Andrew Nuding

Andrew Nuding

Dubin, Ireland

flickr blog

Since when have you been engaging in photography?  What got you interested in the first place?

I've always liked having memories, I hate throwing out sentimental things, so when I started taking photos, it was to have memories.

What would you say do, if not all, most of your sets have in common?

Girls, probably. I think my photos have a dreaminess and I try to capture that.

How would you describe the work with models? Would you describe it as a one-sided or rather cooperative work?

I usually have an idea in my head of what I want the photograph to look like so I direct the model on what to do. Sometimes, if I am in an unfamiliar location, I work spontaneously. I like to explore the settings before shooting, looking for the best spots. I generally shoot in places I've been before. But I also like it when a model makes a suggestion.

Connected to this: would you consider working in the fashion business later on?

I would love to. Being a fashion photographer would be amazing. I need to do some interning though. I am looking into it after Summer.

What have you been inspired by most lately?

Music: Summer Camp, Beach House, Cults. I think a lot of the music I listen to can be portrayed through my photos. Dream Pop is my inspiration at the moment.

Do you think it's crucial to study visual arts in order to "make it"? Or are there alternative ways?

I think it depends on the person. I am doing a portfolio for Art College at the moment and I think being educated in visual arts helps me, but, really, it does depend on the person.

Finally, what are your next steps/plans?

Hopefully I'll get into Art College I want to go to and then I want to start taking photography more seriously, especially in terms of doing more paid jobs. I am traveling for all of July and August and I want to take as many photos as possible. I will be inter-railing through Europe in July and then in August I am going back to San Francisco and New York.

Young, fresh and dreamy. Take a look at his work!

Brittany Held

Brittany Held

Santa Fe, New Mexico

flickr website blog

Your photos on flickr, and especially your latest uploads taken on winter walks, convey the impression that you have a set vision on what you would like to present. How would you define your interests yourself?

I usually work on multiple photography projects simultaneously and I frequently invent new ideas, which change the direction of my current projects. However, I do anticipate working on these projects throughout the year:

Winter Walks – Wondering, exploring, and discovering. The little joys of walks in winter.

Interplay – The contrast of, and interplay between, industry and nature. This project explores various realms where man-made structures and natural formations interact.

Travelling Feet – The terrain from my travels in 2011. Where will these feet take me?

In addition, I want to experiment more with film photography. Each individual photograph seems intensely significant with film, and I often feel that film can better represent the enduring power of a photograph to express a thought, a moment, or an idea.

For instance, outdoor photography plays a big role in your body of work. What do you enjoy most about it?

I am a scientist by day so I am stuck in a laboratory for many hours. By the end of the day, I cannot wait to escape into the outdoors, whether it is into nature or into a city. I cherish the freedom associated with open spaces. Moreover, I am extremely inspired by exploring new places.

You write that you love ruins. For you, what make ruins interesting as a photographic motive/object?

Since moving to New Mexico, the allure and magic inherent to the state has been a predominant influence for much of my photography. And, for me, ruins are a large part of that allure. Photographing ruins is like photographing the ancient past. It feels as if the camera’s vision penetrates through centuries, and that makes the entire process very special and exciting for me.

Do you listen to music while strolling around and shooting pictures?

I don’t normally listen to music while shooting pictures because I enjoy the beautifully subtle whispers of nature and the clamorous sounds of city life. With that being said, it could be fun to experiment with listening to music in the future.

Finally, do you ever feel that you need some space or solitude to find new inspiration?

I definitely feel that I need solitude to find new inspiration. Self-exploration is a somewhat solitary practice, and I often have more perceptive observations of the world when I am alone. I love searching for and discovering internal meanings in external details.

Promenading and watching. Take a look at her work!

Kelli Nastasi

Kelli Nastasi

Baltimore, MD

flickr 

How often do you carry your camera with you?

I never leave my house without at least one camera.

Name one event or occasion you truly regret not having had your camera at hand.

My grandmothers fight with cancer in 2001. I wasn’t taking photos back then and I know she would have hated having her vulnerability and sickness documented, but there are so many things about her that have faded or distorted in my memory in the 10 years she’s been gone. Now I try not to miss anything.

Do you find it easier to take portraits of people you know than of strangers?

I actually find both remarkably difficult. Portraiture isn’t something I feel very confident in, so I’m always practicing. But I feel like I fail to accurately capture my friends and I’m often too shy to talk to strangers. I owe the portraits that have turned out well to good luck.

Do you ever get inspired by movies for certain picture settings?

All the time! Film is another love in my life and what I appreciate most in a director is one who allows the audience to travel with the characters. We not only follow them through the storyline or on an emotional journey, but we take a walk or ride a train with them. I love to explore even if it’s down the street or walking around my room, & my photos are a documentation of those everyday comings & goings.

And do you prefer to decide in advance or spontaneously about which movie you would like to see at the cinema?

I like to decide in advance.

What are your feelings on seemingly popular styles like "vintage" or "indie" photography?

I would say those styles are definitely popular and there are things I appreciate about that look, but I’m admittedly not very fond of those new iphone apps that do all the work for you. I’m happy if it’s making photography more accessible but I also worry that it makes people lazy.

And does it ever bother you if your work is being associated to such labels?

No. I’m usually just happy that people are even seeing my photos.

If you have such a definition: what do you consider a worthy subject or motive for a picture?

I don’t think there’s anything unworthy of a picture. I use film exclusively and on a pretty tight budget, so I try to really think about what is going on through my viewfinder. Any subject that I have a connection with is usually a good enough motive. I think a sincere interaction between photographer & subject is what shines through in a photo and I love when that can trump any imperfections in the photo.

The gift and the curse of photography sites and blogs?

Gift: Exposure for new talent. There are lots of great photographers I probably never would have discovered if not for websites like Flickr, Not Content, or your site. 

Curse: Overstimulation. There’s so much out there that sometimes I just stop thinking about what I’m looking at.

Fresh. Take a look at her work!

Giulia Fiorinelli

Giulia Fiorinelli

Bergamo, Italy

flickr blog

Which compliment for your work has flattered you the most until now?

I don't remember.I think the best compliment a photographer can receive isn't about how aesthetically or technically beautiful his or her work is, but how much it can say to the observer. Knowing how to revive memories and feelings in the observer is the most difficult and beautiful that you can do.

You write that you collect things that “you think you see“ on your blog. What do you mean by that?

I've always loved collecting anything that attracted me, that told me something, or reminded me of bad or good happenings. I have so many notebooks, boxes and drawers full of scrap papers, cinema tickets and other things ... everyone has a story. Photography allows me to collect significant moments of my life. I created "Random Stories" to order these events and to not forget anyone.

Do you ever find that you have a different perspective when “collecting” images with your camera yourself or when you’re looking at other people’s works?

In both cases I try to put myself in a critical and not superficial position, because I think that we can take inspiration from every aspect.

Would you accept the offer by an international furnishing store to buy a number of your pictures for their decoration section and merchandise it worldwide?

Definitely not.

Do you think that luck plays a big role in photography?

Not always, you can take interesting pictures in an empty room without people or objects.

And how much truth can a photograph possible carry?

A lot of truth. I don't like digitally manipulated photographs, this is one of the reasons why I shoot only in analogue.

Finally, what do you consider to be the biggest gamble in life?

Always be happy and with good intentions.

Well, photography is gamble. Take a look at her work!