Notes From A Photographer.......

I've developed a love for photography over the past few years. My love affair with the art has been subtle, but now it's grown to the point that I feel the need to incorporate it in my life on a regular basis. I've taken a course, bought many cameras, make sure that I have at least one with me at all times and I love to view the works of talented photographers.

This morning, I found a gal that definitely has talent. I have been following her blog
cupcakes & mixtapes for a while now, cause it's a pretty dope site. As, I was checking out updates on all blogs that I follow, I noticed that Loni updated her blog last week with her online portfolio. After I had a look at her photos, I knew that I had to ask for an interview!

Voila!

I am pleased to introduce you to Loni Schick

How did you get started? And how long have you been a photographer?

I've been taking photos since I was around 14. I used to dress my friends up and do their make-up and take them out to different spots around my family's house. At
that time I was just using a 35mm point and shoot camera.
I learned how to use an SLR in 9th Grade photography
class and practiced developing black and film 35mm film as well. I loved the dark room and really hope to have one in my home someday. When I was 17 I saved up for a SLR and kept on with the friend and family photo shoots. I moved to England when I was 19 and travelled to 21 countries in Europe and Africa by the time I turned 21. I have 10,000+ photos from my travels! :)

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from everywhere! Movies, music, personal memories, travels, magazines, the internet. To quote Jim Jarmusch: "Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to.”

When I was studying Cinematography in Vancouver last year, I would sit on the bus listening to my ipod and dream up all kinds of concepts for photo shoots and music videos. I have to credit Kanye West for constantly being my motivational life soundtrack. As lame as that sounds. I know he gets such a bad wrap for being conceited or whatever but I don't think there's anything wrong with having a proud sense of accomplishment when you set out to achieve something above your raddest dreams.

Besides that, I listen to a lot of Paris cafe type music, like Edith Piaf for example. I also love Federico Fellini films. I think that's where I get the vintage influence.

Are you ever uninspired? If so, how do you get over the slump?

I felt really uninspired for about a year. I had sold my SLR for much-needed cash and just felt like I lost my creative energy. I was watching the movie "A Lot Like Love" one night and funny enough, the scenes where she (Amanda Peet) was taking photos made me want to grab a camera right there and then. Shortly after I bought my Nikon D80 DSLR and went out to visit my friend in California. It's hard not to be inspired when your hanging out in Hollywood and Santa Monica so I've been non-stop since then.

Any advice for newbies starting out?

When you think of an idea for a cool shot, write it down or draw it right then! Trust me, you'll forget. I started carrying a notebook around with me for that purpose. When it comes time to shoot and the shot I drew/wrote down turns out great, I'm so stoked I didn't miss out on it!
I think the best advice for starting out is to know where you want your photography to take you. If you want to get serious about taking wedding or family photos, for example, offer to do shoots for free and gather up a decent portfolio so you'll be able to show prospective clients what you can do. I'm aiming for a career in editorial/fashion photography so I've been practicing that style.
Keep shooting!



Here are some of my favorite "Loni Schick" photos (posted on Flickr):







Take a peek at her online gallery for more lovely photos, (my fave is the "sneaker shoot" - Love it!)

Well I've gotta say is....

Loni....you've got me motivated & inspired for real!

And to my readers.....I hope you've been inspired tonight as well:)

1luv