Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.
If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it.
On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
I love to pair my photography with wonderful quotes like this one. I find so much of my inspiration comes from words. I hope to focus more on my own inspirations in 2014, to look for only the kind of work I love the most, to concentrate my energy on where I really want to be. The last year, especially, has shown me what that is.
I’m fortunate to be able to pursue photography, and even more fortunate to have so many friends and family who are endlessly encouraging. Especially when sometimes I feel like I’m running through quicksand. When I want to sprint, but need to walk. There’s so much to learn every day, and the last two years have been an endless lesson. I have no doubt 2014 will be the same.
And for those of you who responded to my request on Facebook for questions a little while ago – here they are! I hope I can answer some of my own in the new year.
Thank you to the always beautiful clients I’ve had in 2013. And the amazing talent of the artists I have worked with, the stunning models. Let’s make 2014 incredible!
Happy new year, and so much love.
M x
Apart from your family, what do you like to photograph the most?
I’m glad you said “apart from your family” – because my first thought was my daughter! I’m sure it’s the same for every mother. She is what ultimately inspired me to pursue photography. I adore portraiture. And I prefer to focus on just one person. I love exploring their expressions, their angles, what makes them unique. Add to that the element of fashion or beauty photography – amazing wardrobe, make-up, hair styling – and it’s lifted to another level.
What is your favorite lens (and why)?
If I had to keep just one, I think I’d choose my 85mm 1.4. It’s absolutely beautiful to shoot with, and wonderful for portrait work.
When and where do you enjoying photographing the most?
It all depends on my mood and the subject. There are times I crave a very stark environment where everything is kept clean and simple. Other times I love a lot of styling and interest! Travel is my second love, right behind photography, and I love being in environments that are worlds away from my every-day. Much of my inspiration comes from travel, and I’d happily journey endlessly around the world if I could. That said, the purity of a face in a simple setting with nothing to distract is gorgeous. I adore the last light of the day if shooting outdoors, and the beach is always easy and fun. There’s something like a feeling of freedom being near the sea.
What is your best editing tip?
Know when to stop. Know what you’re doing and why. Practice practice practice! Natalia Taffarel is my editing idol.
Try to find your own style. I like things to look quite clean with almost invisible editing and attention to the details. It’s a great thing to know what your own ‘look’ is, as it makes you recognizable.
What would you say is your dream shoot?
There are so many! If I had to choose, I’m sure it would involve someone amazing, a sensational couture wardrobe, very creative, on location somewhere exotic. A phenomenal team. Perhaps a little period influence. It’s really hard to describe one thing exactly as I have a thousand ideas of things I’d love to shoot.
Do you have a personal project you’re working on?
I do! I’m hoping I can complete this particular one over the holidays – as I started while I was overseas last June. I’m so excited to share the images. So keep your eye out for them. I try as much as time allows to pursue personal work all through the year. It keeps me feeling fresh and reminds me why I love photography so much.
What do you love most about photography?
I love creating art. Art has always been close to my heart, and I have always preferred to focus on the face. I love collaborating as everyone can bring something new to the shoot, a different perspective. Each face I photograph is so interesting to me, and every one of them, beautiful.
So much can be said with a photo. And I’m not a wonderful writer, so I feel happiest communicating in pictures.
What / who inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by every-day things. It could be the light of the morning coming through a window, a fabulous dress, beautiful music (my very first shoot was inspired by Debussy’s Clair de Lune), a fascinating piece of art on a gallery wall, a stunning magazine editorial, the remarkable face of a stranger, or my daughter’s smile. I could go on and on about which photographers I find inspiration from. The fashion masters, of course, but there are endless others, and for different reasons. I love looking at really outstanding work, especially work that is nothing like my own – it encourages me to try new things, explore new methods, be better.
There are many artists I love, such as Nicoletta Ceccoli, Mark Ryden, Louise Robinson, Ray Caesar – their creativity is fantastic and I could look at their work for hours. Beautiful magazines are always close at hand – Kinfolk, Vogue, Frankie, Papier Mache.
I am incredibly inspired by Sue Bryce’s words, most especially her talk on confronting fear.
Often, my own work can inspire me – I’ll see where something worked well and it gives me confidence that I’m on the right track. I always try to be better than my last shoot.
