot or something.=) If you could go ANYWHERE to take photographs, where would it be? uhmmmm.... well somewhere i havent been, that i would really love to go, is St Petersburg. so maybe there.but, what i think the trick of the photographer is not to take simple pictures of beautiful things, but to take beautiful pictures of simple things. so, really i dont think it matters where you are.

And one of the most basic (and cliché) questions: What do you like most about photography? The least? most: i really like uploading them to see how theyve come out, really. i think its really cool to look back and look at something in a new light. least: that its heavy. cameras are heavy shit.

What is your favorite picture that you have taken? hmmmm i think possibly Blackbird.

This is a question from Leah: Are you one of the Knights Who Say Ni? no. i am one of the nephillian who slay the knights who say ni.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee? who is your biggest inspiration?

To view Marissa's work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/charminglybohemian/

Interview #2: mgm photography.

Graham is a 19 year old from North Carolina.

First off, how and when did you start photography?

Well I got my first camera, A green Polaroid, from my mom back in like 2000. I didn't really think much about photography until I saw some photos in 2007 that really inspired me to give it another go. So I got my D40 the summer of 2007 and took it everywhere. School, work, hanging with friends. I eventually decided that I needed something a little more professional if I planned on doing this as a serious thing so in April 2008 I got my D300.

And I've been taking pictures ever sense! (: Describe your photographic style.

I would say my photographic style that reflects how I feel about the world. I LOVE IT. I think it's the greatest place to live, and it has so much to offer. A lot of times we overlook the little things in life that make for great photos.

How do you think you developed it?

My style is ever changing. At least for now it is. I would love to one day have a technique I consistently use as far as lighting goes. But I would definitely sum up my photos by using the words: simple, realistic, and personal. Most of my photos tell a story, even if it's not one that has a whole lot to it. There are some short stories out there, and there are some novels that take weeks to read. The most important thing to remember is that when you are taking photos for others to see, you need to show them something that will not only interest them, but also inspire them.

Photography is all about inspiration, and I hope one day to be the person who inspires many others to go out and do something remarkable!

How would you define photography?

To me, photography is a way to capture a moment that may or may not have been pleasant. In either case, it should be emotive. Pictures that emote are the ones that we feel a connection to. We all have emotions, whether it be happiness, sadness, jealousy, joy or anything really. Even photos that are of inanimate objects can emote, or make the viewer of the photo feel a connection to what they are looking at.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

My favorite subject would have to be people. Hands down. Not only do I LOVE working with models, I love being able to make them feel good about themselves, by showing them in a flattering way through my photos. I have never taken pictures of anyone that I didn't find completely beautiful, whether it be on the outside or the inside.

Every human being has a story, and I believe that the photos I take of them should give some hint as to what their story is.

I’ve noticed that you have a LOT of pictures of mannequins. Why do you find them so interesting?

Haha well to be honest, mannequins are almost always perfect. They have facial features and a physique that we humans just can't beat. Also, they are ALWAYS willing to pose for pictures no matter what situation they are in, or what they are wearing for that matter. I love photographing mannequins from different angles because that really shows how diverse a photo can be just by changing the position of your camera. That goes for any type of photos you take really. But yea, mannequins are hella cool, and I'd love to purchase a mannequin one day so I can take it out on location and photograph it doing crazy things. But in the mean time, I'm going to stick to real people!

What kind of cameras do you use? Which is your favorite?

I use a Nikon D300 first and foremost. It's my "baby" so to speak. It has taken me quite some time, but I feel like I have mastered the technique of using a camera that operates almost all the way manually. Also, I use a Polaroid SLR 680. My first camera was a Polaroid so I feel a real connection to the dying art of Polaroid photography.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

Usually I do have some general idea of how I want photos to turn out. I wish I had the time/resources to just go to a location and brainstorm but when your working with models and natural lighting you have to keep in mind that both are only yours to work with for a limited amount of time. However I may think I'm going to try and get one particular shot, and through a series of changes it will end up looking COMPLETELY different from what I planned on and I end up loving the impromptu shot even better.

What’s the craziest thing that you have done to get a picture?

The craziest thing I've ever done to get a picture.. Hmm... well to be honest most of my photos were not really taken with much risk to myself at stake. But I have broken into abandoned houses, walked right past "do not cross" signs, and done a lot of jumping to get from one place to another in order to get a shot. But I WOULD like to try some more "dangerous" photos one day. It would be a new experience for me!

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

To be honest, I can't really think of one. Every single picture I've ever taken, even ones that I don't upload to my website or to Flickr, mean something to me. There's not a single picture of mine that I can't tell you a story about. I have always loved my "Ferris Wheel" photo. I took it with my D40 and it always reminds me of when I was just starting out with photography. I find it a lot easier for me to pick favorite pictures taken by other photographers. But If I had to choose one style of my photos I like the most, it would be my shots taken with only natural lighting, using my Nikkor 50mm lens. Those are usually a lot more artsy and a lot more "real" to the way I actually see myself photographing people professionally.

Leah question: Have you ever tap danced?

I've never tap danced but I DID go to a swing-dancing class one time with my friend and it was crazy. All these old women were pwning me at it and I felt like such a dork.

Question from the last interviewee: Who is your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from all over. Personally, my mom is the one person who I feel like I was ever able to learn the most from and she always taught me that if you want to make something happen, then you just have to go for it and give it all you've got. As far as photographers go, I'm a huge Annie Leibovitz fan. Her shot of Jack White and Meg White is my favorite of hers, hands down. She has such a realistic view on what photography should be, and at the same time she has some of the most original ideas ever. Also I like Jill Greenberg's style. (manipulator.com) It's a little more surreal than I'm ready to try and attempt recreating, however she has become an icon and her photos definitely deserve all the recognition they are getting.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could photograph any one person, celebrity, historic figure, personal acquaintance, who would it be?

To view Graham's work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahammorrison/

Interview #3: Hanna Lee`

Hanna is a 12 year old from New Jersey.

How and when did you start photography?

Last year and before that, I basically took photos of flowers and stuff with a point and shoot. I liked it, but was never insane about it. Then, for Christmas, my parents bought my a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, and I didn't want it -- that is, until New Year's Eve when I was looking at things on Flickr and found photos that teenagers took (self portraits). I thought they were neat-o, so I just kinda figured it out from there.

How do you think you developed your photographic style?

A lot of Flickr streams inspired me to change my style. If I see a photo with really awesome post processing, I let that melt into my post processing skills. Eventually, I've ended up with a kinda dark and creepy style. It's definitely not completely finished developing, though.

Where is the craziest place you have gone to take pictures?

Yesterday, I went to this place with huge boulders and a big waterfall with a river running under the rocks. It was super scary and dangerous, but none of the photos came out very well. It was too sunny for me. I also went to a mall once, and a police man stopped me and told me I wasn't allowed to take photos there. Fail. And I've trespassed on people's lawns multiple times. Haha. Oh, the joy of being crazy.

Do you have a certain time of the day that you like to shoot at?

Not particularly. The sunset isn't very pretty where I live unless there's just the right amount of clouds, and the sunrise is too bright in the summer (in the winter it's pretty). But I do prefer to shoot during cloudy weather, or when the sun isn't too strong. I don't like blinding sunlight, it drives me insane when I'm processing my photos.

It doesn't work too well for my style, either. My family and friends are disturbed by my "YAY!"-ing whenever a cloud covers the sun, haha.

Leah question: Have you ever poked a pig? Why or why not?

Yes, I have poked a pig before. It was the frigid winter of eighty-four, and I was caught in a blizzard. The wind was whipping snow every which way, dizzying me while the three-foot-deep snow melted through my boots and chapped my ankles. Suddenly, my foot bumped against something sturdy and hard, and I dug into the snow to find a chimney. Now, being the curious person I was, I kicked away the mounds of accumulated snow around the opening of the chimney. Recalling my work with Saint Nick, I braced myself and jumped down the chimney headfirst. When I hit the bottom, I was relived to realize that there was no fire ablaze in the fireplace. I crawled out onto the hearth and removed my shoes, feeling quite at home in the house, furnished with fine antiques.

Then, to my surprise, I saw a large potbellied pig, peachy pink splotched with black, wearing a jester's outfit.

And if that was not enough, he was clutching proudly an rainbow umbrella! And, at that point, I ran over and poked him. At that point, I knew my life was complete.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I knew this question was coming and I dreaded it. My fave photograph changed from day to day, but I'm exceptionally pleased with http://www.flickr.com/photos/willowhanna/3424627156/ Question from the last interviewee: If you could photograph any one person, celebrity, historic figure, personal acquaintance, who would it be?

If I could, I would probably photograph... I don't know. Someone who's interested in photography and understands when I say DON'T MOVE! fifty million times. Sarah, you would understand!!! I would photograph you, haha!

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could shoot with any kind of fantasy creature, what would it be (think unicorn, harpy, dragon, troll, gnome, centaur, etc.)?

To view Hanna's work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanna_lee/

Interview #4: OUCHcharley

Garrett is a 15 year old from Florida.

How and when did you start photography?

I guess I’ve always been interested in it haha. like when I was 5 my mom took me to a zoo and gave me this super cheap/amazing Tasmanian Devil (off of Looney Toons haha) camera, and I filled it up after 20 minutes. I just recently started taking it more seriously, but it’s always amazed me how one person can make a point better with one picture than someone can with 1209034 words.

Describe your photographic style.

Ooh, that’s so hard because I feel its ever-changing. I used to only shoot nature. I live in this huge yard filled with jungle stuff, and in my front yard is a river. I've always been inspired by that stuff. But I guess recently, my photographic style is less is more. I’ve become very simplistic and minimalistic, more so depending on my lack of props and resources than my personal flare. What do you think?

Okay, I’ve been wondering for a while: how did you come up with your Flickr name [OUCHcharley]?

It’s a think for me to say that in a very odd situation. Very randomly, just shout OUCHcharley!!! Haha. In the voice used in the video of course. All high pitched and British-like. I was getting more popular on Flickr and I was like do I really want my Flickr name to be Garrett Nickell Photography/ boring? NO. So I was like, what would attract attention/make them laugh? OUCHcharley :) If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Oh sheet, definitely Venice, Italy. I love to read, I always have. And one of my favorite books in the whole world is The Thief Lord, by Cornelia Funke. It’s this magical story about a bunch of runaway orphans in Venice. The way it was described was magical, musical, and perfect. Ever since I read that book it’s been my dream to work there/live there/take pictures there.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I definitely think there are. For one, I think the term 'Photographer' is way overused. It’s become so common nowadays for someone to take a picture of a flower and be like OHEMGEE I IS A FOTOGROPHER! Haha, more like a fauxtographer. But there are still stereotypes. Like if you're a guy, you're automatically gay. There’s no and/if/but's. You’re a homosexual. And for some reason, people think we're stuck up. They see a nice camera and they're like what a bitch! Haha :] Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Originality. I think at some point, a picture can get retaken too many times. There's only so many angles you can get of a dandelion with a sun in the background haha. It’s important to add your own flare to it. There are some people, that I can see their pictures without any reference to their name and ill be like "that was taken by (insertnamehere)". I hope that when someone sees my picture they think that. I just think everyone should have their own style.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while taking pictures? hmm. It’s probably when i was taking pictures of my friend Emily. She was pushing a girl on the swing, and the little girl jumped off and hit me in the head/camera. For one it hurt like a bitch (having the full body of the camera slam into my head, along with the body of a small child), and two i got in trouble because i "pushed her off the swing into the ground and hit her with my camera" What is your favorite subject to shoot?

It’s a tossup between anything in my back yard or people. Actually it’s probably people in my backyard. I love making someone feel good about them self once they see the picture, and the way I can make them look just by different angles or if they're facing the sun or not. And like i said before my backyards big, and around 5:306:30 the lighting back there is amazing, so pictures usually have this odd tint to it that i find really cool.

Leah’s question: If you saw a free pair of orange sunglasses would you take them?

HELL YES. Why the fook wouldn’t I?

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? its either http://www.flickr.com/photos/g-ratphotos/3328593629/ or http://www.flickr.com/photos/gratphotos/3320139473. They both I think show my style/friends. I just love them both, and I’m extremely happy with how they came out Okay, so here’s the question from the last interviewee: If you could shoot with any kind of fantasy creature, what would it be (think unicorn, harpy, dragon, troll, gnome, centaur, etc.)? wow. I would say an ogre. Because it would make me look really cute compared to its ugliness, and I take that opportunity every chance I get hahaha What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

How has photography affected your life? (Has it made you happier, made you cooler, made you feel better about your appearance, etc.)

To view Garrett’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/g-ratphotos/

Interview #5: kaitlyn ferris

Kaitlyn is a 17 year old from New York

First (and most cliché) question: How and when did you get into photography?

I was into art since I can remember because my dad was a very good artist, in about 8th grade (currently I'm in 11th) I got my first point & shoot digital camera, and basically it progressed from there. In 10th grade I took a step backwards and learned all about film and developing my own negatives/prints in the dark room, but digital will always be my favorite :) How did you develop your photographic style?

I always had weird perspectives of things, but it wasn't until recently I started to enjoy shooting people. I think the main turn in my work was when an art teacher that was very close to me passed away; he was a computer graphics teacher. It definitely made me think outside of the box more as a way to express myself through my pictures. I've decided to use my artwork as a way to turn my imagination into a 4x6 or a 8x10. It's allowing me to express myself more than I probably could with words What’s the craziest thing that you have done to get a picture?

I feel like I've done something that would be a better answer, but I can't seem to think of it haha. I think most of my set ups for my photo shoots, and during the process make me look absolutely insane. One of my good friends found a ladder to the top of this building that overlooks the entire town I live in, were going there this weekend. I guess that's not like, super crazy status- but I'm excited.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

I can sit here and think of thousands of weird crazy ideas, but usually they come out differently. When I get to the place I am going to shoot, and have the model in front of me generally it takes a few shots when I’m checking my exposure and start getting ideas from there. When I see my thoughts visually put out on my LCD screen that’s when I really start floating into this crazy sea of weird ideas Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph? in my artwork I always try to leave some sort of questioning in each photograph (mainly if it’s with portraits of people) I don't want you too completely understand it, and it shouldn't make sense. I want you to make others think outside of the box. I think all photographs should make you feel something.

Leah question: What is your favorite word? basically anything stupid that makes no sense I’ll be amused by and repeat constantly haha What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? that's so hard! I'd have to look at them all in front of me. My most recent photograph that I love is this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ferrisphotographs/3435744483/). It's with my best friend Joey, I am so happy with the result. I also am really attached to this photograph, here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ferrisphotographs/3208183826/), because it holds a lot of meaning. I shot it when my dad was in the hospital, and titled it "tugging at my insides."

Question by last interviewee: How has photography affected your life? (Has it made you happier, made you cooler, made you feel better about your appearance, etc.) it's helped me expand my imagination to so many different levels. Basically it's created this never ending cycle of ideas floating out of my head :) What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee? who is someone who truly inspires you?

To view Kaitlyn’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56462428@N00/

Interview #6: zack{attack}

Zack is a 15 year old from Oregon.

Okay, first and most cliché question: How and when did you get into photography?

I got a Polaroid camera when I was about 6, and took around 200 pictures on that around age 6 to 8. Then I got my first point and shoot when I was 11 which inspired me to take more pictures.

How did you develop your photographic style?

When I first started Flickr I just took photos of anything and uploaded a lot of self portraits and was really into doing set ups and experimenting with Photoshop. Since I got my SLR I've been reading books, looking at other people's Flickrs, and taking lots of pictures to get everything how I wanted it to be.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

People, definitely. My friend Kalaija (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oursecretplacee/) and I have so much fun doing shoots, and she's my favorite model. I love to take pictures of animals and nature but I don't like them as much because they can't pose and do the things you ask them to.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while taking pictures?

A: Hm, I've never really had that many weird things happen to me while taking pictures. Probably just the reaction from people, or things they happen to yell while going by. Yesterday when me and my friend took pictures this guy biked by and yelled "Are you gonna be America's next top model!?"

Do you think you have a different personality in your photographs than you do in real life?

Yeah, I think so. Some of my photographs tend to be kind of sad, and some just tend to have messages of their own. In real life I joke around a lot with my friends and am really outgoing.

What do you do in your spare time besides photography?

Hang out with my friends, listen to music, and schoolwork, pretty average stuff. I try to take pictures everyday so I don't fall behind and loose my passion.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I don't really like to classify people as certain stereotypes, but there's definitely a wide variety of photographers on flickr. People have different styles and like to take pictures of different things, also some people tend to edit their pictures a lot with manipulations while some people just prefer keeping their photos unedited.

Leah question: Is attack REALLY your last name? Or is it all just a conspiracy?

Haha, no, it's not. People always call me Zack attack and have been for years. I thought it would be a pretty good name, and I like the way it looks. My last name is Henningsgaard, which is too long and I don't really like it.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Definitely this one, here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zackattackkk/3399993775/). We got really lucky with it being such a nice day out, and the outfit she wore and the background blended together well which makes me really proud of it.

Question from last interviewee: Who is someone who truly inspires you?

I really love Olivia Bee's photography. Her pictures really inspire me, and she started me out with Flickr and was the first person to comment my pictures and everything.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

How and when did you get your first camera, and what was it?

To view Zack’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zackattackkk/

Interview #7: treehugger*

Kait is a 17 year old from Pennsylvania.

How and when did you start photography?

Well, I've always had an interest in it and I used to like to snap lots of pictures on my phone and on my mom's point-and-shoot. I asked for a camera from my grandparent's for my 16th birthday and they got me my first camera - My olympus SP 550UZ, a point-and-shoot. The more I played with it, the more I loved photography.

And now I can't get enough of it.

How did you develop your photographic style?

I think a person's photographic style is ever-changing. I think my style always varies because it all depends on how I feel about what I'm photographing. Sometimes I get in the dark moods, and sometimes I like the feel of happy pictures. It always changes. All that ever really stays the same is that I LOVE conceptual photography, and I love natural light.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

People, people, people! I don't have models handy, so I shoot a lot of myself. Mostly because people are so interesting. Facial expressions, body movement, body angles, skin, wrinkles, freckles. Everyone is so different and it's fun to photograph that! You can capture emotions, movement, anything. People are like play-dough you can mold them into anything you want to depict and snap away!

If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

Ohhh myyy. That's tough. I think I'd want to photograph someone important, you know? Liiiiike . . . Martin Luther King or something. Or someone like Marilyn Monroe because she is such a classic, timeless beauty.

If you could go anywhere in the world for photography, where would it be?

Everywhere! I want to travel so bad! Especially to places like Africa, or China where the culture is SO different.

This sounds crazy - but I really want to be a war photographer over in Iraq or something. Something edgy, and a little bit crazy.

Do you usually have an idea in your head about how you want a picture to turn out?

Usually I do. But that's before I start snapping. Usually when I start taking pictures to achieve the concept I'm looking for I'll end up taking one I like better than what I had in mind. And sometimes that leads to a new concept all together!

Leah question: Is there a specific lighting fixture that you prefer? Why that one?

If she was talking about lamps, then here's my answer =P: We have this natural sun lamp thinger in our house that is really awesome! It's bright and when I sit under it it kind of makes me happier because I feel like I'm in the sun :D What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Hard to choose! I think if I had to pick one it'd be "We’re All The Same on the Inside". Or maybe "If You Want to Save Face, Keep The Lower Half Shut". I love the messages I put across on both of those.

Question from last interviewee: How and when did you get your first camera, and what was it?

For my 16th birthday, I asked my grandparents for a camera. They bought me my first full-size camera. I did research on them before we bought and I loved the Olympus cameras most of all. So I got the Olympus SP 550UZ. What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What kind of photos interest you most on Flickr?

To view Kait’s works, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28464347@N02/

Interview #8: Grace Ann.

Grace Ann is a 17 year old from Florida.

How and when did you first get into photography?

When I was eight years old. My mom used to always buy me disposable cameras.My first photo that I would consider "photography worthy" was taken in Canada in summer of 2000, by my great uncle's summer home. It was a field with a fence and daisy-looking flowers. Then on the way home, while in Jamestown VA, I saw another fence; it was maroon. Surrounding it were flowers of the same color and a house. I took a photo of that and then when the film was developed, I put it in a frame and gave it to my mom. It's still in my house somewhere.

Do you still use film, or do you prefer to use digital cameras?

I adore film. I like photos taken with a film camera more than a digital, usually. There is just something about the coloring, grain and depth that is so wonderful. And film is MUCH more difficult to work with over digital, I think. It's more challenging since you can't just delete photos with the click of a button and take test photos when you're messing with the settings on manual. And yes, I do still use film. Not nearly as much as digital, sadly. I don't really have much money on me right now to buy packs of Polaroid film and rolls of film. And right now the battery on my Nikon film camera is dead and I can't find a new one anywhere!

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Human beings; I get bored when I am just taking photos of objects and nature, usually. Every person contrasts the next person so much and every person shows the same emotions in different ways, and yet, we're all alike, and I think that that is really neat. I get really excited when I am taking photos for a person and they actually act natural and not all phony and pose-like. I think that some people feel like they have to act tacky and fake in front of the camera. My goal when I'm shooting is to get them to act like themselves. The other thing that I really love about photographing people is when someone has a really terrible self-image and you get to show them how beautiful they really are.

If you could photograph ANYONE, past or present, who would it be?

James Dean. I absolutely adore the man. He was such an incredible actor. And, he was also a photographer, which just makes me adore him even more. It freaks my friends out sometimes at how much I know about him.

I am pretty sure that I have seen each of his movies over twenty times (he only made three before he was killed in a car wreck.) Okay, now I'm starting to sound semi creepy.

Do you think your personality shows through your photos?

Yes, I'd say so. It's sometimes kind of hard to tell though because I am a really outgoing and a not shy kind of person, so sometimes I think that my photos make me look like an introvert. But, I think that a lot of them show who I am when I am by myself. I think everyone is a little different and more them when they're alone because it's not like you have to talk or entertain people or anything like that. You just think and are in your own world, running through your own thoughts and feelings.I mean, don't get me wrong, I love being around people and I really dislike being alone for too long. But, I think it's also nice to have alone time and just think. I usually like my photos best when they convey the emotions that I am feeling/and or someone else is feeling.And I am definitely not sure if I even answered the actual question.

So do you think that your mood affects your pictures?

Yes, most of the time. I am getting better, over time, with conveying my moods into my photography.I used to not. I used to always take a lot of happy happy joy joy type pictures that were bright because I like being positive, but then I became more comfortable with letting all of my emotions sink into my work, not just the positive ones.I think it's kind of easy, usually, for people to tell what my mood is by what I post nowadays, or at least I hope. But then again, I don't want my photography to be some self-centered thing where I want people to just focus on me and what I am feeling, I want my photography to help people relate and to feel. Though I do think that photography is a good way to help us get our own feelings out, too.

If you could go anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would that be?

That's a hard question. But I think that Ireland, Netherlands, and Iceland would be lovely places to take pictures.

Do you want to continue with photography as you get older?

Oh yes, definitely. It's what I plan on going to college for. It's more than just a hobby for me. My biggest problem though is figuring out if I want to minor or major in it. But I guess I have over a year to make that decision.

How would you describe your photographic style?

I think that the question can be viewed in so many ways. But, I will try my best to answer it in the way that I see it.I really like my photos to have a vintage sort of look, but I am not quite sure if they actually do. I really want my photography to have emotion and for the people that view it to be able to feel that emotion. So I suppose my style is mainly about being able to make people feel and to show the feelings of the people that I photograph?I want to start taking more unique photos again and more out-of-this-world type photos.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/elgraceann/3413025532/) Leah question: have you named/thought of naming your camera? (If not, please do so now. [Name it Weatherby. Do it!!!])

Yes, I have already named my camera. His name is Darcy. I chose the name a while ago. It fits, I think.

Question from the last interviewee: What kind of photos interest you most on Flickr?

I really like vintage-type photos. Or really, any photo that conveys an emotion. I also really love photos that are taken with film.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you knew that you were going to die in a month, what would be the last photograph that you would want to take?

To view Grace’s work go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elgraceann/

Interview #9: city trucks

Erica is a 16 year old from Florida.

How and when did you get into photography?

I think, like a lot of people, it kind of started when I was just a wee youngin'. I had countless disposables and took pictures of anything and everything. Then growing up, my family traveled a lot. so when we went to all of these different places sometimes my mom would let me hold the digital camera, and I would get so excited and happy, I’d take like a bajillion pictures :D and at some point a hobby became love, and here I am!

How would you describe your photographic style?

I don't know if I can answer this question completely quite yet because I don't believe I have developed a set style. Right now, I’m just kind of taking pictures of how I feel, and feelings I’d hope other could feel too? In a reverse empathetic role kind of thing. Like putting YOU in MY shoes. I’d like for my style to of course reflect my personality. Sometimes I’m really cutesy like a five year old with an LOL mug. And sometimes I’m just in a mood to stay in bed all day. :] Do you think your photographic style has changed since you first started until now? absolutely 100% I think (or like to think) I’ve grown and grown up as a person, and am starting to take taking pictures more seriously. I guess if you look through my photostream, you can find a sort of timeline of emotions that reflect in my photos from when I "first" started this and was broken down to being completely happy today.

Do you think your mood affects your pictures? always. Completely, directly. Okay, maybe not always. But a really good amount of pictures reflect how I’m feeling that day. Of course there are instances when I’ve planned out the concept in my head, and regardless of how I’m doing, it'll try to go according to plan.

So, do you prefer to plan out your shoots before hand or do it mainly accidental? if I don't plan beforehand, it's usually me, or me and someone else, sitting outside in the blaring heat. Or freezing cold. Or indoors in the dark with a tiny little light. Sitting. Sitting. Sitting awkwardly until a plan pops up. So although good shots to come spur of the moment, or candid, it'd be best for me to have a preconceived notion of what the heck I’m doing.

Do you believe there are photographer stereotypes? yes, I do believe so. Because although we know that there are so many different things to photograph, and we're all different people, most people either don't realize it, or just don't care. So basically, in other people's eyes these days, "oh, you take pictures?" is lumped into a category of the typical teen-aged girl with a camera.

What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you while taking pictures? fortunately nothing too crazy, but unfortunately nothing too exciting. I’d have to say I was out in the woods that's NEAR my backyard. So I had to cross into my neighbor's backyard to get there. And mid shoot, I hear high pitched barking. You know, nothing weird or unusual. Until it gets louder louder louder. And before I knew it, a tiny Chihuahua was looking up at me. minutes later, my neighbor comes out, into the woods, picks up her dog, keeping eye contact with me the entire time, turns around, and goes back inside. Not crazy. Just awkward.

So you’re not really one of those people that take risks to take pictures? this is true. I blame the self-conscious sixteen year old that I am. And just my general personality. I’m just not the person to take risks when I know I have a sure thing going for me. Except for if I’m like on a game show or something. And I’m gambling money I could potentially win, there's no sense in NOT taking a risk when I have all the more to gain. But I digress. surely when I grow up more, I’ll have the audacity to put myself out there :] I can't remember if or not, but I think I’ve been putting smiley faces at the end of all of my answers...

Do you think being so young compared to so many people that consider themselves photographers is a disadvantage? yes, and no. yes, because I guess sorta in my case? Though I’m 16 I can't drive (my own fault). so not being

able to drive, disables the ability to go to locations, meet clients, etc. that sentence sounded so much better in my head, but reading it back it's really redundant but I’m not changing it. Also being young, (not it all cases, of course) all the technical things about taking photographs isn't there? Or even known. But being young doesn't have to be a disadvantage. Like, we have this mentality just to do whatever we want, and we do it.

Leah question: Why city trucks? Why not country trucks? cute, Sarah. Cute. :] at first, I was just asdferica, which has been my automatic username for virtually everything. But, what's the fun in that? And I think city trucks is something more memorable. More mysterious I guess haha. I got the actual name, from the band paper route. My favorite song by them of course, city trucks.

Nothing of particular uber significance. Just sad, Christmas themed song.

What’s your favorite picture out of the photos you have taken?

I think this one of myself. And actually this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/citytrucks/2679549397/) that isn't me. :] Question from the last interviewee: If you knew that you were going to die in a month, what would be the last photograph that you would want to take? if I were to die one month from now, so June 2nd? Throughout the month (duh) I’d go everywhere possible, taking pictures of the little and big things in life, and everything possible in between. But my absolute last photograph would have to be a really silly, cheesy, smiley family portrait. My mom, my dad, my brother, my friends that can make it, and my Ryan. Because I could (but more than likely not) probably take some profound, artistic picture that the whole world would remember me by, but at the end of the day, I’m doing this for myself.

What’s a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? how do you define beauty, and what does it mean to you?

To view Erica’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/citytrucks/

Interview #10: yyy. yyy is a girl from who knows where.

How and when did you get into photography?

My mom used to go out once a week to take photos with her "photo friends" when I was 8. When she was home, she took photos of me playing with Lego blocks, taking naps and whatnot. Then on the day of my 5th grade field trip, she bought me a disposable camera. I had tons of fun with that, and since I requested my parents to buy me a new one (which was almost every other week), they ended up getting me an auto 35mm film camera. I guess I developed my interest in photography from there but I have to say it really started when I first got my DSLR, which was August, 2007.

Do you still use film, or do you prefer to use purely digital?

I mainly use digital because I am still new to photography and I make a lot of mistakes. Using digital prevents me from wasting a roll of film due to poor lighting and wrong exposure. Also, I can always see the photo right after I take it and delete it if it does not satisfy me.However I prefer film at times. I enjoy the feeling I get from waiting for my rolls to get developed, since I do not know how the photos are going to turn out to be.

I have actually been told by my dad once that using film develops a better sense for photography because you do have to be more careful with it as to not waste film. Do you think this is true?

I agree with your dad. Using film makes you think more about the subject you are about to shoot because you have to be aware of lighting, aperture, and many other things before you click the shutter.

Do you usually plan out your pictures before you take pictures? Or do you just randomly come up with ideas after you have already picked up your camera?

I tried to plan out some ideas for pictures before I take them. But whenever I tried to do that, the pictures did not come out as I wanted them to be. However most of my picture ideas just randomly pop up in my head. For example, I thought of this picture ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/_yyy/3260570858/ )'s idea while I was brushing my teeth, and this ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/_yyy/2991354747/ ) right before I went to bed the day before.

How would you define photography?

Ooh this is kind of hard. I never thought about it. However I am going to give it a try and say it is the magic of capturing something that you can never take back. Because of photography, one can capture specific moments (s)he wants to keep and remember. I mean, what more can you do with life if you are unable to capture the moments that would have passed unnoticed?

Leah question: Why is it that you have a particular fondness for the end of the alphabet? Or is it just a particular aversion to the beginning of it?

People think I'm madly in love with the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs when they see my name. But nope-when I first joined flickr, perry was taken. So I tried perry. and it was taken as well. I tried perryy, perryyy and they were unavailable. So I just picked the last letter and repeated it three times. Haha ; ) What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

This (http://www.flickr.com/photos/_yyy/2991354747/) Brown and blue are my favorite colors, and I love the way they blend so well with each other in that photo. Plus, it gives me that relaxing feeling whenever I look at it.

Question from last interviewee: how do you define beauty, and what does it mean to you?

I think beauty is a very powerful vehicle for communication. To me, it is a medium to express visions that are beyond the capacity of words.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you were to shoot one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? Would it be b&w, or color?

To view yyy’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/_yyy/

Interview #11: sincerely sarah.

I am a 16 year old from New Hampshire.

How and when did you start photography?

I really don’t know EXACTLY when I started photography; I just remember being little with disposable cameras or my parents’ film camera and loving the ability to take pictures. It wasn’t until the Christmas of ’07 that I really got into photography though, because that was the day I got a camera of my own. And since then, I’ve been off and running.

How did you develop your photographic style?

I’m not even sure I have a photographic style. I definitely like more natural pictures though; I’m not a fan of major editing. Sure, in some cases – like my faceless pictures – I’ll edit them, but other than that I don’t do much.

Do you think you have a different personality in your photographs than you do in real life?

I think I do, really. I like adding a twist to things sometimes. If you knew me – like, REALLY knew me – you would know how random I can be. And I think my photographs definitely portray that. If you look at my photostream on Flickr, each picture is different. There really isn’t any rhyme or reason to it, but that’s the way I like to do things.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

Not necessarily, but I think there are definitely people that think they are photographers when they really are not. Sure, there can be “the people that manipulate pictures” or “the macro shooters,” but in the end, we’re all just photographers, just like the “jocks” and the “emo kids” are all just people.

Leah question: what is your favorite pattern?

Plaid. :D Leah, you know that, haha.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I don’t really have an exact favorite, but there definitely are those pictures that still practically amaze me every time I look at them. This one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nemax3toad/3261360406/; it proves that I am getting more comfortable with myself, which is something everyone should be able to do. But my macro and film pictures always capture my attention, like this macro (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nemax3toad/3463274686/) and this film (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nemax3toad/3463274686/); before this year, I wouldn’t have been able to believe that I could produce pictures like those.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Photography wise? I don’t really have a specific one. I just love looking at EVERYONES work – from Flickr people’s pictures to photos from professional photographers – because it makes me want to be a better photographer myself.

From Garrett: How has photography affected your life?

Honestly, photography has made me so much happier. Like, really. I don’t even really know why it has, but it definitely has. I know that when I’m down or whatever I can turn to my camera to make me feel better, because my camera is always there for me to use. Its nice being able to concentrate on something other than what’s going on inside my head, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

From Erica: How do you define beauty, and what does it mean to you?

Beauty I think is something that everyone can possess. It’s not just being pretty or lovely or good looking. It’s also being nice and kind and sweet, because there isn’t just physical beauty. I think the best kind of beauty is the beauty from inside, the beauty of being a good person, a good friend, a good daughter or son or mother or father. It means a lot to me, but not in an obvious way. I look for beauty in everything, because I know its there.

To view Sarah’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nemax3toad/

Interview #12 grahamblackall

Graham is a teenager from Louisiana.

First question: how and when did you get into photography?

I've really ALWAYS been into photography. I got my first camera pretty young—I think I was 5 and it was a kickass Pikachu camera. But it wasn't until my trip to Europe in May of 2007 that REALLY got me passionate about photography Do you think you have a specific photographic style? no. not at all, my photographic style changes a lot. But what changes even more, is the photographic style that I don't have, that I want.

What element of a picture do you usually notice first? the color. That’s the first thing that catches my eye. I love seeing super bright colors in photographs. Also, I’d have to say the focus. The focus is crucial to photos, IMHO. I think that it could make or break the photograph.

Do you think you’ll continue with photography as you get older? yes definitely. I see myself in 4 years, in college, studying photography or photojournalism. then going on to pursuing a career in fashion photography. that's my ultimate goal.

Do you think your mood effects your pictures? actually, no. if i'm in a bad mood, or if i'm happy, my pictures generally have the same look (which is something I don't like!). i'm usually a very happy person anyways, and i think that is shown throughout the majority of photos in my photostream.

Whats the craziest thing you’ve done to get a picture?

I've done some crazy things just to get a shot. I can't think of the craziest, but I will tell you a few. I have climbed on roofs and almost slipped off (multiple times), i've hung over a pool and had the tip of my lens in the water, i've been outside taking pictures while trees were falling down during Hurricane Gustav and Katrina.

Leah question: Do you like mushrooms? (In general. Not necessarily as food.) no no no no no. i hate mushrooms in general and as a food.

What’s your favorite photograph that you have taken? this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/grahamblackall/3226590061/) Question from the last interviewee: If you were to shoot one subject for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? Would it be b&w, or color? probably my nephew, ziggy. he's the love of my life and i LOVE taking pictures of him and with him. it would definitely be in b&w because I think black and white just shows another side to your pictures.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could go anywhere in the world for one week only, just to take pictures. where would you go?

To view Graham’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13086721@N08/

Interview #13: casimms

Alex is a 15 year old from West Virginia.

How and when did you get into photography?

I had gotten into photography when one day I was looking through some photo website my friend had asked me of to look at. While looking I found a photo by Chrissie White. The link to the photo was of her flickr stream, and I was completely in awe by her photos. She inspired me to take photographs, and the outcome being nice and lovely, like hers. I started photography back in late August of 08. I've been taking photos ever since.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style? How did you develope it?

Haha, I don't think I have a certain style, but people tell me I have one. I guess (if I have a style) I developed it by just continuing to take photographs, and try to improve as much as I can.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Girls. There seems to be a new photo I can find with them, and every girl has something so unique about their features that makes them beautiful in photos, or so I think.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Composition. yup. I think composition is really important in a photo. If I see composition a little off in my photos, it really bugs me, haha.

How would you define photography?

I think photography is putting your feelings into something that you can't quite explain with your own words.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

No. Not at all. Everyone just has their interests of what they like to take. And I'm sure everyone loves to experiment with different types of photography.

Do you think you have a different personality in your photographs than you do in real life?

It depends. Sometimes I take photos (like for one of my sets) that involve awareness, like eating disorders, etc, that really don't involve how I feel. But other times I take photos that really involve how I feel at the time I take the photo.

Leah question: Would you ever join the dark side just because they had cookies? haha, my friend owns a shirt that says that XD ha. But anyway, probably not. If they had candy, then sure. haha What is your favorite photo that you have taken? aw, that's a tough question, because I like each of my photos for different reasons. But, I guess it'd have to be this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/casimms/3386628782/).

Question from the last interviewee: If you could go anywhere in the world for one week only, just to take pictures. where would you go?

Manila, Philippines. That's where my mom is from, and she always talks about it here at home. From what I've heard, it's beautiful, and I'd like to know what it was like for my mom when she was younger, where she lived and all.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What do your parents think of you taking photos?

To view Alex’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30047067@N02/

Interview #14: beth retro

Beth is from England.

How and when did you start photography?

I have admired the beauty of images for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until very recently that I actually became a photographer. In February 2008 I suddenly started taking photos differently. It was as if there had been some change in me and I had a desire to capture the beauty in the world, and portray all the feelings I’d stored up through experience.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style? If so, how did you develop it?

The key driving force in my photography is passion. I seem to have this urgent need to reflect emotions through images. The first time I felt myself drifting towards having a certain style was when I post-processed an image of me and tuned the colour settings to make the picture look slightly aged. It just felt right, and I knew then what the main component of my style would be. However, since then I think my style has changed again. I find it very hard to pin down because it’s something that changes a lot with time. Although I am sure that the main style of my work will probably always be poetic, dreamy and vaguely retrospective in appearance, although not essentially.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

To me, a photograph either works or it doesn’t, and I find it hard to say sometimes why a particular image is so good. There are so many elements to a photograph that need to work together well in order to create the best kind of image. I think the most important element though is composition, which is probably the biggest contributory factor to how an image is perceived.

What element of a picture do you usually notice first?

I think the first thing I notice is the composition, the way the photographer has set up the components of the image. Two other things I’m likely to notice quickly are the colours or tones used, and whether or not there is a subject present. Portraits have always been my preference and when I see a picture with a person in it, I am always drawn to that first.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

I always have an idea of how I’d like my pictures to look. However, they often turn out differently! I often plan one photo shoot or idea and end up with something entirely different. That’s the beauty of it though; I think it works best being random like that. I don’t think art can be pinned down enough to be planned completely.

Although having said that, having a rough idea of what you want to achieve can be very helpful.

Who is your photography inspiration?

I think true inspiration comes from within. I’ve found that my ideas formulate themselves through all the memories I have of films, music, books, and life generally. And inspiration really is everywhere. If ever I’m suck for ideas of what to photograph, it doesn’t take long for me to find something.

If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

So hard to choose! Maybe Marilyn Monroe. Although i’m not sure!

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I think there almost certainly are. Although there shouldn’t be, of any kind.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

It’s incredibly hard to choose favourites but one of them is ‘Are You Going to Scarborough Fair?’

Leah question: so why do YOU think that bands feel the need to repeat the word "la" over and over again at some points?

I'm really not sure, but I think there's something lyrical about the sound of 'la' and perhaps they use it also to fill in gaps between parts of a song? A bit of a beautiful enigma I guess :)

Question from the last interviewee: What do your parents think of you taking photos?

My parents truly love it. They’re really artistically minded people and they respect me for what I do. I’m very fortunate to have parents who understand me so much. They’re more like friends really. My dad loves photography too and having him to go on photo shoots with is such a blessing!

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could take photos anywhere in the world, where would that be?

To view Beth’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamincolour/

Interview #15: sarahishh

Sarah is a 14 year old from Ohio.

Okay, first and most cliche question, how did you get into photography?

Well I've always had a big passion for traditional art, but to be completely honest I'm not the best at it. So one day about two years ago after a very unsuccessful attempt at drawing a picture, I found an art site and began looking through their popular pieces. I came across a photo manipulation and decided to try it because I was so frustrated with the traditional medium. I downloaded gimp and began playing around with different stock pictures making new images. It was a very freeing experience because I had finally found my little place in art and I could now experience the relaxing aspect of art. This went on for about a year and in that time I began taking my own pictures and using them in my manipulations. Soon I was doing more photography work than manipulations and decided I wanted to pursue photography all the time. The next day I went to the sony store bought my little a200 and never looked back.

What do you use to usually produce your images? (camera, equipment, editing program, etc). Do you think it changes the way your photographic style is?

I use a basic entry level camera, the sony a200 with the kit lens. For lighting I use one alien bee studio light with a bounce umbrella, and I edit all my images in photoshop cs3. And as for the style of my work, my setup is everything. As you go back through my stream on flickr from the beginning you can kinda see the progression to my current style. You can see how much the look of my work changed once I got my hands on cs3 and even more dramatically so once I got my strobes.

I’ve noticed you do a lot of self-portraits. Is there a reason why you prefer to photograph yourself rather than other things?

I don't necessarily prefer to take pictures of myself, I just don't have anyone else to take pictures of. I'm kinda shy so it's really hard for me to ask people to pose for me, especially with my crazier ideas. Also I'm doing the 365 project, so I'll be doing a sp every day until august.

Who is your greatest influence, photography or otherwise?

Wow that's so hard to chose just one! I think the one person though that I have admired for the longest time is Joey Lawrence. There is just something about his work that I love, especially his personal work from Africa.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I'm a writer. Almost no one knows that about me except for a few close friends and my parents. Right now I'm working on my first book, and I'm on page 250. It's a great stress reliever to lose yourself in words and storytelling!

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

I really make it a mission to do something crazy or stupid for a photo at least once a week, whether that be shoving myself in a cupboard or jumping off of chairs. But the craziest thing I've ever done for a photo must be that one time during a snowstorm I put on a dress grabbed my camera and took pictures in flip flops in four inches of snow! It was only a 15 minute shoot but it felt like a few hours!

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

Hmmm not really. Sometimes I have ideas in my brain of what I want but usually the picture turns into something completely different. Most of the time though I just kind of take pictures and see where it goes.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

My current favorite would probably be this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahphotography/3593807676/). I think I love it so much because it was the first time I took a picture in a public place and I wasn't embarrassed. The only thing I was focused on was taking the picture and telling the story, my story. I think for so long I was focused on pretty and taking pictures of someone so different from who I was I completely lost myself. I am so ashamed of that period in my work and even after I came back from my little hiatus the images were never of me. They still aren't but this one, it's me. It's entirely me. Now for a picture that isn't a selfie: here

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahphotography/3508237163/). I just love it. Don't know why but it's just one of my favorites of Anna.

Leah question: do you like spoons?

I love spoons. They are seriously the most underused utensils, but they are used for the most delicious things ever, like ice cream and soup.

Question from the last interviewee: If you could take photos anywhere in the world, where would that be?

It's a tie between Paris, and Bangladesh.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you take pictures with one camera for the rest of your life, what camera would that be?

To view Sarah’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27289966@N03/

Interview #16: Laurennicole81

Lauren is a 16 year old from Texas.

How and when did you get into photography?

It was November 2008 and I had been browsing Flickr. I had always loved photography and when I started looking at other people's photostreams and I saw their 365's I figured what better way to start photography. And so I basically impulse started my 365. Haha :) How do you think your style has changed since you began taking pictures?

Well at the beginning of my 365 I just did whatever I felt like and I didn't really have a particular style because it was so random. Then I progressed into this indoor sorta humorous stage, then heavy conceptual manipulations and now it's mostly outdoor golden hour shots. And so I had a hard time pinpointing a certain style but I think my style has developed into this surreal eclecticism. At least that is what a friend called it. :) I have noticed that you’ve done a lot of manipulations and outdoor shots. Is there some reason why you prefer to mainly do a lot of those?

I absolutely adore the outdoors and just nature in general and it's always been a dream to travel the world and photograph my travels so I guess I just like to capture the beauty in even places that aren't so wonderful and gorgeous like Ireland or England, etc. As for the manipulations I love doing them outdoors because there are so many more possibilities I believe. And I like manipulations because you can get across certain points effectively. Though I am trying to try out more styles.

What other styles are you trying out?

Any kind :) I want to develop something truly unique. But I'm leaning towards natural looking.

What are three things you couldnt go a day without?

My camera. Music. Seeing God's work in the world If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Somewhere with an average temperature of 75 year round. Texas is so dang hot!! But really probably somewhere with mountains; I really love mountains. And forests..forests are good. So if anyone knows a place like this let me know :) Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Most definately. Unforunately I live in an established neighborhood and my house is rather new so I shoot outdoors and the only really good outdoor spot by my house is this small field that you guys have seen so much of so I would say I'm kinda limited to where I can shoot.But I use what I can.

Who is your greatest influence, photography or otherwise?

Omg I don't think I can narrow that down to a single person. I mean God of course, but everything I see, everything I feel, everything I touch, hear, experience, every emotion that goes through me; they all influence me some way or another.

Is there any kind of advice you want give to fellow photographers?

I know eveyone says this but seriously just follow your heart. If you enjoy SOOC photos then take them. If you like manipulated photos, edit them. And practice practice practice, just like in sports, you practice as hard as you will play so if you actually try at photography and intentionally try your best you will get better. And don't listen to other people's crap. If they don't like your photo, oh well. You like it and that's all that really matters.

Photography loses it's "coolness" so to speak when you stop havng fun because you are too worried about people liking your work. So just live in the moment and do what you want, bend all the rules. When it comes to photography that is :) What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Ah that's a tough one. I would have to say it's a tie between this one this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennicole81/3609386624/) and this one

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennicole81/3620403569/). The first one was so simple yet very meaningful to me. and the second one, haa, I just like the sky :D Leah question: instant pudding. respond how you will. (epic responses earn you extra points.)

Me and a friend made chocolate pudding several years ago and took into a walmart or something and rubbed it on the toilet seats all because her older brother told us to. Then the cleaning lady walked in and started yelling really loud and she asked us if we knew what happened but we said we just walked in to wash our hands. :) Question from last interviewee: If you take pictures with one camera for the rest of your life, what camera would that be?

Well that would all depend on the circumstances. Obviously if I had a choice between every camera in the world it would probably be the camera I have now. It's not a very good one but I like it. It fits me and I have sorta grown attached to it. It's my child :)And to be honest, it's not the camera that defines the photorapher. It's what he or she does with it.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? (It does not have to be photography related!)

Okay, lucky interviewee, what is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done when no one was around/looking?

To view Lauren’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurennicole81/

Interview #17: Sita Marie

Sita is an 11 year old from Arkansas.

How and when did you get into photography?

Well, when I was really little my oldest sister, Angel, had me model for her a lot because she was taking photography classes. And last summer I was constantly modeling for Beth and whenever I could get the chance, I'd run away with her camera and take pictures of flowers and stuff. I always had an interest in it. Then last christmas we got a Canon Rebel XSI and I immediately started to learn and about 5 months ago, I got into it even more. I'm so glad, 'cause now it's my biggest and favorite hobby.

Do you think you have a certain style when it comes to photography?

Uh, i guess...i try to make my pictures dreamy and somewhat mystical most of the time.

Do you think there is one element that you incorporate into every photograph?

Probably good natural light, or good composition.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Um, probably people...At times they can be easier to work with and can seem more interesting and can make the picture seem to hold emotion, you know? But i try to even it out.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Ummmm...hm.. I like taking pictures outside a lot, so the weather for sure influences it. But when it's really bad outside, for example, it inspires me to try different things inside. Like portraits and stuff. So it does INFLUENCE it, but it really doesn't make it. I take pictures whenever I want :) What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

I haven't done anything crazy really..i guess going in a tall feild and cutting up my feet by the thorns and getting bit by mosquitoes but that's about it hahah ;D I know, not very crazy.

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

I guess I love to read, and write, and play with my brother haha What is your favorite picture that you have taken?

That's a hard one sense i only upload my favorite pictures, and it changes a lot. So i have more then one haha... http://www.flickr.com/photos/25997138@N06/3600942073/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/25997138@N06/3493051690/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/25997138@N06/3339779438/ Leah question: do you wish you were doing something other than answering this stupid question that i came up with because i didn't know what else to write?

Um, yeah i would like to be taking pictures. ;D Question from the last interviewee: what is the most embarrassing thing you have ever done when no one was around/looking?

NO COMMENT. What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? (It does not have to be photography related!)

Do you have a favorite photographer? if so, who?

To view Sita’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25997138@N06/

Interview #18: imfreelykeely

Okay, first question! How did you get into photography?

My friend told me about this website, and for a while I had been just looking at pictures on here for a while, without having an account. And then one day to my friend who had told me of the website, originally, I said, let's both make accounts, and do a 365 project, and so we did. I just jumped into it then without a clue.

How do you think starting photography like that – just jumping in – has affected your ability or passion for it?

I don't think it's affected my passion, but I think it's definitely affected my ability. I had no experience starting, and I mean still I only have the experience since I began December 30th, so I definitely like don't even like to look at my pictures from the start because I'm almost ashamed of them. As for passion, I think that's just something that I have developed on the way You said you’ve been working on a 365 project. How is it like doing that? Difficult? Interesting? Fun? A lot of the time I get really stressed out like. ahh i have to take a picture, and I literally cannot think of idea, and ask myself, why do i bother? But then when it's all said and done and i have the picture uploaded I am happy I stuck with it Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

I think my main goal is not to bore people Do you think you have a specific style when it comes to photography?

I think I go in stages of styles, but right now I'm into conceptual.

If you could photograph anything that you haven’t already, what would it be and why?

It would probably be portraits of other people because I can see myself becoming more interested in that Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I would say yes, but I'm not really currently aware of any particular ones What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

To date, my favorite one is the one of my dog and I 'dancing', day 160, from June 7th.

Leah question: how many stairs are in your stairwell?

Assuming you mean inside, there's 13. hahah Question from last interviewee: do you have a favorite photographer? if so, who?

I don't have one single favorite. there are so many that are truly amazing to me and who I have been deeply inspired from and hope one day to be as talented as.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Has photography changed you at all, as a person?

To view Keely’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33878127@N02/

Interview #19: nikki.jane

Nikki is a 14 year old.

First question: how and when did you get into photography?

Welllll, I'm pretty sure it started at the beginning of last summer/the end of the school year. At the end of the school year, all of the eighth graders do a project called a capstone, which is basically where you choose some kind of art form and make a project out of it. I was a seventh grader at the time, but I was super impressed by all of the photography capstones (especially Olivia's, or Olivia Bee). And then I heard people talking about flickr, so I went home and started exploring it and then decided that I was going to start taking pictures that summer.

And then I guess it just turned into something :) How would you define photography? A photographer?

That's a hard one...I think it's up to your own interpretation, what photography is. I would say it's all about something sparking your interest and then for me, wanting to taking a photo that somehow tells a story about it.

I know that's not deep or anything, but I guess that's how I look at it. And I think a photographer is really anyone that looks through the viewfinder and is inspired somehow.

Which leads me to the next question: do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I think there definitely are, and I know I've worried about them, because nobody really wants to be stereotyped, but none of them are ever really that true at all, so we may as well just ignore them, right?

Who is your greatest influence, photography or otherwise?

I think I'm influenced by older black and white fashion photography a lot. Richard Avedon's photographs just amaze me, especially because of the motion he incorporates into them, which obviously, I really like to do too :)A couple months ago, my mom and I went to the International Center of Photography in New York, and there was an exhibit on fashion photography, and that really did make an impact on me, they were all so dynamic and edgy and told a story.And also, not to sound cheesy or anything, but I think my parents are a big part of it too.

They're always super supportive of my pictures and offer all these suggestions, which I think is really really sweet to do.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

I think it would be really really neat to go to a Greek island, like Santorini, where the water is that amazing shade of blue. It's stunning!I also think it would be really neat to take pictures somewhere pretty high up, like on the Great Wall or Machu Picchu...or really just anywhere full of color.

Leah question: what is your favorite thing to do with a balloon? (blown up or not.)

Oooh, I think probably blow it up, and then let go and watch it go all crazy and fly around the room and make that really funny noise. OR if it has helium in it, I love to make my voice sound amazing and high.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I think my favorite is probably "Falling Up." I took it on a day that I was feeling kind of upset about my photography, so I just decided to go out and just see what I could get to hopefully cheer me up. And then I saw the puddle and decided to give it a try. I really didn't even think it was that great of a picture when I saw it on the screen, but then I got home, uploaded it, and it really turned out to be something I'm proud of. It was a really nice surprise. :) Question from last interviewee: Has photography changed you at all, as a person?

Probably...I definitely see things in a different way now, it's like I'm constantly looking through a camera. It's also really made me think about things and generate ideas.But overall, I think photography has made me a more creative person. I love the way things come across to me now.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What's something about yourself that nobody knows?

To visit Nikkis work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28366678@N03/

Interview #20: SunnyMarry

Mariesol is an 18 year old.

How did you get into photography?

I´ve always been interested in art and that stuff... and then one day my dad bought himself a new camera which I later on used pretty much. Within a few month of taking pictures I found my greatest passion, which I´m in love with since about 3 years by now :) What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Taking photos is like a try to show the soul of somebody or something, to share a moment and feelings- as a result it doesn´t matter who or what you take pictures of - everything has it´s own beauty ;) Do you think a picture is worth a 1000 words?

Yes, I really think so. :)Especially when you show up something people can identify with. Then a photo is not only worth a thousand words, it includes emotions! :) If you could go anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Hm, that´s a hard one... I´d really love to spend some time in New York City, because I think that probably almost everything you can take pictures of you can also find in NYC. :) Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

I think it´s very important to have your own kind of style, something which makes your photos special in their own way!

Do you think you have your own photographic style?

Actually I´m not sure about that, but some people say so... Maybe I´m just not aware of that. At least everyone has his own look on certain things and his own imagination; this probably leads to an own photographic style.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

A few weeks ago I wanted to take some selfportraits in the lake near to my town. So i went into this very dirty,cold lake. It was about 12 degree celsius outside (the lake felt even colder) and after a few minutes it started raining really bad! But: I did it untill I got the shot I needed. Afterwards I got ill- of course :D (this [http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariesol/3519247366/] is one of the pictures) Leah question: your name confuses me. explain. haha- are you serious? it´s confusing? :P ok, then: My "real" name is Mariesol- I have italian antecedents. Mar e Sol is italian and means: Sea and Sun. (and it sounds better with an "i" in the middle) When I was a little girl many people used to call me "SunnyMarry" because it means almost the same and sounds kinda nice ;) What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I´d probably say that this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mariesol/3574013340/) is my favorite picture that i have taken, because it´s a really happy photo, which shows how I´m doing right now :)But this changes really often- depends on how I feel like...

Question from last interviewee: what's something about yourself that nobody knows?

I´m taking many things more serious than it appears. I´m a very sensitive person who tries to do everything perfectly right- but I used to fail, which makes me kind of sad sometimes.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What do you think about how much personal feelings and experiences are important to create a real good picture?

To visit Mariesol's photostream, go here !!

Interview #21: brookeshaden

Brooke is a 22 year old from California.

How and when did you get into photography?

I really got into photography in December 2008. I had just graduated college and had about a month of down time before I was going to move to Los Angeles. One of my friends showed me flickr and I was inspired by the amount of people using photography in ways that I had not yet encountered. So I decided to give it a go.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

I do think so. There are certain things that I like to use in my photos, such as the contrast of light and shadow and the use of skin and bodies. I also use a square crop format because it puts the image in a world of its own and makes the viewer forget that they are looking at a picture.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

Hmm, picking a “craziest” is hard. Recently I coerced my friends into playing dead in the ocean, which was scary because there was a big rip tide and it was just plain rough out there. Then there are the times when I’ve stuffed in very small spaces, such as the freezer and the oven, and feared I would not make it out without injury.

And then generally stripping down to a sheet in public can be awkward.

How much time do you put into a single picture/photo shoot?

I’m really glad you phrased the question like that. A lot of the time people ask “how long does it take you to shoot and edit your pictures”, to which the answer is “about an hour”. But I spend all day and sometimes much longer developing a concept, which to me is the most important part.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I am terrified of many, many things – this is something that a lot of people know about me. But I think that I photograph the things that scare me so that if ever I have to face them outside of a picture, I might be more prepared to do so.

I’ve noticed you do a lot of manipulations. What is it that you find so interesting about those kinds of pictures?

I think that people are fascinated with the impossible. I know I am. And manipulating a photo into an impossibility lets me believe it can be true, even if it is only true in my imagination What are three things you can’t go a day without?

I think that I could go a day without anything, I mean, if I had to. But three things that I would never want to go a day without: my husband and best friend, Anthony; my camera; my imagination. An absolute perfect day for me these days is being at home with Anthony, brainstorming a photo, and then making the photo happen.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

I’ll answer for photography and otherwise. I have been immensely inspired by people on flickr. I started flickr myself because someone showed me Rosie Hardy’s photostream, and since then I have discovered Miss Aniela.

I think that Miss Aniela’s photos are the perfect combination of sensual, sexual, and breathtakingly beautiful in their composition, lighting, and the way they evoke emotion. I have been enthralled lately by the photography team of Robert and Shana Parkeharrison. Their photos make me feel more than any other set of photos I have ever come across. They incorporate the perfect mixture of death and life into their photos. Outside of photography, I have two major inspirations, and they inspire me in much the same way: my husband and my mom. They both inspire me to do whatever makes me happy, and to do things my way, however different that may be.

Is there any kind of advice you would give to fellow photographers?

Find your own voice and don’t be afraid to let it show in your photos.

Leah question: Have you ever considered doing a headstand for a picture?

I considered it for one of my pictures, titled "Spill", but found a way out, thank goodness. If I had to do a headstand, it would only last for a fraction of a second.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

One of my very recent photos, “Timetable”. The photo excites me for a few reasons – I loved the concept, the colors came out how I wanted, and I liked the negative space in it. I love when photo juxtaposes a strong theme with a relatively simple background.

Question from the last interviewee: What do you think about how much personal feelings and experiences are important to create a real good picture?

I don’t think that you have to have lived something to capture it in a photo. I think that it is the feeling that counts. If you can feel something, you can capture it.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

When people look at your photos, what emotion do you want them to feel?

To view Brooke’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33506024@N02/

Interview #22: Kristine May.

Kristine May is a 17 year old from California.

Okay, first question: How did you get into photography?

I got into photography three years ago. I remember getting an HP camera and adobe elements 2.0 from my sisters. I thought those were the best gifts ever. Anyway, during that summer, we went to San Francisco. I took tons of pictures and fell in love with photography despite the poor quality of the camera. From then on, I've been taking lots of pictures (: What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Hmmm... Well, I really like to take pictures of anything that forms a heart and something related to "love." haha. And since I recently got a 50mm f/1.4 lens for my birthday, I enjoy bokeh shots; they are so much fun to shoot!

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Oooh, tough question! I guess the perspective makes every picture special. The different possible angles also make photographs much more interesting.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

People in Flickr are really amazing. When I see beautiful pictures from that website, I always get inspired to take pictures. And of course, when people send me flickrmails saying how much I inspire them, they don't know how much they inspire me as well (: Do you have any goals that you try to achieve through photography?

Well, I really want to become a better photographer. I guess photography is simply my way of expressing myself, like, most of the time. Oh, and also to capture the daily happenings in my life- like where I’ve traveled and stuff like that.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

I don't think I do have a specific style. I mean, my photography changes every now and then. I used to upload "love pictures" consecutively. Nowadays, I try to add variety into my stream (: What is something that no one knows about you?

I tell a lie. A minute later, I admit that I just lied. Ha! I really suck at lying.

Leah question: do you know how to type in musical notes? I don't. Teach me.

I only know: Alt+13=♪ and Alt+14=♫ and that's about it. Haha.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I particularly like this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krishhtine/3637668178/) and I love how the tones turned out in this picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/krishhtine/3447618224/) Question from last interviewee: When people look at your photos, what emotion do you want them to feel?

Hm, it depends which picture they're looking at. Sometimes, I want people to have that feeling of falling in love. Or I want them to feel happy and to feel relaxed. (: What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What do you consider is a “perfect photograph”?

To view Kristine’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10129398@N08/

Interview #23: celestephotography

Celeste is a 17 year old from California.

How did you get into photography?

At first, I just started playing around with my brother's Canon Powershot when he bought it about 4 years ago, taking pictures from different angles and perspectives and grew to like it. It was just a simple hobby up to that point until I discovered DeviantArt about a year ago and was completely inspired by all the talented photographers. I decided to get an account and began taking my own pictures, growing more and more passionate about photography. I was completely fascinated by the extreme talent I saw on DeviantArt and wanted to incorporate that into my own style. I already had a Flickr account, but hadn't used it for a while until I decided to start it up again a couple months ago. I found everyone on Flickr to be so encouraging and began a 365 project. Since then, I can't seem to live without this passion. I live for photography, and everywhere I go I always picture how good of a photo it would be, and I continue to be inspired by the talented photographers on Flickr.

Who is your greatest inspiration or favorite photographer here on Flickr?

That's a tough one. I have many inspirations on Flickr, I couldn't possibly just choose one! But I am constantly stumbling upon photostreams every day that continue to amaze me in different ways, each with its own uniqueness. That's what I love about Flickr. People have their own style of photography and way of expressing themselves to make it their own. This is what really encourages me to create my own style and continue to photograph the world around me.

Do you consider yourself having your own style?

I'm not exactly sure what it is yet. I'm still in the process of developing a style that can be my own, but it is constantly changing. I always have different ideas for my photoshoots, and they aren't always the same sort of photos I would normally take. I suppose this could be a good thing because it allows me to expand my creativeness and find what I'm comfortable with. My style of photography is kind of bipolar sometimes.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of photography?

I love watching Friends. That show can seriously always make me laugh! I usually watch a couple episodes every night with my twin sister. I also enjoy cooking, although I'm pretty bad at it. If you don't know me, I'm really clumsy, so you can imagine what happens when I try to cook. But I've learned to be more careful, so I stick to making simple things. I'm not too advanced just yet. :) What is your favorite time of day to take pictures?

I love taking pictures right when the sun is about to set and it's just above the horizon. The sky is insanely beautiful that time around when it has an orange-y glow to it. Plus, you can get some pretty sun flares in your pictures too! I would love to take photos in the morning when the sun is rising, but I can never get up early enough. That is my goal one day, though!

What have you always wished you could do photography-wise, but never had the chance or ability to?

I have always wanted to do a photoshoot in a huge massive field in the middle of nowhere. I see tons of those kinds of pictures on Flickr and they always turn out really well! My dream once I get my license is to go driving and get lost until I find a nice field so I can take photos. :) I've also really wanted to take photos in a lake or some sort of large body of water. Sadly, I don't have any fields or lakes anywhere close to where I live. :( What have you always wished you could do photography-wise, but never had the chance or ability to?

I have always wanted to do a photoshoot in a huge massive field in the middle of nowhere. I see tons of those kinds of pictures on Flickr and they always turn out really well! My dream once I get my license is to go driving and get lost until I find a nice field so I can take photos. :) I've also really wanted to take photos in a lake or some sort of large body of water. Sadly, I don't have any fields or lakes anywhere close to where I live. :( What’s your favorite color?

My favorite color is yellow, because it's such a happy color. :)

What is your favorite subject to take pictures of?

I usually like taking pictures that show some sort of emotion so that the viewers can feel it through the photo.

Oh, and I love jumping shots. They're always fun to take! I also really like taking love-themed photos. They're simple and easy to relate to.

What have you always wanted to get but haven’t been able to buy?

CANON REBEL XTI! I've wanted a Canon Rebel for so long. But sadly I don't have enough money. :( That's my dream camera!

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My two greatest inspirations are God and my mom. God inspires me to live everyday with a purpose and to live out my life in a way that is meaningful. My mom is such a loving, selfless person who has taught me all the morals and values I have today. I'm really grateful for everything she does, and she's worked really hard for my family. I really appreciate her. :) Leah question: can you see a lamp right now?

I love how random this question is, haha! Yes, I can see a lamp right now, and it's right next to my computer.

It's this really cool, ancient looking one that's kind of a beige, gold color. :) Whats your favorite photograph that you have taken?

My favorite photograph would have to be this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/celestephotography/3614953515/) one. I love this one because the sun was just about to set in the background, just above the horizon the way I like it. It was just really good timing overall.

Question from last interviewee: what do you consider is a “perfect photograph”?

I'd say the perfect photograph would be one that can capture the beauty of something in its most natural form. It would express the photographer in a way that makes it his or her own.

Whats a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Who is your favorite superhero and why?

To view Celeste’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/celestephotography/

Interview #24: rosiehardy

Rosie Hardy is an 18 year old from the UK.

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography around a year ago. I had always grown up around cameras as my parents took pictures of me and my brother all the time, so it was a natural hobby. I was intrigued by the controversy of airbrushing and wanted to give both a go to see what all the fuss was about.

Do you think you have a specific style?

I don't think my "style" is that specific. I use a lot of elements that have been around for a long time (e.g texture, white dresses, square crops), so I would say my style is a mix of everything that has inspired me. There are types of style I adore (i love leenah's photographs and olivia bee's) but I just can't achieve, no matter what I try.

What element of a picture do you think is important for every photograph?

I think it's most important to make sure the content is interesting. It can be technically perfect, but if there is nothing special in the picture, (at least in my work) the overall image isn't interesting.

What are you listening to right now?

An Australian TV programme about zoos on a random channel. The show I was watching I'd recorded on sky plus and when it's finished, if you don't turn the TV off, it switches back to some other channel.

What is your favorite time of day to take pictures?

Early evening when the sun is going down. It creates a nice haze and lights up hair very prettily.

Whats the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

I think the worst was when it was raining, and I went down to a small patch of trees near my old high school. I was wearing some weird clothes and kept slipping in the mud to set the camera up. I was thorougly pissed off, some lorry driver had pulled up and was watching me, and within 5 more minutes the end-of-the-day school bell rang and 200 teenagers walked past me, each with their own comment to make. I wanted to die.

Who is your favorite photographer or greatest photography inspiration?

Tim Walker! Without a doubt. His set designer also has to have some credit, all their ideas are phenomenal and every picture I have seen of his I love.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I can count to 10 in Russian!

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

I love people watching and travelling round places. I love cooking with Aaron's mum, and driving with the music turned up really loud. I love finding new photographers work which I love, and spending time with my friends (of course) and going to the gym with my best friend Colette.

Leah question: Have you ever hidden in the curtains before and would you consider doing so?

Haha, awesome question. Maybe when I was a kid. I would definitely consider doing so in the future.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Oo, tricky. I don't think I've taken it yet.

Question from last interviewee: Who is your favorite superhero and why?

That would be the mutant ninja turtle Donatello. He was nicer and more stylish than the others.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could rename yourself, what would you be called?

To view Rosie’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25182021@N05/

Interview #25: Kane Longden

Kane is a 16 year old from England.

How did you get into photography?

Funnily enough I went to the same school as Rosie Hardy. I was two years below her and saw some of the amazing images that she was creating. I had already started taking pictures before then but that spurred me on further. I started out just taking random snaps on my point and shoot and then editing them on Photoshop. In December 08 I bought my first SLR which is when I became more serious about my photography. All the images around Flickr inspired me to start taking self portraits and it just went on from there.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Yes, I think people rely too much on post production. I think when you are taking photos its essential to try and get it as right as you can in-camera. As then it makes it so much easier when you are processing the image. I also think that having an idea in your head and a theme to follow is vital when you are taking photographs, don't just set out taking photos without a clue what you are going to do. I think facial expressions are key in self portraits, they set the whole mood of the shot. Try taking the same photo a few times with a different expression and then pick the one which suits the idea best, but unlike me, some people get it right first time :) Tell us a little about where you live.

I live in Derbyshire, in England. Its actually where Pride and Prejudice was written so you can imagine... theres all old halls and houses dotted around all over the place. Its pretty scenic around where I live, like hills and peaks etc etc. Everyone just takes it for granted around here though, including me :) Its really good for photos, but I always tend to use the same field :\ I actually live in a small town called Whaley Bridge, where most of the buildings in the centre are pubs :S and its about 22 miles from the nearest city, which is Manchester :) Do you think your surroundings have influence over your photography?

Yes definitely. I think if a lived in a big city such as London a lot of my photography would be indoors.

Whereas because I live in the area I do there is so many locations for me to go and shoot 365's. So this has a huge influence over it. I also enjoy landscape photography (although I don't post on Flickr) so the area in which I live is perfect for that too. My surroundings are often what inspire me to take certain photos, which again is a big part in my photography.

How do you find doing a 365 is? Difficult? Easy? Interesting?

Well, I don't really know yet as today is only Day 16. But so far I have found it very time consuming, good job I'm off school for the summer now hey :) But generally I do find it very interesting and it gets me out the house every day. I think the difficult thing is, when you get a popular photo one day, and then the next day you have to try and top it. But you can't, it can get very frustrating. I think the thing is, you can see yourself slowly getting better which I suppose is the main point of 365 and then when you get comments and faves it makes it all the more worthwhile :) If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

I'd have to say somewhere like Africa. I've always wanted to go on safari and I think going with a super long lens would be amazing, get some pictures of elephants with Bokeh in the background :D. Or maybe somewhere like Iceland during the summer when it doesn’t go properly dark all night, I think that would be amazing too. I'd just want to go anywhere other than where I live now, just for a change of scenery and things to shoot.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I think there are, but there shouldn't be. I don't think anybody should be put into a certain category as photography is all about having your own style. If its your own style how can it possibly be put into a stereotype? If you can shoot various things from portraits to landscapes then surely this would make you a better photographer. Therefore people should break free and do whatever they want with their photography :) What is your favorite concept to portray in photography?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. I don't really have one concept that I use often, I'm always trying to think of new things to portray through my photography. I really like expressing it through horror-ish images though. :) I like

expressing fear I guess, I think that’s a pretty strong thing to portray. You can expect some more scary images on the way :D If you could be any age, what age would it be?

I'd probably say 18. Because at 18, your an adult but still a teenager. So you can act all grown up when you want to. But then you can fool around and still get away with being a little immature sometimes :) I'd also like to be 100. Just for the sake of saying "Hey, I'm 100" plus, I like the number 100 :D Being 16 sucks :\ but I'm sure when I'm old and grey I'll sure wish I was 16 again!

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

I just like going out with my friends really. Especially during the summer when you just lazy around all day in the sun :) Camping is fun in the summer too, just sitting on a hill on a nice night :D I also like playing the drums when I have time.. I love listening to music too, I guess that ties in with my photography though, as a lot of the time I will get photo ideas from music lyrics :) Is there any kind of advice you would give to fellow photographers?

I'd say try and be as original as you can. See, if you really like someone’s style then base your work on it, but then from that try and develop it to become more your own. I'd also say, if your stuck for photo ideas, go out in the 'golden hour' when the sun is going down (the time varies from place to place obv.) because you are pretty much guaranteed to get a good shot. Ooh and another thing, ALWAYS SHOOT IN RAW! I always used to shoot in JPEG but you will be surprised at the difference. Plus, shooting in RAW makes it so much easier to tweak your photos. Most importantly, try and stay positive. When I don't like a photo I have taken but don't have time to take another I used to get really frustrated and angry but at the end of the day, its just a photo and your bound to have good and bad days anyway :) Leah question: pourquoi est-ce que tu as awesome???

According to Babel fish translation that means "why you have awesome" hmm... I'm crap at French. Never was any good at it :) Je m'appelle Kane- that’s all I know. Haha.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I think I would have to say this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/_kane/3632681043/). Because I took it the day I had my last exam and the feeling was so good! So I guess I associate that feeling with that photograph :D Question from last interviewee: If you could rename yourself, what would you be called?

Hmmmm, thats a tricky one! Well I really don't like my name currently. I mean, who calls their son Kane? I think I'd still want something unusual-ish. I like my middle name though - Joel. So I'll go with that and plus, I like my Mums maiden name - Kidd. Joel Kidd tops Kane Longden any day!

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

To view Kane’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/_kane/

Interview #26: kh2rac

Rakeem is a 17 year old.

How did you get into photography?

I started photography a year and a half ago when people would tell me that I took "good" myspace pictures. So I asked my sister to pose for me one day and then I fell in love with it. That christmas I got my Nikon D40, and its been my love ever since Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

You know I've been told I have a unique style, but I really haven't thought of it as my own you know? If people can tell your photos before they see your name then I think that is accomplished, and i don't know if Im there yet. So maybe.

What is your favorite concept to portray?

My favorite concept to portray is most definitely sadness. I feel like my best work comes when I'm depressed or disappointed. And capturing that in a photo tends to bring out the better in my photography I think.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is cyan blue :) I was introduced to it in halo when I changed the color of my character's armor haha Whose photostream do you check daily for new uploads?

The photostreams I usually check OFTEN are Katherine Elizabeth, Brookeshaden, and Karl L. Embertron.

Some of my favorite people. And you too of course :) If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

I think I would want to shoot either Keira Knightely because she is just heavenly or Mr. Barack Obama or Michael Jackson. They are heroes to me.

What is something that no one knows about you?

Hmmm well I have an obsession with Japanese music and thats what my ipod is mostly full of haha. So in order to keep from being made fun of my friends, I constantly say that my ipod is dead or I forgot it haha.

If you could get any camera, what kind would it be?

I'm gonna say the generic answer and say the Canon 5D Mark II. It is God in the form of a camera :) Sorry nikon!

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

I think that without the proper lighting, a photograph is ruined. Light can make a dull photograph into something special.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

The craziest thing I have done is to lay in a field of spiky wheat when there were coyotes running about everywhere. It was pretty scary Who is your favorite photographer or greatest photography inspiration?

My favorite photographers are Kai Z Feng and Robert and Shana Parkeharrison. Pure genius at capturing concepts and moments Leah question: have you ever been hit in the eye with a pair of jeans?

HAHA actually, yes I have, many a times. Just two days ago in the dressing room of a marshalls, I was trying on some jeans and realized they were way to small so when I tried to sit to pull them off, they flew and hit me in my eye.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

My favorite photograph I've taken is actually a photograph I think people wouldn't expect.My favorite photograph I've taken is “I want to be human pt 2” Its not the greatest photo, but it is a candid of my sister and it just captivates me.

Question from the last interviewee: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

10 years from now I want to have my own photograpy studio, shoot for elle or vogue magazine and be married with kids! Alot huh?

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Have you ever fallen asleep in the shower?

To view Rakeem’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kh2rac/

Interview #27: lindley rebecca.

Lindley is a 18 year old.

How did you get into photography?

Actually, the reason that I started taking pictures was because of my mom. She has always been into photography, and on one family trip, she let me use her camera. So, I walked around, taking pictures of flowers and anything else that looked like it might be pretty. After that trip, I got my first camera, which was literally the crappiest thing I have ever laid eyes on. I’m pretty sure it had a grand total of 2.4 megapixels, and the battery kept falling out of the bottom. However, I loved it, and from that point on, I was positively in love with photography.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

It sounds so cheesy, but I’d have to say that my greatest inspiration is my dad. He was the headmaster at my school, which was hard, so I’ve spent half of my life resenting him and half of my life being in awe of him, but, when looking back on it all, he has been the one person I would most desire to be like. He has the amazing talent of absolutely not caring what people think, and he does exactly what he thinks is right in all situations.

During my entire life, I’ve been at a school in which my dad has worked, and it has given me a chance to see exactly what goes behind every decision he makes, and that has only made me want to be like him even more.

He is an incredible person, and a skillful leader, and, hands down, my greatest inspiration for almost all aspects of my life.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Russia, no question about it. It’s always been my life’s dream to travel to Russia, they have the most beautiful history, culture, literature, and language, and I’ve been positively enthralled with all things Russian as long as I can remember. Whenever I can get my hands on any Russian films or books, or even music, I realize all over again how very much I love it. So, if I could go photograph anywhere in the world, I would definitely go photograph the people in Russia.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish that I could dance – any kind of dancing, really. I took ballet when I was little, like almost all little kids do, but I dropped out almost immediately because I had the attention span of a gnat. However, I wish so badly that I had kept it up, because I think that dancing, along with music, is one of the ultimate forms of selfexpression. I was literally just talking about this with my best friend, actually, and we were both saying how dancing is such a rich and beautiful art, unlike anything else.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Definitely people. I think people are so endlessly fascinating. However, portraiture comes with the everannoying idea of people in white shirts smiling on a beach, or wedding pictures, or something like that. Not to put any of that down, but I like pictures of people doing what they do every day. I love to capture the emotion of people who don’t know that they are being photographed, or, if they do know, are comfortable enough with it to still show true emotion. For the past year, I’ve been doing a lot of self-portraiture as well, which I absolutely love, because, as I told my best friend once, it is, to me, like taking a picture with the ultimate manual setting.

You set up the shot, but you also get to put your emotions and your own body language into it, which is such a good way to express your feelings.

Does your mood affect your pictures?

Absolutely. Especially because I do so much self-portraiture, my photographs are almost entirely comprised of my different moods and emotions, which is so good. I can literally look back at nearly every self-portrait on my stream and remember almost exactly what I was feeling when I took the picture.

What are you listening to right now?

Regina Spektor’s new CD, Far. Possibly one of the most amazing CDs I have ever heard, honestly.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

Actually, not really. I think there are a lot of different stereotypes when it comes to artists in general, but as for photographers, I think we are, for the most part, free of stereotypes.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

Most of the time, yes. I generally get a very clear idea for a picture in my head, and then it stays at the front of my mind until I actually go set it up and shoot it. Sometimes, the photographs I end up with are nothing like the initial idea, but regardless, I almost never go into a shoot without an idea of what I want the pictures to end up looking like.

What are three things you couldn’t go a day without?

Definitely my camera, music, and food.

Is there any kind of advice you would give to fellow photographers?

Yes, and it’s actually something that my cousin told me a while ago, when I was struggling with figuring out what I wanted to do with my life and my art. She told me not to just get in the habit of saying that I loved the art of photography, but instead to really, truly immerse myself in it, and that is honestly some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten.

Leah question: would you ever put a CD on your toe as a toe ring?

I feel like that might make it a little bit painful to walk. However, were I still able to walk/have the rest of the toes on my foot intact, then I would have to say yes.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Ahhhh dangit, that’s such an impossible question to answer. But I’d have to say that this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tragicendingtoabeautifulstory/2679869007) would be my favorite, because it has so much meaning to me. I’ve long since grown out of using the extremely textured processing; however, I still love this picture, because it is literally exactly everything that I was feeling at the time, and I can look at it now and still feel and think exactly what I was feeling and thinking when this picture was shot/processed.

Question from last interviewee: have you ever fallen asleep in the shower?

No, not while showering, but I fall asleep while taking baths all of the time.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Have you read all seven of the Harry Potter books?

To view Lindley’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tragicendingtoabeautifulstory/

Interview #28: [ serenity ]

Esther is a 16 year old from Ohio.

How did you get into photography?

My dad got me this pink Casio point and shoot in the beginning of my freshman year, and I carried it with me everywhere. It wasn't until last August, however, when I really got into photography. I would wander around my neighborhood and mostly take pictures of nature. I then decided to take up photography class at my school.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

I would have to say people. Even though I have just started portraiture two months ago, I have fallen in love with having the ability to capture emotions. My friends are some of the best models.

What are three things you cannot go a day without?

My camera, my iPod, and caffeine (tea or coffee). :) Do you think your mood affects your pictures?

Yes. If I'm am in a good mood, I will more likely take photos that are cheerful and happy. However, if I'm feeling anxious or am in a bad mood, my photos will tend to reflect this. But regardless of my mood, I try to make my photos serene and calming; hence my flickr username.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Ah, this is a tough one! I would love to visit Europe, but if I had to choose only one country to go to, it would be Spain. The culture there is so interesting and it is just simply a beautiful country. France and England are also other countries that really interest me.

If you could photograph anything that you haven’t already, what would it be and why?

I've always wanted to go back to my preschool/kindergarten and take photos there. I have pleasant memories of the few years that I spent there. I remember the playground, the classroom, and the meadow that was behind the school. I really want to see how everything has changed from how I remember it. Mmmm nostalgia. :) Is there any kind of advice you would give to fellow photographers?

Let your creativity guide you; be original and try not to follow clichés. Don't be afraid to try something new!

For me, portraiture is something that I am very glad to have tried out. Oh and if you can, try to keep a notebook and write down any ideas for possible photos. It's really easy to forget ideas and recording them really helps! :) Leah question: have you ever worn a dunce cap in your life? situation? why?

I wore one everyday for a month in second grade. I failed at writing cursive letters while my classmates found it easy. Haha, just kidding! I don't think that I've ever worn a dunce cap in my life :P What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I would have to say this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/17898123@N04/3496403197/). It was one of my first self portraits and I was actually quite unsure about it at first. I took it early one morning while my parents were out. I went to their room, where those lovely curtains are, set up my tripod, and just starting jumping. I really like how the motion and light turned out. :) Question from last interviewee: Have you read all seven of the Harry Potter books?

Yes!!! I just got into the series recently and finished Deathly Hallows not too long ago! I love all of the books and they are, without a doubt, one of my favorite series.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could time travel and live in any time period of the past, what time period would it be and why?

To view Esther’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17898123@N04/

Interview #29: sea legs snapshots

Lexi is a 17 year old from Florida.

First and most clichĂŠ question: how did you get into photography?

When I was younger disposable was all the rage, of course, and my parents were always dying to capture me at every moment of every day. We have a giant wooden box full of old photographs, a testament to my childhood, so cameras have been everywhere my whole life, they just weren't always a big part of my life. It wasn't until I ran into conceptual photography through my friends on Myspace (oh the embarrassment) , that I actually decided to try it myself and I in turn fell in love with it. It was always present, it just wasn't mine until I made it mine. Now I refuse to let it go.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am seventeen and my real name is actually Alexis, but I cannot stand it. I live inbetween the two tourist attractions, NASA and Disney World and if you'd believe it, there's nothing to do here in the middle of the mess. I have a sideways haircut and a rat tail and I like strangers more than people I know by association. I am a thinker and I analyze things and I write poetry and I use the word 'and' a lot because I hate the idea of finalizing something, even if it's just a sentence. And I like swimming because it makes me feel alive.

Do you find that being a teenager gives you a disadvantage when it comes to photography, compared to older and more experienced photographers?

I actually think being a teenager gives me more of an advantage, especially in the generation I've been raised in.

I've been raised with the internet and a million opportunities to be inspired and to inspire. Tips and tools and photography concepts are at my fingertips and I am just seventeen, I can learn to do anything by just typing keywords into a toolbar while older photographers began in a generation where there was nothing of the sort and they had to take classes and discover concepts on their own. I feel like I am almost too spoiled with all of this, like it was handed to me too simply, I should have learned the hard way, if they happen to take jobs from me or get a better shot than me, it's not because of a disadvantage, we have the same information in our heads, they've absolutely earned it. And I accept that I have so much more growing to do and that's okay.

Can you do magic tricks?

Yes :) I can do a card trick that mesmerizes anyone twelve and under and I can make anyone levitate in photoshop. Obviously my magic is limited.

If you could photograph anything or anyone that you haven’t already, who or what would it be and why?

What a question, man, I think if it was anyone, it would have to be Winona Ryder (the earlier, Girl Interrupted, short black haired Winona) and I'm going to have to say that the anything would be a location, around northern California or in the really vast parts of -Ireland, those are completely contrasting, but they captivate me for different reasons. Or I'd love to have a shoot in an old Castle in England, location is everything to me so I could choose a million places.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

I generally have a plan in my head, it's vague, not very precise, so I don't have to limit my composition and poses. It's just a general concept or color scheme I build off of. I like it best when I have a plan and my photo turns out completely different from it, whenever I impulsively change the location or try a different prop I never thought of in the first place, it's rewarding.

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

I love to write and people watch and tell stories and witty jokes and keep people guessing. I also love watching movies from the 1920s-40s, drawing, painting, talking soft and playing hide and seek with my closer friends.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

People people people, they're the most complex subject imaginable and you can never capture the same face twice, they are ever changing, always growing, evolving and always expressing something different, its natural to want to capture what you see everyday and to show everyone how they really are in your eyes, that's exactly what I do. I wish I had the courage to photograph more strangers.

Who is your favorite celebrity?

I really don't care for celebrities much, I feel bad for them for the most part, but I guess my favorite right now would be Natalie Portman because she isn't in the midst of all of the mess of the media, she seems natural and well, human. I like when those who are allegedly a level above us expose that they have blood and muscle on their bones too.

What is the craziest thing you’ve done to get a picture?

Well I go into the woods often, by myself, which isn't very safe because I've seen wild dogs, snakes and vicious turtles, but the craziest thing was probably from a photo I took in D.C., on the roof of my cousins apartment, where I had to hit the timer and sprint across the roof, hurtling benches and thrusting myself up against the fence, while all along I am terrified of heights. Running across a roof to the very edge is terrifying to me. I have also done ridiculous things like moving furniture out into no where, standing in a mess of thornbushes with Cody, sneaking onto private property time and time again, and of course dressing up like a ballerina and standing on an overpass. There's probably more, but I've taken so many photos it's hard to pinpoint each of them, they're all like separate thoughts in my head, some stored in the back.

Is there any advice you would like to give fellow photographers?

Don't give up if you're feeling uninspired and don't compare your work to others. It breaks my heart to see photographer's waving the white flag because they can't produce work they like. Like writer's block, creative blocks always pass, so don't jump ship when you're feeling slightly fearful. And your mind is yours, constantly, your only competitor is yourself, other photographer's should not change how you feel about the contents of your own creativity, we all think differently, and just because your work doesn't look like his or hers doesn't mean it isn't beautiful, it's actually beyond beautiful because it is yours, the product of your soul and your own two hands and no one can take it away from you.

Leah question: have you ever considered going skydiving JUST so you could get the photos?

I have never considered it because the idea never came to mind, but now that I think about it, yes that would be wonderful, depending on where I would sky dive over, it would have to be very green and mountainous and lush. It would help to conquer my fear of falling.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Dear god that is the most difficult question I will ever be asked about my work, right now though, when I think about it immediately I think of this right here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sealegssnapshots/3616399523) because it is really really personal and candid and it is my childhood wrapped into a film photo. It represents how I see my grandmother, as very religious and human all at once. It is just really close to home and that's important to me.

Question from last interviewee: if you could time travel and live in any time period of the past, what time period would it be and why?

It would either be the 1920's or the Renaissance. The 1920's is where everything was very upbeat and scandalous, the movie business was just starting up and Hollywood was blazing with real talent, it was the start of everything that is now cliche, the beginning of it all, fashion and dialogue and movie concepts. It was a real starting point for inspiration that I feed off of today. While the Renaissance was the beginning of art, this period of time where anything was possible creatively, eyes were open to anything deriving from the right brain, it was the ultimate time to make something with your own two hands. It's a tie, I think.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What do you think of when you think of Unity?

To view Lexi’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sealegssnapshots/

Interview #30: holly.skye

Holly is a 14 year old.

First off, how did you get into photography?

I've loved it for as long as I can remember and when I was little I thought I was so super cool because I had a "big camera" (actually just a point and shoot) but a year and 1/2 ago after my 13th birthday I bought my current SLR and it all started there. Flickr really helped me grow because I saw so many amazing photographers. So I guess you could say I owe it all to Flickr because it gave me that extra push.

Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

I’m insane. Ask anyone I know personally. Photography and David Cook are my hopeless obsessions. I love

music, mostly little unsigned bands no ones ever heard of. I have anger issues; people think I’m quiet and weird, till they know me. And I like to think I’m nice :) Oh and I hate describing myself because I always do a horrible job. Like here. If you’ve seen my photos you pretty much know me.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

I think I jump around a lot because there are constantly different things inspiring me. But mainly I like to stick to surrealism. Probably because I can do things in my pictures that I could never actually do in real life. And I think many people are drawn to that kind of art here on Flickr because they feel the same way too.

What are three things you couldn’t go a day without?

Camera, iPod, Flickr If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

Jacoby Shaddix (of the band Papa Roach) hands down. He is INSANE. It would be so much fun. He seems like the type of guy that would be up for anything :) Who is your inspiration, photography or otherwise?

I have a few: photography- I first really got into photography after seeing the amazing Rosie Hardy (who didn’t!) then I found Brooke Shaden who really inspired me to get into surrealism in photography. In artSalvador Dali and Vladimir Kush. Both amazing and endlessly inspiring. And in music- David Cook, Papa Roach, 10 Years are some of the major ones. But there’s so many I can’t even list here.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I really, REALLY wish I could sing.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

I don’t really have one. Whatever I’m feeling is my favorite concept to portray, because then photography becomes my outlet What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

Well, I’ve taped 25 light bulbs to my ceiling, nearly suffocated in a plastic bag, laid on a nasty gross gas station floor, and been laughed and countless time but I’ve got to tell you a little story about the craziest and most terrifying. I was going to this location with Sara and Rae that id been to a couple times before. A big field way out in nowhere with 3 burned down houses. When we got there we hung around the pond for about half and hour before wading through the shoulder high grass to get to the houses. I was setting up on one of the foundations when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a black car. Just sitting there. Engine running. Then the engine died. I tried to motion to the other two and finally we started to pack up and calmly walk away. The engine started back up and the car started moving so we ran like hell. Ran out of the field and around to a ditch area out of view to catch our breath. And then we heard the footsteps in the woods behind us. So we ran like hell, AGAIN. Across a landfill to a gas station. We found out later apparently that’s a popular spot for drug deals to go down. We’re still too terrified to go back. Worst part is I didn’t even get one good picture. :( If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Time travel so I could fix all the things I hate I've done =/ Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

Horseback riding, music, going to concerts and band stalking with Sara :), and all art. I paint, and draw.

Leah question: Harry potter. Do what you will with that statement.

OMFG HARRY FRIKKIN POTTER! I’m going to see the movie this Thursday. I just thought I would share.

Did I mention I love Harry Potter? I do I do <33

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

This one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepsi11295/3505099787/). It terrifies people, but I love it. And I think it’s really personal for me too, which is always good.

Question from the last interviewee: what do you think of when you think of Unity?

Well if that’s some sort of organization or something, well I can’t answer it. BUT the word unity.... well considering i just finished the change project, its AMAZING. How so many people on Flickr can unite to do something so amazing and inspirational. Sorry if I didn’t answer this how you were expecting :) What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What would be your perfect photography location?

To view Holly’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepsi11295/

Interview #31: Ally Jade

First and most cliche question: How and when did you get into photography? when I was about 14 I bought my first digital compact camera, and I couldn't put it down! I soon invested a Fujifilm Finepix S5600, and finally bought my canon 400D and my passion has grown since then :) Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Living where I live, it's not really scenic or inspiring, so I'd have to go with no. I'd love to live somewhere beautiful where I could expand my photography and ideas, but alas I don't :( haha If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Africa, or somewhere witha hugely different culture and life style. I always think different life experiences and personalities shine through in portraiture, which would, for me, be so interesting.

What is your favorite subject to shoot? definately portraiture, especially nude and hand shots. I have no idea why, there is just something so pure and expressive about it. I used to do alot of band photography, but my equipment isn't great for it so I'm not doing it as much now.

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

Performing arts; love acting and theatre. As well as the usual going to gigs and generally hanging out with mates like any other teenager hehe :) What makes you different from every other Flickrite?

Oh gosh I wouldn't say I'm different really - everyone one of us is passionate about what we do, but I always try and put 110% into my photos, and I'm always really picky about them.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Emotion, especially sadness or turmoil is definately my favourite. If someone can feel the emotion in the photograph and inteperet it or identify with it, then I know I've done a good job behind the lens (I hope!)

What are three things you couldn’t go a day without? a cup of tea, a nice bit of marmite toast, and laughter.

Do you think you have a photographic style? If so, how did you develop it?

I think my 52 week project helped me develop my style, and I think it's grown more apparant in every photograph I do.

Leah question: if you had the power to stop it from raining, would you do so?

Today is SO grey and miserable and wet, so I'm guna have to go for yes! It's horrible!

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I really don't think I could choose! It changes from day to day I think.

Question from last interviewee: What would be your perfect photography location? umm.. anywhere with great natural light and gorgeous scenery, I'm pretty easy on the location front! :) What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If money was no object, what would you go take pictures of?

To view Ally’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/allyjadetakesphotos/

Interview #32: Ivory Faces

Hannah is a 23 year old from England.

First off, how did you get into photography?

I think my real passion for photography started about 5 years ago. I have always been creative, from making mud pies to singing on the stage, but photography has now become my all. I spend as much time as I can taking pictures.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Goodness what can I tell you about myself. I could say that I’m kind, caring and a good person but then that would make me look vain, instead I shall just say, I’m blonde, I’m 23 going on 12 and I adore bubbles. Yeah I’m 23, you’d never know it.

Do you think your age and surroundings affect your photography?

I don’t believe that being a certain age should change anything you do in terms of creativity. My goodness you just have to look at my pictures to see that I’m not a normal 23 year old. I believe one of my best qualities is the fact that I can use my imagination, but most people hit a certain age and that stops *It’s time to grow up*, well that is not how I wish to be. I know when I should act like an adult and I don’t think it should be all the time...

Do you have any great fears?

A great fear. Sounds so silly and depressing but yes I think I do. I think only recently I have become very scared of my mum and dad dying. I told you it was depressing but I do. I can’t imagine living without them. If you want a silly fear mine is spiders. Like a lot of people.

Who are your inspirations, photography or otherwise?

I think my main inspirations are my family and my best friend Martin. When we were younger Martin went off to America and I gave him this song to listen to called Ten Thousand Miles by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Martin has always been such an inspiration to me, with everything he does. I couldn’t ask for a better person to look up to. So now whenever I want to feel inspired I listen to that song and remember how dear he is to me.

What is your favorite time of day to take pictures?

To be honest I love all times of the day when it comes to taking pictures. I do love sunrise though. I remember I went to a friend wedding last year and we all camped out after and I woke up so early the next day I sat on my car watching the sunrise. It gave me goose bumps. I love those moments.

If you could go anywhere in the world for photography, where would it be?

New Zealand! I went there back in 2004 with a good friend of mine (Boyfriend at the time) and I cannot express to you how amazing that place looks and feels. I had never seen stars until I went there. To actually see every star in the sky, goodness I cannot explain that feeling. I adore New Zealand. If I could go there tomorrow I would.

What is something no one knows about you?

Something no one knows about me. I can’t really think of anything, I’m so close to my family and friends that nothing I do goes unnoticed. All I can think of is that like my mother, music has made me cry since a very young age. Even now, I can listen to the same song over and over and cry every time.

What is your favorite concept to portray?

How silly is this, I had to get my mum to explain the word concept to me... I think the concept I portray the most is the emotions of being a child. The imagination, sadness, happiness of a child. Although I am trying to portray more concepts now.

If you could get any camera, what kind would it be?

I don’t think it matters what camera you have. I use a Nikon D50 SLR camera and if I am honest sometimes I find it sooo boring. I am now teaching myself how to use a film camera because I like the not knowing what the picture will be like. It’s the surprise when it comes out great. Although I will be buying myself a Lomo Action

Sampler this month!

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

I think at the moment the style I go for is vintage. I like my pictures to look old and washed out but to also look soft as well. I love old photographs. At my house we have boxes full, even if the pictures aren’t of my family they are of other peoples and I think that’s special.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Superpower. I think I would have the superpowers to play the piano. Not much of a super power I know but I have always wished to play but I was never very good when it came to music. My voice was always my instrument.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I do indeed. I think there are far too many people on Flickr, or in the world in fact that stereotype people who take pictures. Flickr can be the worst place for it. You can’t even call yourself “Ivory Faces Photography” without someone putting their two pence worth in, by saying you’re not really a photographer are you. You’re not a professional why are you calling yourself a photographer. Whoever said to call yourself a photographer you have to be paid first? That’s what I think can be classed as a stereotype. I hope that all made sense...

What is your favorite animal?

My favourite animal is a horse. I adore them. I would have loved to have had riding lessons but they were so expensive, so my mum and dad always made it something we did on holidays as a special treat.

Is there any kind of advice you would like to give to fellow photographers?

I think if I could give any advice, I would use a line from my fave movie Braveheart. “Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” Cheesy but it’s always given me some get up and go.

What would you like to achieve later on in life?

I have always been one to never really look too far ahead of myself because what you get might not actually be what you wished for or aimed for. I believe in taking each day at a time because who knows what will happen tomorrow.

Leah question: have you ever seen a French keyboard? They’re quite freaky.

Leah, I do believe I have never seen a French keyboard until I read this question, so I googled it, and yes you are right they are indeed rather freaky. Far too complex for me.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I think my You Are Not Alone (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22485434@N05/3671572688/) picture is one of my favs. It’s the first picture I did were I showed a different side to me. As well as my picture called A Big Deep Sigh (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22485434@N05/3743769362/).

Question from the last interview: If money was no object, what would you go take pictures of?

If money was no object I’d fly me and Thomas to New Zealand where I would spend months taking pictures of everything. Id try and do some shoots like I do here but with much better scenery.

What is a question you want to ask the next interviewee?

If you could go back through your life, what moment/memory would you say was your best so far?

To view Hannah’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22485434@N05/

Interview #33: noël-michèle

Noël is a 16 year old from Los Angeles and Canada.

How did you get into photography?

Like so many other artists, my affliction for photography began in high school, where I decided to take a dark room photography course. I had always enjoyed taking snapshots here and there, but until I began working under the “safe light” and analyzing the elements of a photograph, it never occurred to me how precious a picture could be.

Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

Anytime anyone asks me this question, I always find myself at a loss for words. However, I suppose in short, I am just an almost-seventeen-year-old who so desperately longs for the perfect roll of film, never-ending novels, and sleep.

What element of a picture do you usually notice first?

That’s a very good question. I’ve never been able to answer this one definitively, but I have come to realize that my eyes tend to gravitate toward photos with either a sharp focus or an element of surrealism. Of course, this is all relative. Why I like photos of people dressed in penguin suits looking up at the clouds, I’ll never know.

What is something no one knows about you?

Anyone who knows me is aware that I am a perfectionist. What they don’t know is that I am a perfectionist to the point of absurdity. For example, I alphabetize my socks. Don’t ask me how this is done, just believe me when I say it’s possible. what do you find the most challenging when taking a photo?

In regards to digital photography, finding a pair of fresh eyes doesn’t always come easy to me. However, that is entirely the opposite when it comes to film photography. I’m not sure what it is about film, but frankly, when taking multiple shots of the same subject, my film photos are more diverse and inventive. That’s the magic of film, I guess!

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Detachment is a concept I’ve been toying around with for a while now. It’s proven to be one of the most difficult, too. The concept arose somewhere between a pursuit to capture emotion in something emotionless and a fascination with the unconscious mind. It all sounds like nonsense I’m sure, but I’m hoping it will make more sense once I’ve posted once I’ve posted a photo inspired by the concept. Just wait and see!

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

It’s not a question of whom, in my case, but of what. Out of nowhere, something, usually inanimate, will inspire my curiosity and thoughts. The last thing, in fact, was a bird’s feather I found atop of the windshield of my friend’s car; there’s much beauty to be found in places, objects, and situations, which I believe people too often overlook as being inspirational. Sometimes, it’s the mailbox you pass everyday on your way to school, or those awkward silences during small talk that can be the most thought-provoking.

If your house was burning and you could only save one thing – besides your camera – what would it be and why?

I would never be able to just grab just one item! Although I’m sure if I ever had to face this situation, it would be (if you didn’t already guess) my photo albums. As much as I’d want to bring everything else, I would never risk the possibility of losing those precious memories. (Alzheimer’s is a frightening reality, after all.)

Whose photostream do you check daily for new uploads?

I always get just a bit giddier when I see new photos from Tara, Elena, Mo, Olivia, Sita, Beth, Erica, or Chrissie. I owe much of my inspiration to these guys.

How would you define photography?

An abbreviation of emotion.

Do you think your surroundings and age influence your photography?

There’s absolutely no way these factors could not have influenced my photography. Being a teenager (sigh), my photos are obviously going to have an element of drama and erratic emotion, and having moved around from country to country and back again, you’re bound to find there’s a lack of consistency in my photo stream.

What are three things you couldn’t go a day without?

Reading, sleeping, and breakfast. I live and will die by these three things, I am sure.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Where ever I have a camera, I will take pictures, I am not too picky as to the location, but….I would LOVE to take photos in the Russian steppes, Provence, Maine, St. Pierre and Miquelon, the Galapagos, Iceland, Antarctica, etc.

Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

Almost every time I pick up my camera, I have an image in my head of the subject or area where I am photographing, and I do my best to produce that image. Unfortunately, it does not always turn out a reflection of what I had in mind, but that’s what motivates me, to be honest; to strive for that image and settle for nothing less.

Besides photography, what other things do you enjoy doing?

Oh you know, the usual…finding new books to read, aimlessly wandering about the city by way of bus, playing with my cats Fae and Marrow, and watching movies in theatres with friends whilst eating dark chocolate with fruit and nuts (drool.)

What are you listening to right now?

At the moment, there’s a murder of incessant noisy crows outside my window, who I swear, must be out to drive me insane.

Leah question: do you like deer? i like deer.

Deer have to be nature’s most graceful creatures. The way they effortlessly bound and leap is astounding. Not to mention, they’re completely adorable.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

This is a tough one, but I must say, I think my film photographs are my best.

Question from last interviewee: if you could go back through your life, what moment/memory would you say was your best so far?

There aren't any specific memories coming to mind, but I do know I miss the days when free time was easy to come by.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What have you always wished you could take a photo of, but have either never took one to your satisfaction/been able to take?

To view Noël’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/noel-michele/

Interview #34: Allyson Kalie

Kalie is an 18 year old.

How did you get into photography?

I began shooting with my family’s very cheap power shot on Easter of 2006. I know this because I have an album on Facebook with those specific pictures in them and I revisit it whenever I feel like I have not grown with my work. It is embarrassing. However, it was not until I started the 365 project on Flickr that I began to take the art seriously and it was only around 6 months ago that I fell in complete love with the art.

Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

Well, I have one line that I always start questions like this with: I am the third oldest of nine children. We all have blonde hair, the girl’s names all start with a “K”, the boy’s names are all cars, and we all have “the butt chin”. That usually gets conversations rolling. But other than that, I am 18, I drink around 8 cups of iced coffee a day, my last day of working for Chick-Fil-A for over two years is this Saturday, I wish I cried more often, I am a romantic, I am moving up to PA for college this month, and I just had a peach for breakfast. I hate peach fuzz.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

I want to put photographers on here but I cannot narrow it down to one so I will say the other alternative: music.

Sigur Ros, the Icelandic band, is my number one inspiration for my photography. You may notice that a lot of my photos have a sort of green/blue icy tone to them and that is due to Sigur Ros’s music videos. I really cannot put into words what their sounds and images do to me. Its utterly inspiring.

What is your greatest fear?

Getting old. I don’t think dying scares me as much as not being able to get out of bed on my own or pull change out of my purse without great difficulty.

What type of photography do you enjoy looking at the most? Portraits, selfportraits, landscapes, macros, etc.

I want to say portraits in general are my favorite but as I thought about specific portraits, I realized they are self’s. I really enjoy looking at an artists’s self work because you can see so much of them in it. Self portraits are a brilliant outlet for emotion; when I look at photography I want to feel the photo and the photographer through the picture. I do enjoy a nice 4x6 of some beautiful scenery every now and then.

If you could go anywhere to take photos, where would it be and why?

Ireland. I have no reason beyond I think it is beautiful. This is embarrassing, but I watched the movie P.S. I Love You (yes yes, turn away in shame) and the majority of that is filmed in Ireland. It was something about the love story mixed with the grass and stone that blew me away. I knew at that moment that I am going to study abroad there during my college years.

Have you ever gotten a creative block? If so, how did you get past it?

Ha! Have I ever gotten a creative block? I get them everyday. When I was doing the 365 project, of course I was forced to take a photo a day so I had to find inspiration from somewhere.

If music was not doing it for me, I would go onto Flickr and just browse through my “favorites” and that would get something going. Most of the time, I just get my camera, go to a spot, and start shooting. It is after the first 50 shots that I begin to get into a mode and things just go from there.

Do you have any secret abilities?

Not secret but I am ambidextrous. I play sports with my left and write with my right. I can do a mean “Billy Idol lip curl”.

How much time do you usually spend on a photo/photoshoot?

Not counting the driving, anywhere from an hour to three. I lose track of time a lot when I am shooting. If it is outside, I basically just keep clicking until I get too many mosquito bites. My blood is honey for them. Shoots are therapeutic, I hate having to ever rush them.

Do you think there is one element that is important for every photography?

Passion. I can love every beautiful photo to a certain extent, but if the artist doesn’t care about their work, I am immediately turned off. To me, it makes all the difference in the world.

What do you find most challenging when taking a photo?

Getting my point across. I want to always try to connect the viewer with my work, and tell them something about me with each photo so getting that into print is often what I have to concentrate one. Instead of going into a shoot with an idea like most people, I usually go into a shoot with an emotion in mind. For example, My last group of shots with my prom dress, I wanted to portray a sort of lustful sadness.

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Find out ahead of time, if my stomach would explode or not if I ate it. I am currently in the process of finding out if I am lactose intolerant/celiac.

In your own words, how would you define photography?

I want my art to be gut wrenchingly honest. “I want to make you feel me” is the line I have always had up on my profile and it stands true to today.

What is some advice that you would give to up-and-coming photographers?

Keep shooting. Going back to that first comment I made about my Easter album being embarrassing. I was not kidding. We are talking, close ups of crayons in the nasty kitchen florescent lights with a camera that wasn’t even capable of taking a close up. For me, I just had to keep shooting in order to find the style I loved. And I am still changing that style daily in some ways. I am so happy, and really am amazed, that I stuck with it because I found what I love.

What's your favorite color?

I taught myself to always say “yellow” because in elementary school, I always wanted to be different and NO ONE ever said yellow. I love sunflowers. But yellow is the last color I would wear. So really, I would say the sea is my favorite color. I love greys, blues and greens.

Leah question: Have you ever seen the eye? If so, have you ever seen my report card?

The movie? No. I am terrified of scary movies. Maybe I should have made that my greatest fear.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

This changes every week/day. As of right now, as of today, this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaliegarrett/3798551008/). When my tattoo shows in my photos on accident, I love it. It’s a reminder.

What have you always wished you could take a photo of, but have either never took one to your satisfaction/been able to take?

I have always wanted to take underwater shots. I distinctly remember, and I still do this, always swimming to the bottom of a pool and breathing out all my air so I would sit on the floor for seconds and I would open my eyes, move my hair above my face and look up at the lighted sky. And as I write that down, I am right back in that place. There are so many secrets the water holds. I want to capture that some day.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What are three things you love about yourself?

To view Kalie’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaliegarrett/

Interview #35: {peace&love}

peace&love is a wonderful girl. :)

How did you get into photography?

One day in 7th grade I "borrowed" my dads cheap digital camera and brought it to my friend's horses barn. I took a few pictures and to my surprise they actually came out nice. Ever since then I've been hooked on photography .

Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

I'm just a normal girl living in the middle of nowhere. that's all.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

One look at my photos and I think you can tell I like to bring the concept of love into them.

What is something no one knows about you?

Hmm...this is tough.

If you could go anywhere to take pictures, where would it be?

It doesn't matter where as long as I have a model willing to do anything., and I mean ANYTHING ;) What’s your favorite time of day to take pictures?

The magic hour to sunset. Like every other photographer. :] Do you hope to continue with photography as you get older?

I want to go to college for fashion photography.

If you had any superpower, what would it be and why?

To be able to fly. I imagine it would feel something like sticking your head out of the car’s window while going down the highway. Ahhh what a great feeling!

What do you think is your best photographic strength? Your weakness?

My strength would have to be my concepts while my weakness is being afraid to show off my work. :X What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Love. Enough said ;) What is some advice you would like to give to fellow up-and-coming photographers?

Don’t be afraid to post your images on sites like flickr and listen to criticism.

What is your greatest life ambition?

To be known and remembered by complete strangers.

Do you think that being behind the camera hinders your ability to be social?

Actually, I think the opposite. Having a camera in front of you is a great way to start a conversation. I've made a lot of friends through photography :) How much of your childhood influences your photography?

Surprisingly, none. Maybe it's because it's not quite over yet or maybe because nothing special happen so far to inspire me.

How, in your own words, would you define photography?

The ability to bring back memories, regrets, and secrets.

What’s your favorite memory?

When I was little and used to play hide and seek with my mom. Just me and her. She always beat me at it too.

Leah question: quelle le plouf?

Oui? haha What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

“All Good Things Come To An End”. I had been wanting a photo of birds flying for over a year, before whenever they would come flying by I was always too slow to get out my camera. The fact that it was taken on my cheap point and shoot is even better, it proves you don’t need a good camera.

Question from the last interviewee: What are three things you love about yourself?

1) The fact that I'm tiny. I'm just barely 5 feet, but I like it. I get away with more. And hey, I still have time to grow 2) I'm very honest, I think that's a hard quality to come by. I'm also the best at keeping secrets, it's safe with me.

3) I get along easily with anyone. I can't remember the last argument I had with someone.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What is the weirdest idea for a photo you’ve had, and did you go through with it?

To view her work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lullabyexile/

Interview #36: steffilynn!

Steffi is Steffi, as she makes it known. :)

First and foremost, how did you get into photography?

Well, (: you know how there were all those xanga/myspace "graphic" and "photography" sites where they steal photographs from deviantart and flickr? Yeh, i was one of those 9 year olds saving all those pictures, printing them down and putting them on my school binder. They inspired me so much, it was all so so pretttyyy :D I started actually taking pictures myself when i was in....? actually around the end of 2OO8 haha :D Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

Well, im Steffi (: hello! I am an arsty kiddo. all i can do is artsy stuff and thats pretty much it. Like everyone, people love and hate me but thats life so i dont let that get to me :D im a very happy person and my goal in life actually is to make people happy...? That makes sense. yes...yes. lol it does. sorta?

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

UMMMMM A reason or story behind it and of course (: HEART. if you dont put your heart and mind into it to make it beautiful its not going to be. Don't take pictures to be like "OH this might look pretty people might gimme comments and think its creative im going to take a picture and edit it cool" then you're just doing it for useless compliments.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hmmmm anywhere? AUSTRALIA (is that how its spelled?) BRING ON THE GIRAFFFESSS! or do they live in africa...

What is the worst or the most disappointing photoshoot youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever had? The best?

Oh jeez i dont know i just hate it when you have something in mind and you just cant process it out? omfg omfg i hate that. I think every photoshoot i have is the best because if the results are good and im sastisfied then :D YAY? Do you think that being behind the camera hinders your ability to be social? actually no. no at all. i think being behind the camera and taking pictures of other people or in public makes me more outgoing What makes you different from every other Flickrite?

I let my flickr people know me (: i tell them pretty much how i feel all the time. i just kinda want allof us to be a giant family? :D haha What is something that no one knows about you? i eat crazy gross asian foods. X: well thats cause my mom doesnt tell me what it is after i chew and swallow and go "hmm that was good" and then she tells me in an asian accent "HAHA THATS FRIED PIG SKIN and PIG BRAIN SOUP" thanks mom.

If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

WHAT THE HELL SHOOT?! like SHOOT SOMEONE DEAD? wtf oh. LOL ahahah okay sorry. SHOOT. TWIGGY (: MICHAEL JACKSON AHAH no i dont know.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise? my mom. typical right?

How do you want people to feel when they view your photos, in general, or does it differ from photo to photo? i want them to see the way i do when i imagine the photograph in my head. theres some prettyyy scary and sad and emotional and loving things up in that head of mine ;D If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

to be able to read peoples thoughts. it'll be scary to know some truths. it'll hurt but i rather now and stuff. yknow?

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in? its hot express myself. its like painting and dancing. its hot i get my emotionals out. wow my really long ass paragraph answers went to really short ones.

If you could sum yourself up in one word, what would it be? ohhhh hehehe i like that question. i wanted to put "wtf" as the one wordbut..thats not a word but yeh. ): WELLL i think itsSupercalifragilisticexpialidocious WHOOOPPWHOOOP . (:and if you dont accept that answer... i pick kooky. cause that sounds really cool.

What is some advice you would like to give to fellow up-and-coming photographers?

HAVEEE FUNNNNNNNN. do what you want! dont listen to bullshit. and dont let people bring you down because if you're happywith what you're doing then thats all you need. seriously! :D listen to helpful advices but just smile and say "haha byebye!" to the losers who bring you down, kay? ;) dont let people tell you "you're bad at photography" everyone starts off somewhere and theres no "good or bad" its all opinions! WHOOO HOOO <3 What is the best compliment anyone has ever paid you? the best compliment? :D well.... everyone constructive critisim equals a compliment to me. thankyou everyone <3 Leah question: what movie have you watched over and over again the most? how many times?

UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP UP i watched it ...8 times since it came out. and i still cry every time. omfg. i love it. its so touching and so cute and fun :D What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? my best pictures are the ones that came from deep in my heart and feelings for a boy (: this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffilynnphotog/3636321566/) and this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffilynnphotog/3704638101/). simple.

Question from the last interviewee: What is the weirdest idea for a photo youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had, and did you go through with it? haha the weirdest idea was climbing inside an oven . and yes :D yes i did go through with it. i love like crazy weird photos. its just so outside the box. :D HWOOPPWHOOOPPPPPP What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Would you like some fries with that? (: To view Steffiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffilynnphotog/

Interview #37: Ben.Doo.Dat

Bene is a 16 year old from Australia.

How did you get into photography?

Well, I always was a pretty artsy kid, so I bought myself a point and shoot for a camp I was going on – but then I just couldn’t stop taking photos. My oldest sister is a photographer and watching her really inspired me. So eventually I got better with the camera and saved up for an SLR! :) Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, My name is Benedicte, but most people called me Bene (which is pronounced Benny) I’m 16, turning 17 in around 7 months (yay!) I absolutely love photography! My other interests are writing and film. I Live in Australia and I love the smell of new cars.

What do you find the most challenging when taking a photo?

I find getting the photo to come out the way I imagined it in my head is pretty hard. Sometimes it’ll be better, but most of the time it’s not as good.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I want to be a dancer! But, unfortunately, I suck at dancing. :P What makes you different from every other Flickrite?

I try not to upload too many photos, and I am more of a flickr stalker than a flickr poster. Meaning, I look at other peoples photos more than I post. ^_^ Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

Yes and no.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Happiness! I love creating photos that make people happy! Or just make me happy.

Do you have a greatest fear?

Running the risk of sounding like a crazy person… my greatest fear is probably Avocado’s. Or Clowns.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get apicture?

Well, I’ve done a few things, but I think the craziest wasn’t even for a picture of mine. I was helping my sister get a picture of candles at night, but we didn’t have any place to put them, so we were looking around and we remembered that her neighbours had a lovely black driveway, and also happened to be away! So we took about one hundred little candles over to their lovely black driveway (which was realllllyyyy clean) and set up for our photo. It was pretty late at night, like 9 or something. Anyways, we go the photo, which turned out pretty nice, but when we moved all the candles, we realized we’d they’d melted wax ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. The neighbors were also coming back the next day… so we spent the rest of the night working like crazy to get it off!

If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be?

I’d really love to do a shoot with Audrey Tatu!

Does your mood affect your pictures?

Yeah, a lot of the time it does!

What’s your favorite TV show?

Bones! I am very obsessed with that TV show. And also Flight of the Conchords.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style? If so, how did you develop it? yeah, I think I do. I developed it from just taking photos and then just how I was comfortable taking the photo. I don’t do much for photo set-ups and my photos are mostly pretty happy.

Who is your favorite photographer or greatest photography inspiration?

My sister, Hailey Bartholomew (Poppysmiles on flickr) or Laurence Philomene (Laurence on flickr).

What would you like to achieve in the future?

Eventually work for a magazine like Frankie, as a photographer, or have my own photography business.

What talent do you wish you had?

I really wish I was good at Maths and Science. Or Teleporting… can I have teleporting?

Leah question: what would you say if I told you I had a lime green marker?

Well, I’d say, “I have a plain black marker… wanna swap?”

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I think this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bendoodat/3340504319/). I don’t really know why, I just like it.

Question from the last interviewee: Would you like some fries with that? (: why yes, of course.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

To view Bene’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bendoodat/

Interview #38: elaine abberly

So, first off, tell us a little about yourself. i'm a 20 year old full time college student from st. mary's county, maryland. i'm a sucker for vintage clothes and decorations and have been known to make late night runs to the grocery store for chocolate. i hope to one day travel the world with my friends and my fat cat. i don't take myself seriously at all.

How did you get into photography? well, to start off i am a huge fan of eisley and on their official site one of the band members, sherri, posted a link to her flickr site (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photostoshare1/) sharing her photography. i was so enamored with her concepts, costumes and how she semed to make a world of her own in her photos. for a few months i kept up to date with her flickr, but never tried anything myself. finally in december of 07 i made a flickr account and began trying my hand at it. recently i've moved away from very posed, conceptual photos and try to go for a more natural feel, but i credit sherri with getting me interested in photography.

Do you think that, if it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for her, you would have ever gotten into something like photography? i'm not quite sure, but i'd like to think so! my group of friends are all artistic in their own ways, so i think photography would have come up eventually.

What are three things you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go a day without? a camera of some sort, my cellphone, and music.

What would you say you like most about photography? i like how a photo can evoke a feeling, a memory or start a thought process. you may be able to relate to the photo or you may wonder what the story is behind it. either way, there is something to be said about that photo. also, i like the challenge of trying to translate my feelings or the subject's feelings into a photo.

What do you find most challenging about photography? like most photographers, i hate it when i can't execute a photo the way i want to, whether it be lack of models, lack of inspiration or just the fact that the photo looked better in my head. another thing is when people assume you take self portraits because you're vain. i guess in a way it is vain, but for different reasons. i don't take self portraits because i want to show myself off, but rather it's a way for me to learn about myself and document moments in my life.

Do you usually plan out your photos before you try taking them, or are the ideas often made up on the spot? i hardly ever plan anything out with photos, which is weird since i like to plan things out with other aspects of my life. with photos, i might just have the vaguest idea of what i want, like an outfit or a certain type of light. then once i start shooting, i basically just wing it and see what works.

Whats your favorite memory? oh, wow. that's tough! i think it would be playing in the creek in front of my grandparent's house with my cousin when we were about 7 or 8.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph? meaning. if there is none, what's there to learn from? to relate to? to figure out? i like photos that tell a story. i think if it's present when you're shooting everything else like lighting, location, etc. falls into place because you know what you're after.

What is your favorite subject to shoot? people, definitely. everyone is so different in their range of expressions and movements. i have always found people interesting, but would rather observe than interact, so shooting people is perfect for me.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

very much so! i live in a pretty rural part of town and since i moved here last year i've been very influenced by all the nature surrounding me. there's a lot of nature-y elements in my photos because i have a fondness for it and also because it's right in my backyard.

What is your biggest pet peeve? animal cruelty, i cannot stand it.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture? standing out in the snow for this picture (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenofleaves/3323293941/). you can't tell, but i am wearing shoes. they were pretty thin shoes though, so i may as well have been wearing nothing, haha. it was so cold that i was only able to take two pictures and hoped one of them came out good because i ran back inside!

Besides photography, what other things do you do? hmm, i don't really have other hobbies (haha, sad, right?). i hang out with my friends a lot and we go out to eat or see a movie or walk around town. usually we'll do whatever we feel like. like, one day they called me up and asked if i wanted to go fly kites with them, out of the blue, haha. i dabble in drawing and painting sometimes, but i'm not that confident with it.

What is something no one else knows about you? there's a reason why there are some things no one knows about me. i talk to my close friends about some personal things, but there are just some things i keep to myself. maybe one day i'll find someone who i can confide in.

What defines “home” to you? a place where i am comfortable, surrounded by familiar things i love.

Leah question: are you weird, or are you gifted? i'm gifted at being weird!

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenofleaves/3320011441/). the memory of watching that polaroid develop before me while the only thing i could hear was the snow falling is special to me. i think that moment really solidified my love for polaroid.

Question from last interviewee: If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do? probably nothing real bad, just mess with people. i'd go drive around and watch people's reactions, haha.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? what were your best memories of this summer?

To view Elaine’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenofleaves/

Interview #39: Kennedy Garrett

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in a different world 93% of the time. activities: -braiding -sewing -making promises -reading -thinking -dreaming favorites: -color grey and navy -popcorn and mentos -triangles and diamonds -mary kate and ashley olsen -bon iver -wednesday -llamas and wolves facts: -don't wear underwear when sleeping -wear shirts inside out; like the tags -hate seafood -i have 9 lives -allergic to this world How did you get into photography?

I watched my sister and her camera for about 7 months and finally I just picked up her camera one day and took a picture of myself. And now I am addicted.

Do you think it helps you, as a photographer, with a sister thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a photographer as well?

Oh holy crap yes! When I look at her pictures I get so frustrated with how good she is. I use that frustration to push myself into doing something better or just getting better. And about half the people that call me contacts on flickr found me through her.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing you push yourself to do? Not just in photography, but in life in general.

I push myself to be the person I want to be.

I push myself to make people proud; to be known.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Unfortunately I don't have that many options, so I just stick to myself and my room. I really want to start doing portraits and landscapes more.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

Ireland, London, or Australia. Those are my dream places. Ireland is just perfect in it's own way. London is grey and raining; perfect weather. Australia has the most insane animals alive.

What is something that no one knows about you?

If I told you something that no one knows about me, then someone would know. I can't have that. Not many people know that I listen to rap daily.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

Yes: vain, selfish, desperate, and snotty.

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you during a photoshoot?

This happened last week: I was taking pictures in my room and after 3 minutes of posing in just a tight sweater I went to go check the pictures I just took. I noticed that the school bus had just dropped off some people. About 7 people my age were staring at me watching me on the side walk.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Hmmm. Just any emotion. Emotion is what i live for.

Who means the most to you, and why?

Oh gosh. This is hard. It really shouldn't be. Umm... there are too many. I feel bad if I just pick one. Let's be vain and say myself.

How would you define photography?

An easier path to find yourself.

Is there any kind of advice you would give to fellow photographers?

Do it for yourself; yourself only.

Don't get all wound up whether or not your photos have views, comments, or favorites. None of that matters.

Do NOT get too prideful; be humble. Arrogance is annoying.

Try to not let it take over your life.

What do you think your strongest attribute is? Your weakest?

Strongest: emotion Weakest: emotion, locations, editing, quality of the picture Leah question: do you have random inside jokes with people that aren't exactly funny but you still laugh at them every time?

Ha, well.... +old people... +mini vans + vacuums +toilets +rebecca = dad's grandmother (my family and i are convinced she is a robot) +chauches +when people hike up their pants +ponies (ex: harry potter pony) i laugh at the weirdest things.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

One (http://www.flickr.com/photos/turn_your_swag_on/3188090835/). Two (http://www.flickr.com/photos/turn_your_swag_on/3188090835/). They both are tied. I really don't know why.

Perhaps it's because they are so raw and innocent. When I never really knew anything about photography.

Question from last interviewee: what were your best memories of this summer?

I didn't really do anything.So probably doing nothing. Waking up to the cool breeze of the summer rain while Bon Iver played in the background of my dreams.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Who do you think you are?

To view Kennedy’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/turn_your_swag_on/

Interview #40: breakdown!

Tell us (the readers) a little about yourself.

My name is Baohien, I'm 14 years of age. I just started school last month and I'm finally a freshman. I like to play chess and talk to strangers. The pop of a slice of bread out of a toaster gives me thrills.

How did you get into photography?

In 7th grade, I took up a publications class which had a lesson on all the photography basics. I was so lost and failed like crazy. My friend Victoria (flickr.com/wahhitzviccz) had to explain things to me. I stole her notes instead of taking my own haha. So the summer 7th grade ended, my dad gave me his SLR just because he didn't really want it (he just had one because he liked studying photography more than he liked doing it). And I thought, "Okiieee I'm going to try this out for kicks" haha. So I was never too serious with it at first.

How do you think you developed your photographic style?

I don't think I have a photographic style. My photos are constantly changing and I have a huge problem with sticking to one style. It kinda pisses me off sometimes, but I guess that's my own fault. All I can do is take more photos, find something that I like enough to stick to, and keep on going. YEAHHHH! What is something that no one knows about you?

I don't think there's something that no one knows about me because I don't hide things. I have no secrets, haha.

Except for the secret that I have no other secrets. If that even makes sense?

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite place to go to take photos?

I don't really use that many locations repetitively. Usually I use a location once or twice and then move on. My favorite place though, was a construction site of a house that was literally down the street from me. I just walked there when I needed a good location but felt lazy. In June, I moved to a different neighborhood and eventually, the construction of that house finished and a family moved in soon after. Great, right? Not really.

Do you think that being behind the camera hinders your ability to be social?

No, I don't think so at all. I take portraits (but not self portraits), so to take photos, I have to communicate with people. I shoot a lot of live shots for bands and take band promos, so I make new friends. Even if someone is a self portraitist, photography shouldn't hinder your social skills. Social skills are something that you would just work on aside from photography, in my opinion.

What makes you different from every other flickrite?

I don't think I'm different from every other flickrite. I never tried to be different, or the same, I just create my photos with the way I'm comfortable with creating them. But everyone has their own way of expressing themselves and going through the whole process, so you can't really group all flickrites into one category. That's what I like about flickr :D If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Telekinesis forsurez. Then I could just use my brain to switch the darn light switch off when I go to sleep but am too lazy to get up to physically do it.

What was your most terrifying photographic experience?

Oh good lordy. It was probably during Hurricane Ike. When the hurricane was coming, my mum drove me to Galveston Island to take photos. When we got there, the streets and buildings on the side of the highway were all totally flooded, the billboards were ripped off their stands, and there was a huge fire at a yacht service station. The wind was strong and the waves by the seawall were asdfghjkl. I don't know. It was scary, but more fun than scary. I was called stupid too many times for going on that little adventure. But I never pass up an opportunity like that. Just be careful and go do what no one else wants to.

Whose photostream do you check daily for new uploads?

I go on my contacts list and see who has uploaded that day, and then I go to their stream. But one that I look at

almost every day, whether they've uploaded or not, is yyellowbird (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yyellowbird/).

Yeah, not to be a total scary old man or anything. Haha Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

No. I think there are certain styles of photography, and people sometimes stick to one type of photography (portraiture, landscape, band, food, etc) but I don't think there are stereotypes.

Which is better: Twilight or Harry Potter?

Wingardium Leviosa! No magic outside of Hogwarts ...Screw Twilight. Edward Cullen is creepy as heck.

Who is your favorite photographer or greatest photography inspiration?

My contacts are my inspirations!

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

Busted my 20D. No joke. I shoot with a broken camera. It malfunctions so much and I can't do much with it.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get a new one soon.

How would you define photography?

An image produced by a camera that has meaning and heart and mind.

If you could sum yourself up in one word, what would it be?

SCAAAAAAAAARY! Leah question: how many books is the most you've read at a time?

I love reading! I don't do it as much as I used to, but probably 4 or 5... haha What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Probably this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/break-down/3430358088/). Not because of the photo, but because of went on behind it. That particular shoot wasn't planned at all. I was with three friends. We were running up and down the streets carrying a piano bench and ipod speakers with one of us in a tutu. We scared the construction workers away... haha. Fun stuff.

Question from last interviewee: Who do you think you are?

Your mom!

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What is the biggest influence on your photography that has nothing to do with photography itself?

To view Baohienâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/break-down/

Interview #41: anna szczekutowicz

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I'm Anna Szczekutowicz and only a small handful of people ever pronounce my name right. I was born in Poland but I moved to America at a young age and I live a pretty average life. I live in a average suburban area, I work at Forever 21, I go to college, and I am a math geek. I just happen to like taking photos. But, liking photos is pretty average nowadays too... so I'm pretty average :) How did you get into photography?

Well, when i was like 12-14 years old, i was obsessed with the site neopets.com. seriously, that was my life. i used to join guilds and from there i got interested in designing guild layouts so for years graphic design became my interest. I also, from designing, had to explore photos and fashion spreads so i got into fashion design and collage designs on the side as well. From there, I wanted to add my own ideas and photos into collages so I would borrow my mother's camera without her knowing and just take basic photography photos...you know, flowers, sky, playgrounds... stuff like that. and from there, i realized i could express everything in my mind through a camera so for 8 months, i collected my babysitting money and bought my first digital SLR, which i still use today.It all started with neopets :) Do you usually have an idea in your mind about how you would like your pictures to come out?

Sometimes when I'm showering, or about to go to bed, photo ideas come up in my head and i quickly write them down on a post it and place it on my stack of post-it-photo-ideas. though, i rarely go through them and actually do them. for my daily photo, usually i do not have an idea until i am roaming around the house, trying to think, or at location and already 100 photos in. however, whenever i do have an idea and i have a photoshoot for it, my photos that i like end up being something completely different than what i thought.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing you push yourself to do?

Well, obviously with my 365, i have to push myself into taking a photo everyday. And trust me, some days i am really not in the mood for any photos at all. but as for the non photography related part, i push myself to keep reading. i am a math geek, and thats about it. i hate literature and composing sentences and such. that is why i push myself to read a lot, i want to perhaps one day enjoy it.

What is one thing you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like about your photography? how my stuff is very repetitive and predictable. recently, ive been trying to step out of my usual box because it annoyed me that much how my work looked very similar one piece to another. id like to continue to try new things.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in? photography is important to me because i am able to express myself and i am able to be creative with it. it is an outlet for all my thoughts and feelings and i love being able to conveys that through a photo. there are countless ways in which you can compose or construct a photo, and i love that. i like having freedom and speaking words through my photos.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I can burp the alphabet and I cried at the end of the movie Tru Confessions.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture? i just went through all my photos to try to think of anything crazy i have done for my photos, and to be, its seems ive stayed away from anything too crazy, haha. though, with my friend cait, whenever she models for me, i made her lay in puddles, lay in brown rivers, get completely covered in flour, and i glued mirrors on her. is that crazy?

What do you find the most challenging when taking a photo?

Well there are a handful of challenges i face because a large number of my work is self portraits. for one, you cannot see the photo until you get behind the camera and it is very hard to get into the same postion as a few

photos before. and sometimes the focus never wants to listen to me and its just way easier if i were shooting someone else with the camera against my eye. it is annoying having to go back and forth and checking if it looks as planned, but its one of the things i have learned to deal with when it comes to taking a photo.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Most definitely. I lot of my photos are in lakes, fields, and the woods. I love being outside and taking photos. I believe in any surrounding you are in, you can make art.

What do you think your strongest attribute is? Your weakest?

I believe my strongest attribute is that I got pretty comfortable with my camera and remote and tripod. I like doing portraits, especially in natural lighting and I feel like that’s my strong point. However, I am real new to night photography, or any lighting other than the sun. I believe my weakest attribute is my use sun lighting. I need to experiment more.

Is there any advice you wish to give to fellow photographers? pick your camera up and shoot, A LOT. You can only get better with practice and getting to know your camera. i mean, im still shocked at how much i have grown through my 365 and it isn't even done yet. it pushed me to think outside my box and practice and practice and practice ! not every day was a winner, but everyday, i gained a little bit more knowledge of what i liked and what i didn't. You will not get better if you let your camera sit around. i did that for years and i regret it.

What defines “home” to you?

Well "home" means two things to me. One, my house in new jersey. Two, my family in Poland. The house i live in new jersey is where i eat, sleep, see my brother, sister, mother and father. im always welcome here. Yet, whenever i go to poland and i see all my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, i feel more at home there.

Leah question: what family member are you closest with? without a doubt, my brother. words cannot describe how much i love him, seriously. i am the luckiest person in the world to have him in my life.i described it all: this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaszczek/3815070741/) and this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaszczek/3830906962/) :D What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? oh god, its so hard to pick ! i think my favorite(s) (hahaha i cant pick just one!) always have such an emotional attachment.my favorites: this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaszczek/3815070741) and this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaszczek/3832233468/) and this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annaszczek/3821240866/). i think its a tie between all three of those because of what i was feeling at the time that the photo was taken :) Question from the last interviewee: What is the biggest influence on your photography that has nothing to do with photography itself?

Music and dreams. I like to listen to the meaning of lyrics and think about how i could show them in photos.

And i have the strangest dreams. They never make sens.e never, theyre so bizarre. it inspires me. my best ideas came from dreams and waking up and writing the idea down. my creative juices dont flow as fast while im awake ;D What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Do you plan to continue photography as a career?

To view Anna’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/91606473@N00/

Interview #42: rosie compton

Tell us a little about yourself. hi readers :) i'm fifteen and I live in Nashville, Tennessee. I dislike most country music even though i live in Tennessee. I have an eleven year old brother. I love tie dying shirts, reading harry potter books on rainy days while listening to the movie soundtracks, awkward silences, laughing, and sounding really cheesy like I am sounding right now. Fall is my favorite season and I consider myself to be an artistic person. oh and my eye color changes with the lighting and the color shirt that I wear.

How did you get into photography?

My interest in photography probably first started when I was about four and I discovered a Polaroid camera. It was like magic to me how a picture would magically appear on the film. Then in 7th grade I took a darkroom photography class the was offered for one semester. To be honest my photos were not very good but I enjoyed photography. After the class though I lost interest for a while. Last wintertime I became interested in photography again when I started taking random pictures with a point and shoot camera that came out well (in my opinion at the time). My love for it has grown so much since winter last year and now I shoot with a Nikon D90 instead of a point and shoot.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I do not really see stereotypes I try to see past the stereotypes and see the thin layer of honesty in a person. I think there are so many people out there that call themselves photographers and they are all so different. It would be hard to come up with stereotypes that would fit for all of them. I wish people to look past what they see on the surface and just see what they feel.

If you could have any magical power or ability, what would it be? can i just be unoriginal and say the ability to fly?

I know that you are doing a 365 project. Do you find it difficult? Easy? Interesting?

I knew you were going to ask me about my 365 :D its been... interesting. I miss days all the time because I have nothing decent to post for that day and then I try to make up. It has been difficult to post every day consistently. Recently I have decided to just photograph others and anything other than myself for a little while. I am not really sure how long that is going to last. I think I need to develop a better routine of taking pictures daily. I am hoping that I will grow as a photographer while doing this project. This project is like an unwritten treasure map, I know the treasure is out there somewhere I just have to be the one to decide where to go.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture? most of my photos don't really involve doing things that are too crazy. for this photo this photo (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3770003367_4778f950d6.jpg) I painted my face with a million coats of water color paints but that's not too crazy (some paint just got on my carpet, whoops) . I have done some pretty crazy things in cold weather to get a good picture but the photographs do not show how cold I actually was.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph? i would say emotion. people make connections through emotion and I feel like people can connect with a photograph if emotion is present.

What are three things you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go a day without? well of course the basic things like thinking, breathing or blinking. but other than those things: thinking about god, glancing over at my camera and telling myself to take pictures, listening to music If you could have a photoshoot with anyone, past or present, who would it be?

either myself as a child, kate winslet, or emma watson.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in?

It is my way to escape from things I am dealing with in my life. Its very therapeutic to me. Its also a way that I express myself. I feel like I can say things in my photos that I am unable to say in words.

How much time do you usually spend on a photo/photoshoot?

It really depends on how long it takes to get into the shoot. It can take anytime from fifteen minutes to an hour.

Sometimes it is really hard to get the shot that is inside of my head but other times a good shot comes easily.

Whats your favorite memory? it is impossible for me to choose one memory to call my favorite. If I was asked this question multiple times I would come up with a new answer each time. Memories I enjoy the most are events when I stop and say to myself "I hope I can hold on to this event for a lifetime" or memories that when I think of them any sadness or doubt I am holding onto melts away.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise? if you couldn't already tell I am not good at naming specifics in my answers. sorry if you were hoping for an exact person. I would have to say my greatest inspiration would be anyone who has come before me and done the things I am trying to do now. Whether it be in photography or just life. The people that inspire me the most are not the ones who look to inspire others but the ones who are inspired themselves by the world around them.

There are people very close to me that inspire to me and people who I barely know that inspire me.

How would you define photography?

I would define photography as the act of capturing specific moment in time. When you take photographs you are putting only what you want in the picture so you are filtering the world we live in. now a definition of good photography is a whole other definition.

What is something that no one knows about you? well if i said something no one knows about me then everyone would know. I want the few things no one knows about me locked inside my heart. no one knows what I am thinking right now I hope I can keep it that way.

Not many people know I was born during solar eclipse.

Leah question: do you have harry potter crayons? i do! ahh I am so jealous!

I wish I had some at the moment (i do have a pretty sweet 64 pack though). Its really hard for me not to ramble on about my love for harry potter! I want to go to Hogwarts so bad!

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? probably this shot right here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosiecompton/3668634252/). when I was looking through the pictures on my camera I was like "did I really take that?" It didn't know that a lens flare could be so magic, and it is strait off of the camera.

Question from the last interviewee: Do you plan to continue photography as a career?

I hope so. I really hope so but I don't know where I will end up in a few years. I know I will continue to take pictures and I hope I will never stop, ever. Who knows where I will be in ten years?

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

If you could do a collaboration with any photographer in the world who would it be?

To view Rosieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosiecompton/

Interview #43: â&#x2C6;&#x2020;tess

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm Tess. 14 years old. I live in a VERY small town. I have a job at a tea shop every Saturday from 11 to 5. I've been taking photos for about 9 months. I can't wait to see Where the Wild Things Are. My favorite color is either purple or blue. I have been taking Ballet since 4th or 5th grade. My favorite subjects in school are Social Studies and biology. Sometimes my eyes are blue, and sometimes green. My all time favorite book is Harry Potter 3. I will listen to just about anything, as long as it isn't country. I hate the cold. My birthday is in December. And I am currently writing a compare and contrast essay about Hinduism and Buddhism.

How did you get into photography?

I actually saw that a couple of my friends had a flickr account and I was mega jealous that they could make such amazing pictures. So I made a flickr. I started taking a couple shots that I thought they came out good. I was really bad, but I loved it. I took several shots a day and started looking through people on flickr and getting inspired. I would pressure my sister into letting me take a couple shots of her, I got Liv and Megan to start modeling for me, and I did some self portraits with my tripod that I found in the basement. Once I got my XSI it was like a whole new world of photography opened up, I could adjust the focus, and the lighting to make my pictures look just how I wanted them too. So thank you flickr, for helping me discover photography :) Who is your inspiration, photography or otherwise?

Photography : Tim Walker. Sally Mann. Olivia Bee. Nirrimi. Kennedy Garrett. Jane Bird. Matt Caplin. Frenchie Jane. Sophie Van Der Perre. Kalie Garret. And about a million others on flickr.

Otherwise: My sister. And a couple of my friends.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To make myself and anything I touch invisible. It would make taking candids so much easier.

What is one thing you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like about your photography?

Either how inconsistent I am or how my photos can look so fake and meaningless.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

My style changes so much. I hate it. One day I want to do high fashion makeup-y stuff and the next I want to do candid film shots. But I am definitely still desperately trying to find out what it is.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

I think every photo has to have a story behind it. It has to mean something to the photographer for it to be beautiful. this is one of the things i have to work on :\ What are three things you cant go a day without?

Food, water, and sleep.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I really cannot write down what I think about this. its way too complicated. i've re-phrased my thoughts at least 8 times, but it really doesn't make much sense. so I'll just say yes.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Yes I do, i am so grateful to live in a beautiful place. It makes taking pictures so much easier. There is this giant field behind my house that has the most amazing views. I am probably going to have a photo shoot there on tuesday. There are also these insane trees that I am going to climb. But i have to crawl around sometimes because its not my property and the old ladies that own it are outside occasionally, and they get really pissed if you go in the field with out asking.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

Hm. I haven't really done anything that crazy at all. Once megan, liv, and I went into a paper dumpster. It was really hot and there were an insane amount of newspapers. It was decently intense.

What is something no one knows about you?

That I am currently making a 3" by 3" sculpture of a caribou to put in my Biology project.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in?

Its important because I express my feelings and moods through it. Thats why I quit my 365, because it was pressuring me into taking a photo every day, but I didn't have enough time to put any actual emotion into it. It actually started to almost depress me, because I was so frustrated with the photos I was taking. Its really amazing to me, how you take a picture, and its a single moment in time, its a single second of someone's life, and you have it forever.

I can express myself through photography better than anything.

How would you define photography?

-noun The process or art of producing images of objects on sensitized surfaces by the chemical action of light or of other forms of radiant energy.

Thats photography. Good photography is completely different however.

Is there any kind of advice you would like to give to fellow photographers?

Do not stop taking photos. not even for a week. you will regret it. And always have confidence.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite memory?

"I am a squirrel that can speak parseltongue" -Megan.

Leah question: have you ever taken a picture of someone flapping?

I have not. but I will. :) What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Urgh. hm. one of these. this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-tess/3996027557/) this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-tess/3956544345/) this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-tess/3996354290/in/set-72157622427216319/) this (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-tess/4030002185/) haha. i am very indecisive.

Question from the last interviewee: If you could do a collaboration with any photographer in the world who would it be?

TIM WALKERRR What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What are 2 things about your photography that make it unique?

To view Tessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photography-by-tess/

Interview #44: frenchie-jane

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Francesca Allen-Dawson and I am a sixteen year old girl living in dreary England. I am in love with the world, but it scares me that the feeling is not mutual. I want to grow up very badly, for the sole reason that I would like to be taken seriously by people around me. I live in a small town full of small minded people and I can’t wait to see the world. I love vintage clothing, people watching, making lists that I never look back at again, cocorosie’s beautiful music, the movie 500 days of summer and mornings that are so cold you can see your breath in the air. I am currently studying English, Photography and Graphic Design. When I grow up I want to live in Paris or perhaps Los Angeles because the year and a half taster I had wasn’t quite enough. I really like taking photographs.

How did you get into photography? i honestly don't entirely know. i used to have an old point and shoot film camera to save memories with, and i suppose it developed from there. i then moved onto digital and became horribly fascinated with photoshop and taking cliche photographs of my sister. a year ago, i saved up for a DSLR and i haven't put it down since (apart from the days where only film will do).

Do you think you have a photographic style? If so, how did you develop it? i most definitely do, but i'm trying my hardest to break out of it. all of my previous shots were outdoors and so cliche; flowers, trees and pretty girls in dresses. but recently i like to think i've been experimenting a lot more. a few weeks ago, I did a shoot in an abandoned house i found, and i experimented with my friend's off camera flashes and i was really surprised and pleased with the results. i've been trying to break out of my style and surprise myself and other people, working with interesting props and locations.

What are three things you couldn’t go a day without? breathing, water, human contact Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph? i think that every photograph needs emotion and a certain connection between the the model and the photographer.

What is your favorite subject to shoot? most definitely humans, i find that they have an ability to convey emotion like nothing else. i love photographing beautiful girls and women because they have this natural air of grace and fluidity.

Does your mood affect your pictures? i think it most certainly does, especially when i used to do a lot of self portraits. it almost used to be my way of getting away from the world and expressing myself. now, whenever i shoot with my friends, i have an incredible buzzing feeling the night before and throughout the day and i hope that my energy affects my pictures, in a positive way.

What is something that no one knows about you? i'm really scared of the future.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes? i think rather than stereotypical photographers, that there are stereotypical photographs; the sunset silhouette shots, the skirt twirling, girls holding flowers. but i believe that every photographer has the capability to escape from these stereotypes and create something original. so in answer to your question, no, i do not believe there are photographer stereotypes because everybody has it in them to create something unique.

If you could shoot anyone, past or present, who would it be? my mother as a child, audrey hepburn, sasha pivovarova. i could easily spin off a list of hundreds of beautiful models i would sacrafice my home and posessions to shoot with, but i won't bore you.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise? this is a really hard question for me, i don't think i could name a single inspirational person, because i find i am inspired by a collection of memories and photographs and feelings.i am inspired by the urge to be indipendent and make my own way in life, the fragility of people's emotions, incredible music, eleanor hardwick among other photographers that i am completely floored by, fashion through the ages and beautiful films.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? i'd love to be able to read minds, although it makes me wonder whether that would do more harm than good. turning back time would be nice.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture? i used to go on my rooftops a lot, i made my model swim in an ornamental pond at these gardens, i broke into an abandoned and most probably haunted house, i've thrown myself in a muddy marsh in the freezing cold, i made my model sit on a shopping cart at a supermarket. i have so much fun on photoshoots!

What do you find the most challenging when taking a photo?

I always have an image in my head, of what the photo should look like, and when it doesn't turn out that way it really frustrates me. I find it challenging to accept that I'm still learning. I also find the weather/light challenging, especially in England, where you have little choice but to shoot in the cold and the damp weather which always results in dull, grey light.

How would you define photography?

Photography is what you make it. It could be the photographs you take on a night out, a family picnic, 1920s black and white film snapshots, Lina Scheynuis' almost candid looking images of her friends, Nan Goldin's sexualised and controversial images, Mario Testino's elaborate and detailed setups or my own photographs that I put on flickr. Photography to me, is photographs.

Whats your favorite memory? gosh, i have so many memories i hardly know where to begin. i think that living in sierra madre is my favourite memory. i remember that every day after school, my friend calista and i would be so warm from running ahead of my parents that we would stick our nine year old faces in the two o'clock sprinklers by the big white hotel on the corner. perhaps this isn't a memory at all. it feels so far away it has almost become dream-like.

Leah question: do you actually speak French? i managed to scrape an A (i don't know how) in my french gcse, but apart from that, not one little bit!

What is your favorite photo that you have taken? there is a photograph of my sister in greece buried underneath a pile of sand that is so raw, so honest and so candid. unfortunately it is not appropriate for the internet, so i shall have to settle with this one (www.flickr.com/photos/28225781@N05/3938599100/) it was such an amazing day, with an beautiful model, the most intriguing location and of course my wonderful friends which helped out!

Question from the last interviewee: What are 2 things about your photography that make it unique? i don't think there is anything about my photography that makes it unique or original or different from anybody else. and i really hate that.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? do you consider your photography to be art?

To view Frenchieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28225781@N05/

Interview #45 #45: JeTaimeTous

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well im Michael, seventeen, born in Canada and Now reside in florida. Six foot four, and still growing.

Awkward and a tad loud at times. I love conversation and hot coffee. I love photos and I love art. I have a weakness for v-necks and skinny jeans. And frankly I live day by day. I think I'm average, and ordinary. i am an overthinker, and analyze things much more than I should. But I am me, and I would never change that.

How did you get into photography?

I always remember taking photos. When i was little I had reign over the camera at around six years old. I was 11 when I got my first digital camera, and all i did was take photos. I lost touch with it until I turned about 15 and I recieved a digital camera for Christmas. All I recall doing Christmas day was taking so many photos the battery life would whither away. I just took photos of anything, then I started looking at photographers on flickr and being astounded by their work. it was mesmerizing to me how they could manufacture their thoughts into their work. So after I got my First Dslr at the end of last year I never stopped. Since then I haven't stopped, It's such an outlet for emotion and creativity, and it truly defines who I am.

If you could have a photoshoot with anyone, who would it be with?

I would love to have a photoshoot with Sasha Pivovarova the model and painter, or the Late Issabela Blow.

They are both eccentrics and it my mind that registers to something so manipulative and creative.They are vissionaries in their own rights, and that concept of artistic collaboration just excites me altogether. I like the unordinary in photography, so I feel that they would make excellent showcases for this.

What are three things you couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go a day without?

Thought Expression And the concept that I have love in my life Those keep me going everyday How long do you normally spend on a photo/photoshoot?

It depends really. Some photoshoots will last three minutes. And in some cases may last roughly three hours.

They are purely dependent on how I am feeling, and If I feel what I want portrayed has been portrayed in a way that makes me feel accomplished. Sometimes I go out of my way to take a long time because I have the ability to do so, and in other occurences I'll set up for my photo take three photos, and be pleased. it also dpends on my mood. if i'm in a rather bleak disposition during that particular photo endevour i'll take my time, because it's like therapy to me. Days when I am happy It takes much less time.

Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Composition. I think that composition plays an important role in manifesting the idea to make it more plausible to the eye, if that makes sense. Images can be composed well in many ways, as long as there is some element of composition then the photograph posseses a greater amount of validity to me. I also think having emotion or prescence is also a major factor in photography. It enabled the viewer to remain interested, and draws them in.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

I love human form. I do understand that this is a quite common answer; but portraits just mean a lot to my mind, and my tastes. I think that humans convey so much emotion. Even with the simplist looks in the simplist of light, can produce an image that truly wonders us. I do self-portraits much more that I like but i feel that sel portraits truly express who the photographer is themselves. Ideas in our mind can only and truly be expressed by ourselves. I also love landscapes. I don't do as many as I would like, but I think that landscape is eternal. I think it's just a great expression on how we see our own environment.

What is something that no one knows about you?

Well in really life some people know this; I am actually quite religous. I strive to be more spiritual and I do envy people that have close relationships with God. I think religion is a dying concept in my life. Especially our

generation. I find it is something to lean on, it's sort of something I can fall back on and envelop myself when I am woeful. I also am a huge fan of rap. I can do most dances, from the "Soulja Boy" to "the Jerk" :D Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

I don't have an opinion in terms of stereotypes, but there are certainly attidues that are far to common, and may be considered stereotypical. The attitude that you should take photos for anyone aside from yourself. I am guilty of this in small circumstance; however, photos should be for yourself. It's that attitude that you should have so many comments, or views, or popularity. Photos are a personal exhibition. Not an outlet to popularity. I also think some people posses to much pretension in some of their photos, I wish that could be erradicated at times.

Is there any kind of advice you would like to give to fellow photographers?

The main thing I would like to project to them is always practice. Always shoot, it can be theraputic and beneficial, it's an amazing experience to see growth in not only your work but yourself as well. Also, don't be afraid to expose yourself. There is someone in this world who is feeling the same thing you are at this very given moment. Your photographic articulation can mean so much to somebody, if only yourself. Be open to everything. Don't feel limited by equipment or means. Remeber, to somebody in this world, to some person out of the billions and billions you are an inspiration, you move them. Live and shoot by that.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

There hasn't been anything to insane I suppose. Well once I went to a section of field and woods we own to take photos. I usually never went there; I was also wearing shorts, which is rare. I ended up getting cut and I eventually developed a staff infection. I was bedridden for almost a month. Other than that it's the basic dirty looks one gets from passerbyers; I have had plenty of people pass by me when taking photos outdoors and slow down and stare. Hahaha, but it's all in getting the photo right?

What would you like to achieve in the future?

I'd like to go with the more cliche' answer and say be happy, but I think I'll expand on what happiness is to me. I want to work in the art industry, whether it be a photogrpahy or any other carrer as long as I am working around aesthetic creation i'll be happy. I want to write novels and I want to travel. The one thing I want to achieve is to break stereotypes. I want kids to believe in themselves, because it took so long for me to believe in myself. And love; I think love would be nice to.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite concept to portray?

My photography is kind of the concept of my mind at the moment. I like to have an erie or ethereal feel to my photos, though all of my self-portraits have some un-tangeble meaning to them. I like to portray a sense of vivedness if that makes sense. An emotion in lack of movement. I like simplicity done in the avante-garde. I have a lot of thoughts that go on in my mind, and these photos are them in a digital form.

What do you find the most challenging when taking a photo?

There is usually some form of idea in my mind before shooting, I find it hard to keep that ideal intact. I find it hard to stay on track and make difference to my other photos. I find it hard to accuratly portray the concept or idea that has manifested itself in my head. Sometimes things don't resolve the way in which one wants when taking photos. Also I tend to go the easy route and not even go with my original plan, i'll deviate from something that I have spent ages thinking and creating in my mind.

How would you define photography?

Photography is the greatest expression of thoughts culminated through movement and lack of speech. More emotion can be expressed through a single photo than a thousand lines of prose.

What are you listening to right now?

Well plies was on a Minute ago :D. But in curren tastes and older. i have a soft spot for Lily allen and Duffy. I am really liking Ellie Jackson; who sings under the name Laroux. One thing I listen to compulsively are movie

soundtracks. I have an obsession with Philip Glass, he is brilliant. I preper music without words most of the time I find it quite expressive.

Leah question: why? why not?

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

I have a soft spot for this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetaimetous/3874838555/in/set72157622198064130/), and this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetaimetous/3875322165/in/set72157622198464446/) not of me.

Question from last interviewee: do you consider your photography to be art?

That's a rather finnicky question. I like to consider what I do is art. Art however is pureley interpretation. So if someone finds my photos moving and in the arena of art, than I would say yes.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What keeps you driven in photography and life?

To view Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jetaimetous/

Interview #46 #46: owlgardens

Tell us a little about yourself.

Diana, I live in Florida, where the weather never changes and even though it sucks most of the time, I always have good lighting to work with. But I would also like to live somewhere where it snows or with a lot of forests and stuff like that…like Alaska or Austria. Anyways I go to college, studying photojournalism which I haven’t gotten around to studying yet. I like classic rock and heavy metal. I really love Fairytales and Magic but I also love horror books, Halloween and gory stuff. So I guess I am contradictory.

How did you get into photography?

I always wanted an art class, but they gave me a photography course in high school but that never got me anywhere and I really did not like it, since we had to use film and develop and that took so long. I ended up getting a C in the class but I did learn some stuff. I always did graphic arts and I had a deviantart account, so it kind of merged into photography slowly since I saw so many beautiful photos nearly every day. I got my camera for Christmas 2008 and that’s pretty much where it started it all.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

Uhhh… I guess you can say that. I always wanted to build a style but nowadays I think I am trying to move away from the same colors and composition to try new things. I try to add in greens and oranges whereas my photos were mostly pink, purples and blues. My favorites are black&white believe it or not, or really dark images and I would like to try that too.

Can you do magic tricks?

YES I am actually a magician trying to be a photographer. But don’t be fooled because I can do some crazy magic.

What is the story behind your Flickr name?

I really don’t know I guess I just picked a name and for quite a while I’ve stuck with it and that’s pretty rare. I think I had written a list of potential names but I decided this one was nicer since I do like owls and the word gardens kind of fit lol.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

That is an easy one, Alaska. Taking a photo of the northern lights is one of my dreams.

What’s one thing you push yourself to do?

I push myself to not come up with cliché ideas and not to do something a previous photographer has done, at least in flickr. That can be really difficult because there are so many other photographers in flickr, and so many ideas roaming around. If I do decide to do something that has been done before, I try to put in my own perspective. However, I am never doing anything involving Alice in Wonderland I made a vow.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

Movies, Music, Poems, Books, Paintings…. I get inspired by the strangest things that in the end have nothing to do with the image I have produced.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

Recently, I took photos with my best friend and I had to go inside a lake with my camera and that already is enough of a crazy thing. Also I made my friend Daniel stand on a really tall wall and my cousin Leana to climb trees. Also there have been plenty of times where it has rained super hard in the middle of shooting something and we’ve had to run for our lives.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Abandonment and the feeling of being completely uninhibited, it always comes back to that. It can be the hardest and easiest to portray depending on how I am feeling. Of course, if I feel restrained it is hard to portray freedom.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I don’t know if flying is considered a superpower but I would love to fly. To go anywhere I want and feel the wind in my hair.

Why is photography important to you?

How does it draw you in?It is important to me because I can take my point of view, and turn it into something that others can see.

How much of your childhood influences your photography?

A LOT, that is when I started drawing and doing graphic arts and where it led me to photography. I played a lot of interesting video games and watched a lot of movies so it made me a creative person and wanting to “expand” my creativity.

How would you define photography?

A method of visually capturing a moment in time.

What do you think your strongest attribute is? Your weakest?

Strongest I would have to say is lighting and weakest is conceptualizing. A lot of the times I don’t go by a certain concept but just start shooting randomly and see where it goes. That can be either really good or really pointless.

Leah question: there's a rock on my desk. lol rock.

What is a rock doing there! Lol What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

This (http://www.flickr.com/photos/owlgardens/3602666710/). Hands down, my favorite photo because of the subject matter and because of the back story. My friends and I went to a private road and we were just walking around looking for good locations. When we start to head back it starts raining and we are all running to the car.

But when we get back it stops raining a bit and there are two horses in the grazing farm area, both shivering and standing beside each other. It was one of those moments where everything is natural and you can almost “feel” the emotion.

Question from the last interviewee: What keeps you driven in photography and life?

Knowing there is so much of the world to capture really makes me happy that I can be alive to capture some of it.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

Let’s say the person you always dreamed of photographing just appears and lets you take a photo of them, what would you have them do?.

To view Diana’s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/owlgardens/

Interview #47: yyellowbird

Tell us a little about yourself. hi. my name is cari ann wayman. i am afraid of tornadoes and i like to run at night. i live in a restored schoolhouse from the 1800s, in the suburbs of chicago, illinois. ...i like to take pictures of things!

How did you first get into photography? one day in high school i took my mother's digital camera to the park and just started taking pictures. i think i was just bored after school and decided to try it. i was really terrible at first! i never took a class or anything, so i just learned on my own.

Do you think you have a specific photographic style? people tell me i do, but i'm not entirely sure how to describe it myself.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing you push yourself to do? to be honest, i don't think i really push myself to do anything. i act largely on whims and instincts, and i just do whatever i feel like doing. when i force myself into something, whether it be an artistic endeavor or something else, it often comes out half-hearted. i have to be entirely committed to what i'm doing or else it just doesn't work.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography? oh yes definitely. location is one of the most important things to me, in art and in life. where i live now, there aren't so many abandoned things, but i grew up in a town where there were lots of abandoned buildings scattered all over the place --and fields, and forests, and country roads, and all of that. the fact that i grew up in the midwest is pretty apparent in my pictures, i think.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes? yeah probably, though i don't know which one i fall under. i tend to not like very many "photographers," or people who define themselves by that term. i don't consider myself a "photographer," really. i don't know, i just don't act like that.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise? who? i'm not too influenced by people, i guess. i have a hard time relating to the world, especially to other people, whether i actually know them or not. i exist mostly in my own head. so, myself? is that lame? sorry if that's lame. people i love. people i almost loved.

What is something that no one knows about you? i'm pretty candid on the internet for the most part, so people know lots of things about me. um, i didn't talk until i was twelve? that had something to do with selective mutism.

What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture? haha, you name it. climbed barbed wire fences, traversed through fields of giant spiders, trudged knee-deep through tepid water, climbed in broken windows, knocked down doors, dodged police, lay down on the side of a 50mph road, climbed on top of various precarious structures.. that's sortof how it goes when you're taking pictures in abandoned buildings. i have a habit of not thinking about consequences.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite concept to portray? well there's a lot going on in my head, but i'm not inclined to tell everything. i really don't want to taint a viewer's initial reaction when they see my work. or maybe i'm just saying that to cover up for how horribly, terribly, frightfully inarticulate i am.

What do you find the most challenging when taking a photo? when i want to take a self-portrait and i don't have a tripod or i have to set the camera up really far away and then run into the shot in only ten seconds or things like that, haha. my camera is also kindof old and doesn't work well all the time. and i have terrible, terrible vision and i have a hard time telling when something is in focus or not. just physical constraints like that. also, sometimes i get into ruts that usually occur during the cold dreary winter months when i can't go outside. that's really frustrating for me. i get very restless.

What talent do you wish you had? i'd love to be able to sing or play music. how music is made is an art form i have absolutely no grasp on whatsoever, and i think it's really fascinating. i wish my mind worked in that way. also i'd like to be able to talk to animals.

How would you define photography? taking pictures? i don't know. i'm sortof wayward in my thinking and i'm not good at being definitive.

How do you want people to feel when they view your photos, in general, or does it differ from photo to photo? i just want them to feel something, anything. my biggest fear is that they'll be bored.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in? it's pretty much the only thing i do, ever. i'm not very good at relating to the world, so i do it through pictures. it's something i'm not naturally good at, it's something i had to work at. i spent most of my life drawing and painting and eventually i got bored of how naturally it came to me. when i started taking pictures, i was terrible and i knew it, and i wanted to be better.

What's your favorite memory? magnetic moments of spinning, heights above glittering.

Leah question: describe, exactly, the last picture that is on your camera, whether you put it on flickr or not or whether it's good or not. um, well, it's one of those coyote pictures, and yes, it ended up making it to flickr. i have to admit i'm sortof afraid to talk about those pictures!

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? i always seem to like my most recent pictures. i do like those coyote pictures very much. i just feel so much for.. the animal, everything.

Question from the last interviewee: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say the person you always dreamed of photographing just appears and lets you take a photo of them, what would you have them do? ahh, i'm afraid i'm not the best person to answer this question! there's not really a person i've always dreamed of photographing. but i would take pictures of anyone who asked me to, and well, i guess i'd take them somewhere abandoned.

What is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee? what is the best thing you have ever seen that glowed in the dark?

To view Cariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yyellowbird/

Interview #48: sarah lowness.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Well, my name is Sarah, I'm from Pennsylvania, and I am seventeen years old. I'm not interesting, and this question makes me realize that I do not know myself very well at all. Really, I take pictures, go to school, go to work, and spend time with my dad or my boyfriend. I have friends and family that I really love and can have a good time with, but for the most part, I like to be alone. I am independent to a fault, bite my nails, and am something of a slob. I am in constant transition, but thats normal as hell.

How did you get into photography?

I remember thinking when I was elementary school age that I would like to take pictures. Its like I knew i could do it. In middle school, I would use disposable cameras all the time, and when I was in fifth or sixth grade, my aunt gave me a 35mm, all auto, film camera that belonged to my grandmother. However, around that time, my life was sort of in chaos, so I had to hold off photography until a few years ago when I bought a little powershot at Wal-mart. I remember it distinctly. I was so excited. I had recently moved to a new area and hated it. I had, no exaggeration, zero friends. Thats when I got involved with Flickr, but I didn't really start improving substantially until a few months into the 365days project which I started January of 2009. I also, in my mind, for indistinct reasons, associate my brother, Nat, with my interest in photography.

Who is your greatest photographic inspiration?

There are so many of photographers that encourage me to be better, including famous photographers like Tim Walker and Annie Leibovitz and tons of people on Flickr. It is hard to name just a few. Inspiration is such a funny word. Most of the time, I am just in awe of really spectacular photographs and photographers. What inspires me most, I guess you could say, is how i feel from day to day. I am constantly high and low, extreme ups and downs, and thats probably what influences or inspires my photos most.

What are three things you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go a day without?

Three things I couldn't go a day without? to live: air, water, gravityto be comfortable/content: camera, food, laughing Do you think you have a specific photographic style?

Oh, man. No, not at all, really. My photos do not really "stick together" if you know what I mean. They are all over the place as far as style and whatnot.

If you could travel anywhere in the world to take pictures, where would it be?

The whole world is so beautiful and sad and offers so many incredible locations and humans and animals and plants to photograph. I want to take every kind of photograph possible, and that makes this question so hard! I guess I would have to say Canada or Alaska for how beautiful the area seems, but I would really like to visit hospitals and prisons and homeless shelters, all over the world, to take pictures of people.

How would you define photography? the act of taking pictures :)Its different when someone claims to be a photographer just because they take pictures... That is just a pet peeve of mine.

If you could sum yourself up in one word, what would it be? droll.

How much time do you usually spend on a photo/photoshoot?

Well, with the 365 days project and taking a photo everyday, it really tends to vary. Sometimes its just quick and it won't take longer than fifteen minutes to take, edit, and post the photo. Other days, if I'm shooting with my friend Dani or I really feel like taking lots of pictures, it can be up to three or four hours. Usually though, its somewhere around an hour.

What was your most terrifying photographic experience?

Nothing particularly terrifying has happened, but I have a list of things varying from slightly amusing in retrospect to ridiculous/ probably kind of dumb on my part that have happened on photoshoots: shooting in the road and running from cars shooting in the woods during hunting season shooting in a laundry mat full of people-- embarrassing almost being locked inside a dryer shooting at night How much of your childhood influences your photography?

I'm not really sure how this might come out sounding or what it might imply, but I do not really like to share details of my childhood with people, whether they are people I know or not. Not much of it is very happy, and its definitely not very picturesque, so, yes, experiences from my childhood influence me in every way possible, in photography, in the way I handle relationships, and the way I am as a person.

What defines “home” to you?

I'm going to ahead and be corny and say that to me, home is a person... or really, a few different people. I grew up in the mushroom capital of the world, and thats where most of my friends are. Whenever I go back to visit, I feel very at home as long as I am with them. Also, if I am with my siblings, I feel perfectly at home, my dad as well. My boyfriend also feels like what I imagine home would feel like.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in?

Photography is important to me because its an emotional outlet. That is my current focus because of all the selfportraits I have been doing for the 365 days project, but its also very important to me to be able to make something beautiful or see it captured. I just love taking pictures. I like how I feel while I'm doing it, whether they are selfs or of others or of anything/anyone else. They have the potential to tell a story and really make the audience feel.

What is one thing you don’t like about your photography?

Just one thing? hahahahaha. I hate that none of my photos are cohesive. I hate that no matter what, I am never satisfied with any of my photos. I hate that my best photos are of me. I hate that my photos are not as real as they could be. I hate that my photography lacks depth, in my opinion anyway.

Is there any kind of advice you would like to give to fellow photographers?

Take lots and lots of pictures. Also, do not compare your work to others', that won't get you anywhere.

What would you like to achieve in the future?

I think figuring out what I want to achieve would be an accomplishment in itself.

Leah question: do you like cd rainbows?

I don't know who wouldn't.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken? this one, hands down: www.flickr.com/photos/asforme/3505100533/in/set-72157612157430855/ I love it because its as close to candid as I have ever gotten with a self-portrait. It just happened, at just the right time, the shutter clicked and there was real life. Also, the day it was taken on was very good and memorable. I am really proud of this one though, too: www.flickr.com/photos/asforme/3854130571/in/set72157612157430855/ Question from the last interviewee: what is the best thing you have ever seen that glowed in the dark? !!!!!! Once, I was in a gift shop with my friend. She was visiting my area and really wanted a t-shirt, so we were in that section. There was this ridiculous kid's shirt that was blue with a bunch of animals around a campfire on

it, but it glowed in the dark, too!!! If I had had the money, it would've been mine. I will definitely be going back to look for it.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What does your family/friends think of your photography? Do they support it?

To view Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/asforme/

Interview #49: idle a while

Tell us a little about yourself.

A little about me eh? Okie doke...I was born and raised in Jamaica, where I lived for 12 years before moving to Canada for my sisters schooling. I was a painter for a very long time before discovering the powers of photography and photo-manipulation. As with most people I'm sure, photography is my therapy. I treat my images like a coded visual diary that I choose to share with whoever wants to decipher. My favorite book is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. My favorite colors are aqua blue and pastel pink. I'm an annoyingly sensitive person who cries at just about anything. And I'm really bad at writing about myself. Hence why I choose a medium that doesn't require much verbal articulation. :) How did you get into photography?

Everytime I attempt the "how" I end up with the "when". I'm not entirely sure how I got into photography. It was such a gradual thing. It's like a coloring book, you color the pages one by one and before you know it you've completed the book and find yourself wanting more books to color. My first experience with the camera was as a documentary medium. Having to leave Jamaica really prompted me to document all the important things. I guess from there I gradually began to discover the other uses photography possessed. I went to a very technologically advanced highschool, Marshall McLuhan, so I was really lucky to be exposed to the medium on a daily basis. My photography teacher in Grade 11 & 12 really encouraged me to pursue it seriously. I really do owe alot to her and her husband (Sandra & Dave Babcock).

How much time do you usually spend on a photo/photoshoot?

Usually 30 minutes to edit. It really depends though. Same with photoshoots. I can spend anywhere between half an hour to 3 hours shooting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I'm just going to make up a super power because I don't know many, haha. Invisibility. Because then I could travel the world for free! Of course I'd need to invest in some invisible clothes, or things might get tricky.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Anything that will allow me to shoot at f1.8.

Do you think your surroundings influence your photography?

Most definitely. But it works both ways (my photography also influences my surroundings). I've taken apart my place far too many times for a photograph. I'm sure my furniture hates me.

What’s your favorite concept to portray?

Solitude What are three things you couldn’t go a day without?

Food, water, and clothes, Duh ;) Is there one element that you think is very important for every photograph?

Beyond technical knowledge of the medium? Oh boy, I don't know. I live by: Know the rules before you break them. But beyond that mentality, I don't think there's much else that I'd classify as very important. Perhaps meaning, having something to say with your photographs. I know I'm guilty of taking images that are only impactful perhaps on an aesthetic level, but even then I'm creating something with an intention. So I guess that would be the one thing that is very important for every photographer, shoot with a purpose.

What is one thing you don’t like about your photography?

I don't think there's anything I hate about my photography. There may be things I hate about particular works in retrospect. But those are usually promptly deleted, mwuahaha.

Do you think there are photographer stereotypes?

If the stereotypes are true, are they really stereotypes? I'm actually not aware of any untrue representations, so I suppose my answer is no. I actually tried to do a google search to see if I could find ones I may have missed, but I think for the most part whatever is said is true.. thus they can't really be classified as stereotypes, hahaha. I know I for one do ridiculous things for a photograph. And I know I'm guilty of being equipment obsessed and light obsessed and composition obsessed. What photographer isn't?

What’s your favorite memory?

Hahaha, this one makes me laugh now but it wasn't so funny at the time. Isn't it strange how that works? I'll try and play storyteller here but it may just be one of those things that are too personal to convey properly. My boyfriend, Mitch, and I were at Ontario Place a few summers ago for the Chinese Lantern Festival. I'd for once dressed warm enough. We had a season pass and every time we went I'd dress all wrong. So anyhow, this time I picked up a nice warm sweater. So there we are strolling along, looking at all the pretty lanterns and then we see that the log ride is still running. The log ride is this really kiddy ride with a sweet drop at the end, nothing too drastic, maybe a slight slash but nothing to worry about. Anyhow, so we decide to get on it. As we're walking up to the ride and in the process of getting seated we notice that the drop looks abnormal.. like really abnormal.

There's massive amounts of water shooting out of the drop and the pathway that contains the log looks atleast 2 feet fuller. By this time we're already seated and on our way so it's too late to turn back. So we're basically screwed if anythings wrong. When we finally make it to the drop we realize that there's definitely TOO much water and TOO much force, we go flying over the drop and make the biggest effing splash.. we're both SOAKED. My everything is soaked, our feet are actually swimming in water. My backpack with spare clothes soaked. It was SO so cold. I spent who knows how long in the washroom trying to dry myself off with the hand dryers and the moment I step out of the washroom all the lanterns power off.. =(!!! I was so sad. But it's one of my favorite memories because it marked that summer in ways I can't express. To this day no one believes us about that damn log ride. I swear, it's evil at night.

How much of your childhood influences your photography?

I don't think I'm necessarily influenced by my childhood, but more by the ideas I had as a child. In that case, alot of my work stems from that. Though I can't tell when I stopped thinking like a child... how perplexing.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in?

I suppose it's important as a form of expression, but it's also something I feel I'm good at, so it serves to give me a sense of purpose in the world. I don't want that to come off the wrong way. I think photography is something I'm good at the same way a person decides they're good at teaching so they become a teacher, or someone who excels in ethical philosophy would become a lawyer. So I guess it also draws me in for that reason aswell, because it's the only thing I see myself doing in life.

How would you define photography?

I'd define photography as an artistic recording medium.

What would you like to achieve in the future?

I would like to own my own studio.

Leah question: what’s the highest ladder you’ve ever climbed?

What a random question. 10ft.

What’s your favorite photograph that you have taken?

My favorite photograph is usually the last one I've taken. But I suppose if I had to choose one that I keep coming back to consistently, it would be this one: The Chair Farm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/idle_a_while/3783983566/in/set-72157617321989869/) Question from the last interviewee: What does your family/friends think of your photography? Do they support it?

My family and friends are my biggest supporters. There were times where I wanted to give up but as cheesy as it sounds, they helped me overcome those insecurities.

What is a question that you would like to ask the next interviewee?

How would your life be different without photography?

To view Vanessaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28412842@N00/

Interview #50: Jordan Blanchard

Tell us a little about yourself.

Ok so I am 18 years old. I got a camera for graduation last may. I actually wanted to go to school for film and make movies but when I got my camera as a graduation present i was just so interested I taught myself everything I know and I fell in love. I've never been good at anything in my life and this is the first thing i can say that I feel like I am ok at. My inspiration comes from movies music and other photographers some even on flickr.Im in college and im going to be majoring in either photography or photojournalism either way photography is my life now and always will be.

How did you get into photography?

I got into photography on accident in a way. hah. At the end of 2008 I decided to do a 365 at that time I didn't have an slr and had no real interest in photography. It was just a goal of mine so for Christmas I got a Canon Powershot and with that I took pictures a lot. I had originally wanted to work with movies so I planned on going to film school and then for graduation I was given my Nikon D60. After shooting once or twice I realized I was in love with photography and now it runs my life. I'm starting school in spring as either a photography major o r photojournalism major. Photography is and always will be my life.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

My favorite subject is of course people. Not the way most people like to shoot people though. I like to make my pictures look like an ordinary snapshot of what seems to be nothing special but at the same time make people feel the emotion that I'm trying to express. Right now I'm trying to expand my portfolio and do more humanless shots like maybe some scenery and landscape pictures. I believe once I start that I'll learn so much from it and then I'll be able to make beautiful scenery for portraits.

Who is your greatest inspiration, photography or otherwise?

My biggest inpiration In the world is Allison Watkins, because she taught me photography is whatever you want it to be. There are no rules to photography, well there is, but she taught me to follow the ones I want and forget the rest. What I learned from her helped me develop my own taste and style. Plus she shoots stills for indie films and that's kinda my dream job.

How much time do you usually spend on a photo/photoshoot?

On average i spend about 10 minutes then less than a minute for editing. Sometimes it take a lot longer to get a decent shot, I've noticed with my 365 that I could settle with a picture after a few minutes of shooting, but it's best to always wait for the shot that blows yourself away. So I guess on good days 10 minutes on bad days 30.

BTW when its 28 degrees outside i tend to shorten my shooting to about 5 mins :D What is the craziest thing you have done to get a picture?

I've climbed a lot of scary things to get a picture. The scariest was climbing on the ceiling of a barn that floated into this abandoned field during hurricane katrina so it's super rotten now. :D Oh and I've jumped in front of a train.

What is something that no one knows about you?

I have a panic disorder that causes me to feel sick everyday. Because of my panic disorder, I usually shoot at golden hour. It's not that I only like sunset shoots its just by the time I feel good enough to leave my house it's already golden hour.

Do you ever get creative blocks? How are you able to get past them?

I have a constant creative block for the past few months. I find the best way to overcome a creative block is to just go out and shoot at random. I just grab my camera find a place and start shooting usually ideas come to me.

How much of your childhood influences your photography? ha! My childhood is my photography. Almost everything I shoot was influenced by a time in my life when everything seemed so easy and stress free (when I was a kid).

How would you define photography?

Photography is defined as "drawing with light." So, I believe to actually be considered photography, a picture needs to express some kind of emotion, but at the same time have beautiful lighting as if it were painted with light. What i don't consider photography are overly photoshoped pictures like manipulations and HDR. Photography should always be about capturing an image not enhancing it.

Why is photography important to you? How does it draw you in?

Photography is important to me because I can express what ever I want, and if I do it right other people can feel it by looking at my pictures.Also taking pictures is the only thing I've ever been good at. :D What would you like to achieve in the future?

In the near future I would like to be admitted to the University of New Orleans where I can begin majoring in photography.

Was there any moment in your life that you wished you had had your camera at the ready to take a picture and capture the moment forever?

There are a lot of moments in my life I wish I could have captured on camera. None of them would have made an amazing picture but I would love to be able to look back at some of the memories I have in my head from a long time ago.

What lessons has photography taught you? Not just in photography terms, but in life terms as well.

Photography has changed my life tremendously. I think the most important thing I've learned is how to commit to something. I am a huge procrastinator so learning to stay committed has helped me become a better person.

Do you believe photography is an innate talent?

Absolutely! I don't think photography is something you can go to school for and just become good. I believe talent in anything is something your born with. I see kids all the time with there high level slr's in the city taking pictures of things like there feet using the auto exposure mode on a three thousand dollar camera. Usually kids like that are the first to brag about how expensive there camera was, and a lot of times are photography majors.

Do I believe they will ever be good, even after school? NO. It's not int there heart, and it never will be.

What is your greatest fear?

This is so lame of me to say. My biggest fear is actually passing out. I passed out once before and it was so scary to me that now I'm horrified of it happening again one day. I think the reason I'm scared is because I don't like loosing control over myself and when I passed out I felt completely helpless. This is the same reason I have never been drunk or will ever do any kind of drugs.

What do you feel when you look back at your old photos?

Proud. I feel proud that I stuck with this and came so far with it. My first picture I uploaded on here was of a house that I took in the car. Actually the first 10 or so pictures I uploaded on Flickr are from when I was in a car. I loved the feelings I would get from those pictures even-though they sucked they made me question the world. Like, what were the people inside that house were doing?,What are they like? Now I question everything and the world feels like a new place.

Do you think you have improved?

I hope so. haha! Yes, I do believe I've improved. When I first started shooting I always used the program mode.using the program mode is fine, but it leaves you with little control over how your image will look. Most of the time when someone shoots with an auto exposure there left with washed out colors that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make a very pretty image. I took the time to teach myself exposure and now I shoot totally manual. Knowing exposure is the first step to improving. When you know how to manipulate a camera to get the picture you want, you can see a dramatic change in colors, tones, and lighting. So I guess because I taught myself exposure I have improved.

Leah question: are you a Harry Potter nerd?

Now?-no I was one of the original Harry potter nerds though I was the only kid in 5th grade that read every harry potter book up to the fourth one. When everyone went crazy over it I lost interest and never got around to reading any of the other books.

What is your favorite photograph that you have taken?

Well, my favorite picture that I have ever taken is this one (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jordanblanchard/3930522106). I dont believe this is the best picture I have ever taken, but this picture created who I am as a photographer. When I saw this on my camera i wanted to scream I loved it SO much. The whole thing happened on accident. I went to a new location I had found that day and started shooting but wasnt happy with any of the pictures. Me tiffany and her sister decided to run throught the field I was shooting at. The grass was as tall as us so we couldnt see much. We ran through the grass holding hands and all of a sudden the grass stopped and we found a really old tree with a tire swing on it in the middle of this field. It was so magical. I started shooting and all of a sudden the sun went down and on that day I discovered my love for taking pictures that make people feel free and happy. So, this picture means a lot to me.

Now that I think about it, it may be my best picture as well.:D Question from the last interviewee: How would your life be different without photography?

My life without photography wouldn't be much of a life at all. First of al l'm now a photography major so obviously I would be in school for something else. If I had to guess I would probably end up as a really unhappy school teacher or something. Without photography I would be a completely different person.

Photography has taught me to look at the world in a new way a way that makes everything seem nicer.

If there were to be a next interview, what is a question you would like to ask the next interviewee?

What field of photography would you love to get into?

To view Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36519370@N02/