The Unexposed Magazine No.2

How did you first become interested in photography? How long have you been photographing for?

In my childhood, I used to be one of those kids who takes pictures of anything, anyone, anywhere, and I was particularly talented in the blurry unrecognizable still life, and occasional spontaneous portraiture. However, my real interest I discovered in 9th grade in my photography class, when I was 13. Thanks to my awesome teacher, Mrs. Garvey, I saw it all in a new way--as an art that is actually far more complicated and layered than it appears.

What is your current relationship with photography?

Currently, I am enrolled in advanced photography independent study at my new high school and I'l definitely continue taking classes. However, I use photograpzhy as a happy escape from the dreadful stacks of papers and textbooks in my room. As cheesy as this is going to sound, it's a moment when I get to see and think about the world around me (as opposed to being confined in my world of SAT books, College Guides, and essays). Photography is a huge help in my life, and I love everything about it.

Who, or what is your biggest influence?

Well, everything really. But I'd say that Flickr is actually a huge influence...it's got that competitive vibe and so many ideas, it really a perfect place for inspirations. Also, music, travel, and Nick Knight. Music is amazing for recreating songs into images- it's a beautiful thing that art can always be translated in so many ways. Voyages always have that awe factor that is like a trigger for you to capture what you see because you just don't ever want to forget it. And Nick Knight...what is there to say? He's a genius.

Probably my favorite current fashion photographer.

Tell us a little bit about these particular photographs.

Well the two from my self-portrait series reflect the ability to create in a dream or a fantasy world--it's a great feeling, isn't it? But the two have entirely different tones. The one in color is also a reflection of the Wonder Stranger bit of me...which I guess is that part of you that's different, but beautifully so--the part you surprise yourself with, it makes you proud. And sometimes it's the way you want to be seen. The light in the image depicts my love for creating-- and in my fantasy world I'd definitely be sure to have light creating powers, ha. The other image is rather nightmarish from the tone because it portrays power--A creator, a mighty being. It's real concept in our lives, after all doesn't this define an artist? But in fantasy the power is maximized, naturally, and it's beautiful what that can do in our minds, dreams, imagination. We Are Lilliputs is a reference to one of my favorite childhood stories, Gulliver's Travels, and also a reference to the dream everyone has in their lifetime where everything is out of proportion. A peculiar dream, but it's another perspective, which is what I love in dreams- there are no limits. Lastly, Rette Mich (translates to Rescue Me) is a depiction of another kind of dream or even situation just about everybody experiences. It is the dream where you are so lost and confused, your mind is so heavy, and all you desire is to escape it. You see things but you can't understand them, they are morphing silhouettes. This is a feeling I often get between sleeping and waking up and realizing that I have to go to school, ha.

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