I was recently approached to do an interview about my photography. It was a lot of fun and I thought that I would include it in my blog. Some of the questions are run-of-the-mill, and some are a bit quirky. I think that it will definitely give you some insight into my photography philosophy and my personality. Enjoy!
Q – What inspired you to do photography?
A - My first inspiration came when our family was posted with the military. We were going to be moving away from family and friends … again, and I got my first camera. I began documenting our move and was thrilled with what I captured on “film”. They weren’t great images, by any means. But I saw the potential of the images. This pushed me to investigate the art of photography, not just holiday snaps.
Q – What did you do to improve your photography?
A - Short answer… WORKED HARD. Longer answer…. I decided to dedicate myself to learning all that I could. I took many, many, photography courses and analyzed tens of thousands of images. My brain was immersed in the concepts of ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Hyperfocal Distance, Inverse Square Law…. ok, now I’m boring myself. Let’s move on. Let’s just say that many a meal was eaten at my computer desk.
Q – Are you one of these photographers that takes your camera everywhere you go?
A - I try to be. In the beginning, I wasn’t. It was a lot of work to lug around all of my equipment. I soon discovered that I was missing opportunities to capture incredible moments. Now, if you see me on the street without a camera attached to me, you can bet it is close by.
Q – You say that you are a military family, are you in the military?
A - No, not me, my husband is in the military. I have been a military wife for almost 20 years. Needless to say, it makes life interesting.
Q – What is the weirdest thing you have shot?
A - Weirdest? Hmmm, I am not sure about that. I think the most disturbing thing that I have every shot was a swastika spray painted on a garbage can in Nicosia, Cyprus. The first time I saw one I was aghast. Unfortunately, they can be seen all over the island of Cyprus. No one seems to have a problem with it. Taking a picture of it was very difficult. I decided that if I was going to document our time in Cyprus, I had to be true to all of its facets. You can see it on my website.
Q – What do you enjoy photographing the most?
A - That’s a tough question. I think the best way to answer that is by saying anything shot in natural light. Natural light is my favourite thing. Mother Nature provides the best lighting, and no amount of studio lighting can match it. Overcast days provide some of the most outstanding light.
Q – Since you love natural light so much, do you do any studio sessions?
A - Yes and no. As you know, I am Canadian. When we are located in Canada there is a good chunk of time that prohibits outdoor photography. Studios are great for certain purposes, and climates. However, I prefer to shoot outdoors. I like the spontaneity of on location shoots. When on location, my clients are much more relaxed and laid back. This really lets their personalities shine. We have fun and it shows in the images.
Q – Aside from portraits, what other types of photography do you like?
A – Corporate, product and fine art are my main focus. Working with other photographers and businesses is really rewarding. It is hard to stand out from the crowd these days. Helping businesses do that is a lot of fun. Aside from actual photography, I am now printing pieces in my studio. I spend so much time stressing about my images coming from other printers that I decided to do it myself. Now I work one on one with other photographers so that I can help them make sure that their prints are accurate and consistent.
Q – What is your favourite colour?
A - Umm, ok, interesting question. My favourite colour is Red…see I didn’t choose black, lol.
Q – Where are you posted right now, and has it provided a lot of photographic opportunities?
A - We are currently in Cyprus. My husband has been tasked to do a two year UN Peacekeeping mission. Cyprus has lots of things to photograph. At first, I was completely in awe about the history of the island. So many antiquities, historic sites, and ruins. The fact that it is the last divided capital in the world also provided interesting shots. Remnants of war remain all over the place. Being Canadian, I am not accustomed to having that degree of history at my finger tips. Let’s face it, Canada is not renowned for its ancient churches and tombs.
After a while however, the bloom fell from the rose. Sadly, many people in Cyprus do not appreciate the history that is around them. At many sites, and in communities in general, garbage is left strewn everywhere and historic buildings are tagged with graffiti. It is quite sad to see.
Although history is abundant in Cyprus, nature is not. I can’t wait to return to Canada and capture nature in its finest.
Update: We are now posted to Petawawa, Ontario. Boy are we glad to be home.
Q – Where else have you traveled to shoot?
A- I have been very fortunate to be able to travel quite a bit. I have shot in Cairo, Israel, France, and Spain.
Q – What do you like to do when you are not doing photography?
A - Ok, that’s easy. I have not been able to do this while in Cyprus, but I will when we return home. Picture this: Sitting in the backyard with family and friends. The bbq can be heard in the background as the steaks sizzle. After eating way more than I should, I enjoy a lovely cup of Tim Horton’s and a sinful piece of cheesecake. Oh ya, I also like to read, watch tv, and play video games.
Q – Thank you for your time Lisa. Do you have any final advice for people getting portraits?
A - No problem, it was my pleasure. If I could give any advice it would be to have fun. Find a photographer that you are comfortable with and enjoy yourself. It truly does show through in the final results.
