We are so thrilled to introduce this featured artist to you, Fiona Seaburn creates work that is clearly deeply tied to her heart. Evocative and moody these image will pull at your emotions and leave you feeling enchanted. The tones she uses in her iamges, in conjunction with her use of colour and deep shadows creates a completely unique feeling all her own. 
She shares her vision with us all in a raw and ethereal way and we simply can't get enough. 

How did you get your start in photography? 

I was 17 and studying photography at college when I fell pregnant with my first child. I found solace in the darkroom through that difficult time of being so young and with child. A baby, with a baby. I could hide from the stares and the rumors. I used to have a red light in my bedroom to evoke the same calm from the darkroom.  After college I didn't pick up photography again until completing a short photography course at uni last year. 

What artists have influenced your journey in photography? How have they inspired you? 

Sally Mann is quoted as saying, 'it never occurred to me to leave home to create art'. I can relate.

My baby girl fast became the subject in all of my pictures while I was still studying photography at college. My photography teacher gave me a book called 'immediate family' by Sally Mann. I was in awe of her pictures, the way her work told a story and the intense emotion I felt when looking at them. They are not just photographs, they're art... I want to take photographs like Sally's, photographs that make people feel something even if they don't know what that something is. I want to make art.
 
But mostly I'm inspired by the amazing talent I've been introduced to through instagram... Romina Mandrini, Niki Boon, Jessica from Wild Wuzle, along with too many others to name. Extremely talented woman who have had a huge impact on the way I look at my own images and photography in general. 

What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started taking photographs?

How to shoot in manual mode and the realization that nobody can see your outtakes so just shoot!

What does photography mean to you?

 When I'm observing/participating in life and I see a frame in my mind, the world goes silent for a moment and my heart begins to race as the excitement builds while I fumble around for my camera. Capturing that frame is thrilling, like receiving a precious gift, although editing is what I love best. I never feel so close to God as I do while I'm creating my pictures. 
Aside from my husband and children, photography is everything to me. It's my outlet, maybe it's my calling?? We'll see.

What is the best thing about being a photographer?

The best thing??... freezing time and stirring souls.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be and why?

I don't think I'd be very good to shoot with, I get too lost in the scene. I'm pretty private about it all actually. 
But there are many photographers I'd love to meet, like Alessio Albi. His portraiture is absolutely stunning. I'd love to participate in a workshop run by him. 

What is your favorite photograph you have taken to date? 

I don't think I've taken my favorite photograph yet. I'm not yet the photographer I long to be, I still have so much I want to learn. Tasha Loader @tashadimsum once told me '... the moment you think you have taken your best photograph is the moment you stop taking photographs.' I think there is truth in that for me.
But if I really had to choose one it would be a freelensed shot of my 17yo daughter and a delicate spiders web from late July this year. It is very rare that she will let me take her portrait these days.

How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography? Do you have a favorite flawed technique?

I am all for breaking the rules. I can appreciate a technically sound image but if that's all it is, if it doesn't stir my soul, I'm not interested.
I am currently right into freelensing...the tilt shifts, light leaks and that dreamlike feel just gets me.

What inspires your photographic vision?

I love the juxtaposition between light and darkness. It's where my inspiration thrives.

Fiona has an exhibition coming up in September 1 - September 17 at the Salamanca Side Space Gallery in Hobart.

Jessica's work is emotive and elusive. So honest and real it draws you in and takes you to a place, entirely. There is so much heavy feeling and vivid imagery mixed in with these subdued tones and moody edits, they are simply bursting with raw life. When we look at these images we see a real and true expression of how she sees this confusing wild life, I am left speechless viewing them. Her use of movement and blur, texture and composition creates truly moving work, so uniquely portrayed and powerful in it's presence. 

Jessica Tremp

website | instagram | facebook

How did you get your start in photography?

I don't think there was ever really a clear start. I've always needed
to express myself somehow, even in primary school. It wasn't always
photography, but writing, dancing or drawing. Gradually I photographed
more and more in my adult life, just for myself, alongside being a
secretary, and eventually, after taking on more and more photographic
work had to decide I could no longer keep up with two jobs. It was a
progression that started somewhere in childhood, never really a
decision or a start as such.

What artists have influenced your journey in photography? How have they inspired you?

I have to admit what I love and what influences and inspires me changes constantly. I go through different moods too and quite often, what I really like is a style that is totally different from my own. The one constant is that I love a sense of timelessness in an image, simplicity and a sense of melancholy. I'm not hugely into overly contrived looking images. I love the work of Lina Sheynius, Nan Goldin and Francesca Woodman.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you first started taking photographs?

Nothing. I loved that the less I knew the more I experimented and the more fun I had.

What does photography mean to you?

Ah, so many different things. A way to hold time, an outlet for my soul, a powerful language, a way to paint.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be and why?

I love shooting with my amazing photographer friend Steph, but otherwise, I prefer being a bit of a loner when it comes to photographing. There's less pressure, more room to experiment and let
my guard down.

What inspires your photographic vision?

I'll be honest in saying I feel a bit empty and uninspired at the moment when it comes to photography, but when I do pick up my camera just to play, for myself, I hope I create something that moves.

How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography?

Do you have a favorite flawed technique? I'm all about 'flaws'. Life and people are flawed. I always embrace a bit of grain, blur, brightness or darkness. Whatever helps convey mood.

I have been a fan of Niki Boon's work forever and a day.  I am always so moved by the honesty in her work.  She was a way of collecting glimpses of real life, raw childhood, and human connection with a unique perspective and timeless character.  I'm so excited to share her words and some of her favorite photographs with you.

Niki Boon
Website | Instagram | Facebook | 500px

How did you get your start in photography?

My interest in photography started when I traveled and worked overseas after graduating from university, but I never really focused on it too much until we decided to educate our children alternatively at home. I knew I wanted to document our days , but I felt that my photography skills were limited, so I put a lot of late nights into researching how to improve my craft.

What artists have influenced your journey in photography? How have they inspired you?

Many of the magnum photographers, both past and present, as well as other documentary photographers have inspired me, their art as well as their passion and drive for their subjects and their stories. Eugene Richards, is probably one of my favourite documentary photographers.
I have also been inspired by painters and by sculptors. We don’t have so much of it where I live , but I love street art.

What is one thing you wish you know when you first started taking photographs?

That the best photographs come when you relax, relinquish all control ,and just let life happen (at least that is how it as been for me anyway)

What does photography mean to you?

I have always struggled with the written, and the spoken word... a big challenge for me. Photography has given me an alternative way me to tell a story and express myself.

What is the best thing about being a photographer?

The gift that documenting someone’s life and story with photography really is.

What is your favorite photograph you have taken to date?

I really wish I had one. I tend not to look back on my pictures very often to be honest, so I have never given it much thought.  Any picture that I manage to make with all of them in the frame is always very special to me... it doesn’t happen very often.

What inspires your photographic vision?

I am not too sure about that to be honest , I guess I am always more inspired when I am outdoors.

How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography? Do you have a favorite flawed
technique?

I love that it becomes more about the feeling a picture gives you than about rules of composition, correct exposure, etc.

This month we are proud to bring you Maryanne Gobble as our Featured Artist.  We adore the way Maryanne captures the human spirit and the natural world.  Hers is a unique voice in the photography community.  Maryanne has a way of stripping away what would distract, leaving behind powerful imagery and a sense of dreamlike wanderlust.

Maryanne Gobble
Website | Facebook | Instagram

March's Featured Artist has been blowing us away with her submissions to the Fantastically Flawed Facebook page.  Michèle's Facebook feed is wrought with emotional imagery that dances the line somewhere between real life and fleeting dreams.  She has an astute eye for the poetry of life and infuses it effortlessly into her photography.  Her vision is crafted with the use of dramatic black and white, soulful nostalgic colors, and the sweeping stir of freelens movement.

Michèle Tremblay Photo

How did you get your start in photography?

Photography has always been in my life as something very meaningful. My parents owned a Minolta, the one that cost a fortune, although they were not involved in photography at all. I know that they became pretty skilled with it, because automatic mode didn't exist at that time. So I guess that, more than a simple heritage, the dozens of printed albums of our family acted as a powerful trigger. From the moment I became a parent myself, I had to document. I was always the
one with the camera, everywhere, at an early age. Many of my friends/ family members relied on me for some of their most important events over the years. When they come to visit, I simply leave albums on the table (because I still print!!) so they can browse into them, with emotion. 

It all began seriously with a good Sony point an shoot that had some manual options. After two years of practice, frustrated by poor quality of images, I had to move on to serious stuff. I got my first (and still using) DSLR in 2014, a crop Nikon d7000. Since that time, the number of jpeg in my computer exploded, just as my artistic passion. Like every of us, of course, my four kids were my inspiration.

I'm not officially considered as a photographer in my own circle. For sure I am a passionate hobbyist. I know deep inside that I could jump into a professional journey one of these days, but I wait to 'be ready'. Are we really getting that 'readiness' feeling one day?

What artists have influenced your journey in photography? How have they inspired you?

Without Facebook and communities, I would still be sitting on my island. I can honestly say that I have learned so much just looking at other's work and some tutorials. Self-taught photographer, I am still refining my artistic skills, getting in touch with different visions. Looking back, I think that the very first artists I felt attracted to are the one that feelensed the most. I think about Kelly Elliot of Salty Air Creations, Anita Cline of My Three Sons Images, Erin Hensley or Joni Burtt Photography. I have a love affair with B&W too, and those from Nikki Boon and Vicki Winston spoke loud to my heart. Artistic voice of Rose Amalia Photography seduced me too. I know I will come across some names today or tomorrow and complain that I forgot them. There are so much wonderful artists in my feed!

I was starting from scratch, photographing the world in an artistic way. In the past I was documenting, and then I discovered all THIS through the work of above-mentioned artists and many more: the dreamy, the out of focus, the painterly look and textures, the fantastic power of breaking the rules to stimulate imagination, and over all, the fantastic emotional response that came with those flawed images.

Then, I began to feel my artistic voice, enjoying my Art like never before. I have to fight constantly with myself to keep that lens attached to the camera body. Every time I make a commitment to stay sharp, it ends shooting wide aperture, searching unusual focus, and finally have a few freelensed shots. That's in me. I just can't fight it. My only dream/goal is to find people, and eventually clients, that share that vision. So glad that I found Fantastically Flawed. So glad that I could overcome the language barrier, as a french speaking girl, and reach all those wonderful artists that helped me to grow in that vibe.

What is one thing you wish you know when you first started taking photographs?

I would say one thing is a bit sad. I wish I had been told not to expect any clients/models/family members to be grateful, emotionally overwhelmed, enthusiastic and supportive in the same way that I am invested myself in the job.  Sometimes they will, sometimes not. In fact, while you are glorifying myself for creating everlasting memories, you have to keep in mind that many people think that being photographed is not a significant thing, for a lot of various reasons.  Maybe they live the present moment, maybe they hate to be in the picture, maybe they don't see what you intended them to see, who knows? For them, taking pictures is a thing that has to be done, not a celebration of Art, not wonderful trip towards their inner world or a Monument to their life. Do you get me? Waiting for gratitude is a painful thing that opens the door for self-doubt, stress and sadness. Now I think that I have to manage to be proud of me, feel confident that I have done my best and love my work as a unique piece of art, fruit of my personal vision.

What does photography mean to you?

To me, a photograph is a gift, an heritage. I think that's the reason I love freelensing. Beautifully done, it's a enhanced version of reality, underlined, emphasized. Just like the memory itself! Just like a rare jewel in a precious box. I personally had my most intense inner experiences looking to my kids freelensed pictures. My literary background (studies) makes me try to infuse poetry, to create a story. To me, a photograph is an invitation to an inner travel to a destination words can't reach.

What is the best thing about being a photographer?

I think that a photographer has the power to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. To be able to see all the textures, lights, colors, contrasts and atmospheres surrounding me, is the best gift I have ever had. When you come into photography, some of the things you were considering as trivial ones, for example drops of water in a window, are suddenly popping into reality as beautiful and important details. You discover yourself a super sensitive person, with super powers of perception. A photographer is a firmly grounded person and a perfect dreamer, at the same time. To me, it's the best of what life has to offer.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be and why?

I would be way too shy for this lol! But if I have to say a name, I would say Gemmy Woud-Binnendijk. I love painterly-like images. Her work is truly inspired from the Masters of paint. I would like to know more about the way she uses light and how she manages to achieve those wonderful tones in her work.

What is your favorite photograph you have taken to date?

This picture of my wonderful husband, carrying our boy, arm-in-arm with our daughter. The way my little boy is giving up control, lying in my husband's arms with his loose hand and foot, is melting my heart every time I look at it. To me, his position reflects the vulnerability of children. I can feel the strong of father's embrace and protection. I love them so much!

What inspires your photographic vision?

Kids and nature are my main inspirations at the moment. I am drawn to rustic, simple things. I'm not attracted by luxous, ostentatious, glamorous, flashy and trendy things. Again, an academic background in history leads me to a more classical approach. I tend to represent timeless scenes, bonds, connections, stories. I love when my pictures seem to come directly from of old ages, with a romantic brush on it. I can't say that I always achieve it, but I tend in that direction.

In a certain way, a photographic vision is a vision of life. My life is minimalist and old style. I think I'm a kind of hippie style: no wi-fi, lowest level of technology as possible, organic food, contact with nature, gardening, love of animals, large family (four kids), etc. I think all this can be seen in my work, reflecting my convictions, my views and values of a simple frugal way of life fulfilling all our essentials needs. I think happiness lies in little things of a daily routine, contented relationships and small wonders of childhood.

How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography? Do you have a favorite flawed technique?

Breaking the rules allows to bring unexpected angle, movement or energy, unanticipated variations, textures and patterns, magical effects of all kinds. I feel truly challenged and get more satisfaction doing it. I have a Lensbaby in my kit, an Edge 35. I tried it but I have to admit that freelensing is definitely my favorite way to introduce imperfections in my images. It's an addiction! To my point of view, a beautiful freelensed image, with focus and blur on right spots, gains so much in power of expressing emotions. Freelensed images make us dream. There is something so inspiring about the world being out of focus, for once.

 I'm overjoyed to bring you this month's featured artist Anita Cline of My Three Sons Images.  I have long been a fan of Anita's work and the way she creates such dreamy images full of light and movement.  She is a queen of freelensing and just has a unique way of capturing human connection that is so real and honest you can't help but feel it.

You can follow Anita and view more of her spectacular art on

Facebook
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I discovered our August Artist, Romina Mandrini originally on Instagram.  Egads, I love me some Instagram for this very reason!  Those days when you see an image that sparks something and proceed to go down the rabbit hole of stalking the artist who made the image.  Romina wasn't on Facebook at the time so I had to write her directly on  IG.  Thankfully she wrote back and I've been stalking her photography ever since.  I'm so glad she's since joined the FB-sphere so I can share her work with you here now!
There's something about her images, all BW, ghostly, etherial, innocent and raw, that speaks to my artists soul.  I'm so proud to be spreading the word about her here.  Please enjoy these images, words and links.  Head on down the rabbit hole.
Facebook
Instagram
​Flickr

3)  What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

I wish I’d known a bit more about the art-making cycle: the resistance to making art, the love/hate relationship with your work, the fear that you’ll never make good art again... This is what every artist goes through, but in the beginning I found all these highs and lows terribly unsettling, and it caused me a great deal of angst. I still find this process confronting at times, but I’m now able to recognise and accept it as a normal and healthy part of art making.

7)What is your favorite image you have taken to date?​

My current favourite is probably “First Home”, an image I made of my daughter in the bath. She looked so strong through my viewfinder that evening… To me, this image represents a personal rebirth.

Our newest Artist is a self-portrait artist from Virginia whose work is textured, layered and deeply emotional.   And she's just 16!  I look forward to watching her evolve as an artist for years to come!!
Please view Rose's links to view more of her stunning work.
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​

1) How long have you been in business and how did you get your start in photography?

I've always been quite taken with most forms of art since at a very young age, but when I discovered photography and how it worked I was astonished! Each form of art has its special place in my heart and since becoming a photographer I have realized the impact and importance we artists have in this world, it fascinated me in ways far too remarkable for words to express.
I held my very first camera on my eighth birthday, my parents saw my interest and purchased a small point and shoot so I could begin to learn the aspects and art of photography.  It quickly became an obsession for me as I carried the tiny thing alongside me wherever I would go.  Since that day, eight years ago, it has been a journey of continual learning, tears and triumphs, but I wouldn't change a thing, my passion has grown so deep I would have to say it's now a part of who I am.

​2) Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

First, I would have to say how saddening our photography community can be at times.  The competition and multiple controversy's it produces, it hurts me deeply and sometimes often makes me question if I should remain and proceed in my journey to encourage and spread kindness, but in the midst of the competitiveness there are still lights that shine brightly among us.  Seeing these lights keep me on track, keep me inspired and are always pushing me to work hard for what I hope to achieve. Because they, themselves, work hard to be where they are and that gives me the strength and determination to do what I love.
​


Sue Bryce plays a big part in my journey as a photographer, her honesty and kindness are very admirable and as for her work, it is has been the foundation that has inspired many of my portraits. The gentle and graceful aura that her images possess mesmerize me.  Her willingness to teach and support those around her is high on the scale as well, and I hope to have an encounter with her one day!

Sharon Covert, she brings an immense amount of inspiration to me with each photograph she shares.  Her self portraits especially. They evoke such strong emotions, carry deep feelings and on top of that, a dash of mystery. They are very powerful indeed.  She is as remarkable as her work, if not more.  She's such a kindhearted person and is always looking out for you.  One of those bright lights who never cease to shine and magnify the good.
Jasmin of Sugar and Lace Studio, such a sweet and passionate soul.  For all those women who deem themselves unappealing or unpleasant, she makes those women realize their strength, beauty and revitalizes their confidence, making it come alive again. It's such a beautiful thing to watch and the way her work portrays those things is just amazing.  Such compassion and empowerment is not often found in our world today.

3) What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

I have had to lecture myself on how it's okay to create art you are proud of and not what every other person expects of your work.  We are all distinctly different individuals, never the same minds nor bodies.  Each of us have our own unique vision, while some might not understand the way you perceive things, that's okay.  We aren't meant to be identical devices like that of a robot, programmed and predictable. Don't be afraid to own your art, you can't please everyone, but that's OKAY!  That shouldn't be your motivation otherwise you will be very unhappy with your art. 
 

4) What does photography mean to you?

The very thought of it is meaningful. Freezing time frame by frame and yet time continues to advance?  Thinking of that is almost impossible to comprehend, but at the same time it's equally beautiful.  We can take everyday life for granted, photography has allowed me to slow down and properly examine how beautiful our lives are and that whatever we may be doing has an impact on the world in some way.  That's an important thing to remember.  To me photography means to count everything as precious, and that in this time we've been given, use it well to improve the lives of others. It is more than just an art, it's a way of life that. An artist has an extremely vital role in this world. We are there to point out the beauty that many can't see, can't hold onto and can't seem to reach, we enable them to reach it, see it and hold it.

5) What is the best part about being a photographer?

If I can inspire or encourage a single person out of the billions on this earth, that to me fulfills the purpose of my art and is worth more to me than any treasure in this world! And to think I can continue to try and do that over and over? Makes me more passionate about what I do and motivates me to become a better artist. With each passing moment, if I could possibly inspire someone to take a leap of faith, become more confident or have more courage, that would make me so proud to say that I'm a photographer. 

6) If you could shoot with any photographer in the world, who would it be and why?

Twyla Jones, her images bleed passion, innocence, emotion and security. It's phenomenal. If you see her work, you'll understand what I mean. She really knows how to capture the beauty of life in such a simple and unique way. Not only that, she is one of the sweetest and supportive person ever. I hope one day to have her be my mentor, I already learn so much just setting my eyes on her work and I can't imagine the valuable things she could teach me.
 

​7) What is your favorite image you have taken to date?

This is one of those images I am very proud of, but at the same time am not sure why.  There's a certain beauty here, like a longing for something. Weakness but strength. Pain but happiness. The mood gives off a peaceful aura but also a lonely sort of feeling. It gives me mixed feelings which is why I love it so.
 

​8) How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography?

I feel like life itself explains this question entirely.  I have always enjoyed being the observer,  I see how a person would react to situations or how one would deal with their struggles, each one different and unique,  we all hold the same emotions but use them so differently.. The word Imperfection to me is strength, happiness, pain and love all rolled into one. Life is imperfectly perfect and I want to capture that in my images, but to do so I must break "the rules" and point out the imperfect beauty that life carries.  I desire my viewers to feel something true, emotional, honest and real and so I put a piece of my flawed and wounded heart in each one hoping to convey my inner feelings and thoughts. 

Melissa Lazuka is a Cleveland based portrait and fine art photographer. She loves light and emotion, experimenting and exploring new techniques such as free lensing and multiple exposures, and the endless possibilities of creating with photography. 

We love Melissa's emotive, layered, fine art photography!!
Check out more of her lovely work and show her some love at these pages:

Website
Fine Art Website
Facebook
Instagram

3. What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos? 

Well I recently read this quote from the artist Andrew Wyeth and I think it sums up what I have discovered along my journey but wish I knew when I started. “The great men [ Thoreau, Goethe, Emerson, Tolstoy] forever radiate a sharp sense of that profound requirement of an artist, to fully understand that consequences of what he creates are unimportant. Let the motive for action be in the action itself and not in the event. I know from my own experience that when I create with any degree of strength and beauty I have no thought of consequences. Anyone who creates for effect—to score a hit—does not know what he is missing!” Unfortunately, because of social media, there is a great temptation to be “liked” or “score a hit”.  I do think an artist must share their work with the world, but it must not be with the intention of being popular. I think that one must accept that not everyone will like your work, not everyone will even care, but if you are putting something out there that comes from the purest place of self, then perhaps it will resonate with one person, and that should be enough. ​

Our Featured artist Mirela Nita specializes in portraiture and still life photography.  Her work evokes timeless classic photography.  Her use of film gives her art the beautiful quality of grain that made me fall in love with photography in the first place.  I'm particularly fond of her images of children and women in portraits.  We are proud to share her work with our viewers! ~Sarah
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 1)    How long have you been in business and how did you get your start in photography?

I guess I could say that I've “been in business” for about 4 and a half years.


In 2011, my husband and I decided to embark on our own adventure and move to Brussels. Since it was such a time of changes for us :) , we also decided I could finaly pursue an old passion of mine and commit to taking the 3 years-long courses of the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques. I had been tinkering with photography before coming to Brussels but nothing too serious. In contrast, this was quite a challenge but I found Brussels to be a highly inspiring city, with its many facets and wondefully vast number of nationalities and ethnicities.

 2)    Which photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photographing, and career path?

While I don't think I could pinpoint specific influences, I do find myself incredibly attracted by Richard Avedon's portraits, Elliott Erwitt's ironic “decisive moments”, Imogen Cunningham's nudes and flowers and quite a few others: Man Ray, Sally Mann, Harry Callahan.


I also feel there's something magic in the light and colors captured in Erwin Olaf's and Dan Winters' photography.


Wow, isn't this an eclectic collection of sources :)

 3)    What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

That it's OK to make mistakes. That an image doesn't have to be perfect (from a technical point of view) in order to be beautiful and convey emotion. Many times, simply tilting the lens into the light sufices...

 4)    What does photography mean to you?

A meaningful career I love to pursue. On a more personal note however, photography has always been an escape hatch (either from a desk work I loathed or from current reality) to a world of my own.

5)    What is the best part about being a photographer?

IMHO, the fact that being a photographer becomes a challenge gradually, without you noticing it. And by the time you've realised the provocation it has become, you're already hooked :)


For example: at first, it's just you and your camera, seizing the passing moment. Soon enough, you become aware of personality and image rights and you realise you have to ask for permission for the photos you take. Or, every now and then, you encounter such a wonderful face that you know you just have to capture its beauty quickly, before it fades away. And for that, you obviously have to just go to a total stranger and say “Hey there - I would like to take a couple of photos of you!”. For a person lacking in people skills, as I used to be, this is quite a challenge. But, as usual, it is well worth it to push past your confort zone. Once you've done it, you feel fantastic, not to mention you discover there's so much more around you.

6)    If you could shoot with any photographer in the world, who would it be and why?

Right now, I would go with Dan Winters. I trully am fascinated by the atmospehre, light and colors in his portraits.

7)    What is your favorite image you have taken to date?

While it's difficult for me to choose, I would go with the first photo in one of the projects most dear to me, “Just Sisters” (see it at http://thepholio.org/albums/just-sisters/). I have invested a lot in this project (both in resources as well as in emotions) but I find that the first photo in the series, with 2 of the 4 sisters standing side by side, is quintessential to what I wanted to capture.

 8)    How do you feel about breaking the perceived rules of photography?

Better and better :) To the point where I don't feel like I am breaking anything but simply taking a different path to the same destination, that being to stir a viewer's emotions. Photography seems to me such a broad domain and there are so many ideas and sentiments to convey that there's enough room for most of the possible techniques to do so.


That being said, I believe that there's a time and a place, i.e. a context where it makes sense to break “the rules”. It obviously depends on the purpose of the project being worked on.