I really enjoy the digital side of photography. And while I think there is still a certain air of hesitation around photographic manipulation, I enjoy trying to find new and innovative ways of using digital methods. I’m also quite interested in exploring how digital methods and manipulation affect photography and its’ representation of reality.
I’m currently finishing a Masters in Multidisciplinary Design in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and my final project is an exploration of this topic. The project is entitled A Lovely Tale, and is based on the idea of how we remember and retell. It’s a series of photographs from memories of childhood, where I’m using photorealistic computer generated imagery in conjunction with photography to blur the boundaries between the ‘real’ and the ‘digital’. It’s a visual story about what it means to grow up, and an exploration of a new and innovative way of visual storytelling that pushes the boundaries of what a photograph is and could be.
In addition to this recent work, I’m a photographer and graphic designer from Arizona, and while I’ve always loved photography, I really only starting pursuing it seriously a few years into university. I switched majors a few times and was fortunate to have the opportunity to study at several different universities, in three countries, giving me a unique perspective on visual culture and design.
I did a semester abroad in Vancouver, Canada, which is an incredibly beautiful and visual city. I also got my first taste of traditional darkroom printing and conceptual photography techniques while studying there. The following year, I did another study abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland, finishing up my degree in Design Studies, and furthering my love for travel and exploring new places.
I suppose it’s a combination of a passion for adventure and a love for telling visual stories that has gotten me where I am today, doing a mix of freelance graphic design and photography work, and recently, trying to find ways to mix the two together.
I find inspiration in everything, but photographically, I love the portraiture and humanitarian work of Jeremy Cowart and Esther Havens, as well as their passionate approach to photography in general. Also, the innovation and use of digital manipulation in the imaginative work of Fredrik Ödman, whose work includes a unique and beautiful combination of photography and CGI.
I suppose the influence and inspiration comes from looking at how can you take something that is maybe not usually seen and turn it into something exciting and new and interesting. I love that challenge, and seeing how other folks are responding to the same question in various visual capacities has definitely influenced my own work.
While there are so many areas and aspects I love to shoot, I would have to say portraiture is my favourite – I love the unique form of collaboration that takes place between the photographer and the subject. I also love the idea of travelling and shooting people in different locations, exploring new places and cultures through a visual lens.
At the moment, I’m really excited about the project I’m currently working on, A Lovely Tale, so I’m currently trying to spread the word about it, and look forward to other new and exciting projects in the future!
Links
Project: http://www.alovelytale.com
Website: http://www.livelaughdesign.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/purplebandana
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