Sincerely Yours October 2010
Volume 1, Issue 3
CONTENTS
Ashley Garrels
Kelsey Beacco
Jade Alexandria
James Spencer
page 6
page 16
Marina Velazquez page 24
page 32
page 40
Cover Photo
by Jade Alexandria
CONTRIBUTERS Founder and Editor-In-Chief ANGELA MARKSBERRY
Co-Editor LAUREN POTTER
Graphic Design ANGELA MARKSBERRY
Staff Photographer ANGELA MARKSBERRY
Featured Photographers JADE ALEXANDRIA JAMES SPENCER ASHLEY GARRELS MARINA velazquez KELSEY BEACCO
Ashley Garrels Photographer Age: 18 Camera: Nikon D40, Minolta X700 Website: flickr.com/photos/ashleyohthree How did you get started in photography? When I was approaching 8th grade, my dad gave me a tiny, point and shoot Nikon that I fell in love with. I understood nothing about photography, just that it was fun and exciting to click the shutter. My dad is an amazing photographer and he’s the one who really taught me the basics and fundamentals of taking photos. Once I joined Flickr about three years ago, my love and appreciation for photography just exploded. There is so much incredible beauty out there. What inspires you? What doesn’t? So so many things such as light, music and movies, colors and places, dreams and jokes. I’m really inspired by emotions as well as how I am feeling on a given day. The thing photography has taught me is that there are infinite opportunities for inspiration, you just need to look hard enough. Do you have a favorite photographer? Who? I don’t know if I could pick just one, as there are so many people whose work I admire and love. Most of them come from Flickr, such as Kristine May, --Lulu, and IrenaS, just to name a few. I also really love the work of Vania and Christine from Simply Bloom Photography. What/Who is your biggest influence? Friends and family are definitely the greatest influence. Those people that I keep extremely close, who know me inside and out, inspire me with their antics and laughter and
thoughts.
know more about?
If you could pick anyone to shoot for a day, who would it be and why?
Probably Emilie79 of Flickr, from Paris. Her airy, blue tinged, Polaroids are oh so French and wonderful. I would love to know the stories behind her soft creations, as each one is so interesting and intriguing.
I would absolutely love to shoot Carey Mulligan! I adore her work on film and I just think she would be a really fun and adorable person to work with. What is your view on editing/retouching photos? I personally love editing photos, I don’t know what I would do without Photoshop. I love having the ability and opportunity to produce exactly the vision I had in mind, even if it takes a bit of tweaking. Post processing just adds a final bit of magic to a shot and sometimes helps put in a bit of the emotion that was felt when the photo was actually taken. What is your favorite photograph that you've taken? I think my favorite photograph would have to be, “Bottle It Up,” the one with the mason jar and city bokeh. I had my eye on the bokeh across the lake from my house for awhile and didn’t really have an idea of what I wanted to happen with it, just that I was dying to shoot with some mason jars I’d found that day. I loved the way the streetlamps looked all lined up and once I had taken the photo, I realized that it was something I was really proud of, especially as it was spontaneous. What is your favorite photo by another photographer? Funnily enough, it is probably the photo taken of my four friends and I on the London Eye this past summer, taken by a giant computerized camera attached to the structure. It is so imperfect and candid and cheesy, taken at just the right second, and it’s a memory I’ll always hold onto. Who's a photographer you'd like to
Do you plan on photography as a career, or is it just a hobby? I am excited to start studying photography officially in school this fall. My dream is to open my own portraiture business, or anything really that involves traveling the world with a camera (or two) around my neck. Do you prefer using film, or digital? I primarily use digital, but I can’t ignore the romantic feel of film. Everything about it is so unexpected and sort of a mystery, which makes shooting film that much more wonderful. I would love to have a darkroom and shoot 100% film one day, but until then, digital is just fine. What one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting off in photography? Keep looking and shooting! Keeping your eyes wide open will only cause you to see and appreciate things you otherwise might not. Seeing beautiful work from others whose skills or techniques may be a bit more advanced than yours always keeps you striving to improve and experiment with your photography. What's the biggest thing you've learned since first picking up a camera? That it’s really not so much about the equipment as the idea. If it can be imagined, it can be shot.
Jade Alexandria Photographer Age: 20 Camera: Canon Rebel XTi Website: flickr.com/photos/jadealexandria/ How did you get started in photography? My grandfather was definitely the culprit there. He taught me the basics of composing a good shot and really got me interested in photography in general when I was about 9. What inspires you? Oh everything seems too lately. Do you have a favorite photographer? Who? I have many. I like Eugenio Recuenco, Kanako Sasaki, Ansel Adams, Sally Mann, and Diane Arbus; countless of photographers on Flickr as well. What/Who is your biggest influence? My family in general I think. As I said my grandfather was the one who got me interested in photography and my mother was the one who encouraged me to pursue it.
What is your favorite photograph that you've taken? I think one of my favorites is my photograph of a tree in a little clearing surrounded by fog. It may not be my best photograph to date but it was the first one that I was really proud of. It also made me fall in love with taking pictures on foggy days. What is your favorite photo by another photographer? Tetons and The Snake River, Grand Teton National Park by Ansel Adams. It’s a photo that shows that there is still parts of the world that are beautiful and practically untouched by man. It really inspires me to travel more and see beautiful places like he did. Who's a photographer you'd like to know more about? Plenty, I like to know how other photographers think and what inspires them. Right now I'm waiting for a documentary on Sally Mann to come in from Netflix. When did you decide that photography was more than just a hobby for you?
Eugene Hutz from the gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello, he has a unique style and a fun personality. I feel like it would be a blast to spend a day with him in general.
Towards the end of high school, I didn't have any idea what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I was passionate about photography but I wasn't sure if I should pursue it. My mother encouraged me to go for it and now I'm heading for my bachelors in digital photography.
What is your view on editing/retouching photos?
Do you prefer using film, or digital?
I have nothing against it. I think it’s great if your photo turns out exactly how you want it, right out of the camera, but if you think it could look better with warmer tones, vibrant colors or more contrast then I think it’s perfectly acceptable to edit the photo to your liking.
I like my instant gratification, so I prefer shooting in digital most of the time.
If you could pick anyone to shoot for a day, who would it be and why?
What one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting off in photography? Take your camera everywhere you
can. If you don't have your camera on you, chances are high that something will happen that you wish you had it. What's your favorite band? Gogol Bordello, Rancid, Rob Zombie, Spoon, and White Stripes. Do you feel your photography has a certain style? I think I'm still in a pretty experimental stage when it comes to my own style. What are a few of your favorite books? A recent favorite is Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. Of course whenever I want to get inspired I reach for Brothers Grimm or Alice in Wonderland What would your ideal job be? I'm not too picky as long as I'm taking pictures. Just get a decent paying job and work freelance on the side. Once I've worked in the field for awhile I'd love to get my masters and teach. Craziest thing you've done for a photo? I'm not sure, possibly turning on the ten second timer and running on top of a small waterfall, nearly slipping on wet rocks and posing with my boyfriend, over and over, just making it every time, but nearly falling into the water every time as well. Do you believe in true love? I believe in love, I've experienced it the past two years. Favorite concert you've been to? Probably Lollapalooza 2008. Three days of nonstop great music.
Marina Velazquez Photographer
Website: flickr.com/photos/43062884@N08/
I think that I would choose to shoot Ryan Jay and his girlfriend, Alexis. They are photographers on Flickr and their love for each other pierces through the shots they take together, I want to capture it the way I see it.
How did you get started in photography?
What is your view on editing/retouching photos?
I've always liked having pictures to look back on and remember things fondly, about a year ago a friend of mine started a Flickr and told me about it. The community is beautifully filled with so much talent it would inspire anyone. I started one and been progressing ever since.
I think that it all depends on the photography you are into, but in general I think editing has its place and it shouldn’t distract from what you photographed initially.
Age: 17 Camera: I don’t own a camera I borrow anything that is around me.
What inspires you? Stories inspire me. I want photos to look like there’s something behind it. I was always intrigued by the emotional and slightly dark side of photography as well as the conceptual portraiture. Do you have a favorite photographer? Who? I have many photographers I look up to depending on the style I am being asked about. If I had to choose I would say Zack Ahern. He may not be the best at everything but he’s one of the only photographers that I know that has the versatility and drive to better his work. He’s phenomenal and captures everything that he believes in. He puts his heart into his work. What/Who is your biggest influence? I think that my biggest influence are words. I’m one that is very drawn to words, lyrics, quotes, anything that expresses things perfectly. I try to personify words into a photo, make it live that same meaning I saw in a book or heard in a ballad. If you could pick anyone to shoot for a day, who would it be and why?
What is your favorite photograph that you've taken? I’ve been sitting in front of the computer screen with my fingers limply on the keys for quite some time now, if you knew how indecisive I could be you would understand. My favorite photo that I have ever taken would be, 'I’m Done Hiding,' not because it’s the best or because I got the most comments but because it was a photo of realization and it means something every time I see it. It is a simple black and white portrait of myself, my hair is tied up and I’m looking into the lens with a slight smile and two handprints over my eyes, as if I were hiding behind my hands. What is your favorite photo by another photographer? Hmmm, another tough question, well it varies by day, in all honesty, but this one has been on my mind for some time. It’s called ‘Peace Among Ruins’ by They.Just.Call. Me.Doodlebug, it’s a gorgeous piece, it portrays the death of innocent people in wars, it is a self portrait of the photographer wearing dark makeup and sprinkled in flour on a pillow on the dirt ground. The flour looks like ashes from a fire and the dirt looks like she was trampled and forgotten, the focus is not on
her but on the ground before her. It’s beautiful, and it means something. Who's a photographer you'd like to know more about? I would like to know more about the photographer Rosa Joy, she’s an incredibly talented photographer and I think she gives herself and portrays her true feelings of her current state of mind in her photos absolutely beautifully. I found her a few days into her 365 and we commented on each other’s streams religiously. I feel like I know her without ever really speaking to her in any way, she gives herself in her work and it’s beautiful. What one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting off in photography? I would say to take photos the way you see them, not the way a friend or another photographer sees them, make things your own, listen to advice but don’t mold to anyone’s expectations. What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? Besides photography I love to read, listen to music and cook. What are a few of your favorite songs? My favorite songs are "Glitter in the Air" by Pink, "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" by Bryan Adams, and "Hate Me" by Blue October. The best piece of advice you've ever been given? You have to love yourself before you can love someone else. Where is your favorite place to shop? Anywhere cute and affordable, if I was a millionaire I would live at Anthropology.
Kelsey Beacco Photographer
to be a well rounded artist. By shooting everyday you are forced to learn and change for the better.
Website: flickr.com/kelseyphoto
I prefer to edit minimally. I am not a Photoshop artist by any means. I am a photographer; I set my shots up totally how I see them in my mind. I only edit lighting, contrast and color.
How did you get started in photography?
What is your favorite photograph that you've taken?
How would you describe your photography in 3 words?
I took a photography class at my local community college when I was 18 and I fell in love. I started developing my own film and shooting on my dad’s camera.
My newest work usually becomes my favorite I have ever taken. Right now I can't get enough of a shoot I did with some fire belly dancers, the fire is so wild on camera, it makes for wonderfully unique photos.
Colorful and thought provoking.
Age: 25 Camera: Canon 30D, Canon D10 underwater
What inspires you? Music, music videos and makeup. Do you have a favorite photographer? Who? I have a lot of favorites but right now I can't get enough of Anya aka: .Stellar. on Flickr. Not only is she an amazing self portrait artist but a killer painter! I own an original painting she made custom for me. If I could I would buy 10 more right now! Such talent. If you have not seen her stuff, check her out here: http://www.flickr. com/photos/pencilpassion/ What/Who is your biggest influence? My friends for teaching me new photo techniques and makeup tips, my family for always encouraging me to do more, and my bulldog Maggie for making me smile. If you could pick anyone to shoot for a day, who would it be and why? As a long time fan of America's Next Top Model I would LOVE to shoot Tyra Banks all day long. Working with models who are experienced makes all the difference. With her I know I could make so many unique images that would be all over the world for a lifetime, her facial expressions and eyes mesmerize me. What is your view on editing/retouching photos?
What is your favorite photo by another photographer? http://www.flickr.com/photos/ sugarock/3445468809/in/set72157624357078979/ It’s by Sugarock on Flickr. I saw this and knew I had to do underwater! Who's a photographer you'd like to know more about? Sugarock on Flickr. For sure! Do you plan on photography as a career, or is it just a hobby? I plan on it as a career option for sure. I stay pretty busy shooting models, weddings and self portraits at the moment. It’s nice to have a little extra income on the side until it can become my full time gig. What one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting off in photography? Shoot every day. I did a self portrait project called "the 365 project" where you take a different self portrait once a day for 365 days. The difference between the beginning and the end of my project is like night and day. Technically I grew to love my camera. On the editing standpoint I learned so many useful tricks along the way that I use all the time now. I believe that one should keep growing and evolving
What's your favorite band? Dave Matthews Band.
What kind of protection do you use for your camera when taking your underwater shots? I have a special underwater camera. The Canon D10!! I LOVE LOVE it. It is so crisp and easy to use underwater! If you had to choose one CD to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be? Daft Punk Alive. What is your favorite accessory? Other then my camera? I would have to say big unique earrings. I make jewelry and love to customize my look to my mood.
James Spencer Photographer Age: 16 Camera: Nikon D3000 Website: flickr.com/photos/47200413@N03/ How did you get started in photography? I got a digital camera for Christmas two years ago and was suddenly interested. My Granddad helped me get into photography too; he was always taking photos when he came to visit and I thought I would try it myself. What inspires you? A lot of things inspire me, mainly music, other photographers and my surroundings, but I hardly ever go out with my camera with an idea in my head. I just see things, remember what I have seen or heard before and take a picture.
What is your favorite photograph that you've taken?
How do you currently feel about your photography?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ semajspencer/4586128968/
At the moment I prefer my older work. I don't have much time at the moment to take photos as I am at boarding school and only take photos on the weekend. My most recent photos are a bit rushed I find.
What is your favorite photo by another photographer? This was so incredibly hard to choose! http://www.flickr.com/photos/ geewillikersjett/4619751541/in/set72157621812158791/ But I have a lot more favorites. Who's a photographer you'd like to know more about? I would like to know more about alexstoddard and m.corkill, just because they seem like nice people. Do you plan on photography as a career, or is it just a hobby? I would like to use it as a career, but we will see what happens.
Do you have a favorite photographer? Who?
Do you prefer using film, or digital?
I have a few favorites on Flickr, mainly alexstoddard, geewillikersjett, JALD, and m.corkill.
For the moment digital, I haven't quite got the hang of film yet but my uncle recently gave me 3 film cameras and a bunch of lenses so hopefully I will be able to put them to good use.
What/Who is your biggest influence? My surroundings inspire me the most such as the sky and trees. If you could pick anyone to shoot for a day, who would it be and why? I would pick Amy Winehouse, she is so interesting with her tattoos and beehive hair. She would just be incredible to photograph. What is your view on editing/retouching/ photos? I'm fine with it. A lot of people are against it and consider it as cheating but I don't see why. It's just enhancing a photo. I used to use it quite a bit until I got a virus on my computer, now most of my photos are SOOC.
What one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting off in photography? Take it slowly and don't over edit. Get used to what you are using before you buy some high tech DSLR. You'll find you can take some great pictures with a regular point and shoot. What's your favorite band? Florence and the Machine and Marina and the Diamonds. How would you describe your photography in 3 words? Simple, portrait and light.
What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? My favorite things to do during my free time are to relax with friends and go out. I also like swimming a lot and of course taking photos!
Interested in being featured?
Contact Sincerely Yours at: angela.marksberry@gmail.com