Shutter Sisters

the six questions featuring Jenifer Altman

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Uppercase magazine has recently published a book called “Jen 11” featuring the work of 11 talented artists named Jennifer. And I couldn’t help but notice with a sense of awe that some of my favorite photographers and writers are indeed, named Jennifer. Last month I shared with you the work and thoughts of Jennifer Causey of Simply Photo. Today I give you another wonderful photographer I constantly look up to, someone whose sense of composition and light swings back and forth between an innate ability to capture beauty in her daily life and pure genius. Someone who graciously took time amidst her adventures to answer our SS interview, and is also named Jennifer. Today, I give you Jenifer Altman.

1. What’s the story behind this photo? 

It was our last weekend in Italy.  We were flying out of Pisa and scheduled the day so that we would have some time to see the city before our flight the following morning. We followed the traffic of tourists to the leaning tower – ate what turned out to be the worst lunch of the entire trip and were beyond disappointed that the trip ended on such a lackluster note.  In a last effort, we drove deeper into the city, parked our little rental fiat and walked through what felt like a ghost town.  Blocks and blocks – but the noises in the distance – the beats on the cobblestones, were becoming louder – so on we walked. We found a night market in the old town – it was alive, dusk was just ebbing on the landscape, it was beautiful. We walked the stalls, snaked on our last gelato of the journey and as we wandered slowly back to the car, we happened upon this quiet little alley. It beckoned me – the light was magic.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

My father was a great influence on my love of photography. He always was shooting when we were kids – a hasselblad, a nikon 35mm – polaroids. My love affair truly started upon shooting my own polaroid for the first time. Polaroids are the dream – the vision – you struggle to share when you look through the viewfinder. They hold on to that alchemy…

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy? 

I want to be authentic above all else – and yes – I think it does play into my life. Even when I photograph my girls for publications like SMALL magazine and I give them a bit of direction – I find that I still wait – finger on shutter – until they do their own thing. Doing my own thing – teaching the girls to do their own thing – being individual, authentic and good – it is all so important.

 4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Truly my life is my inspiration. Travel, my daughters – I am incredibly blessed. 

5. What would you say is one of your ‘signature’ editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

I think the way I use and play with light is something that may make my work identifiable. I love shooting into the light – I love washes of light across the composition – I love faces illuminated by the caress of soft sunlight. 

6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?  

I still occasionally shoot digital for work and I am continually working on getting my images to look as much like they are from a film camera as possible! 

7. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why? 

Egypt.  It is my dream. There is an ancient energy there that I know would transform me.

Thank you so much Jenifer!

You can see more of Jenifer’s work on her blog Nectar and Light and Flickr Pool. 

(And stay tuned for our next SS interview featuring another Jen!)

the six questions featuring Jennifer Causey

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Jennifer Causey’s still life, food and travel images have been inspiring many for years now, always encouraging us to explore the beauty that emerges from the ordinary scenes of everyday life, and gently reminding us to sink into the goodness of nature, and simple living. Jennifer kindly accepted to answer our 6 questions interview and I am absolutely delighted to share her thoughts with you today. Now, make yourself a cup of tea, nestle on your couch with a soft blanket, and enjoy. 

1. What’s the story behind this photo? 

 

This photo was taken in the dining room of some of my friend’s home. We had gone to the farmer’s market that morning and brought back some blueberries, local honey, and the little loaf of bread. As we put everything on the table for breakfast, the light was so beautiful and  I had to take a photo.   

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

After college, I took a black and white photography class just for fun. We developed and printed our own photos. Working in the darkroom and watching photos come to life before my eyes was like magic. I was instantly hooked.   

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?

Keep it simple. I try to use natural light whenever possible. I also like working organically, with simple objects and I like to just let things happen. I keep my eyes open for the perfect scene or moment to capture.  This reflects my life philosophy as well. I try to live simply and enjoy simple pleasures. 

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Everywhere! I always have my eyes open. Living in NYC, there is inspiration everywhere. But, I also love visiting other places to see things with a fresh eye. I am very inspired by food, by the people who grow it, and by those who make it into beautiful, delicious creations. I love coffee houses and bakeries. 

I’m also inspired by colors in nature and the changing of seasons. I often turn to European and Australian design and travel magazines. The styling is always full of interesting objects and colors.

5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve? 

I am always trying to push myself to take more pictures of people. 

6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?

I think it would be a trip around Italy. Because the country has the best of everything-wonderful food, beautiful landscapes, a gorgeous coastline, and amazing people.

Thank you so much Jennifer!

Be sure to check Jennifer’s website, blog and Flickr pool to see more of her inspiring work.

kids life

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“Shoot what you know” is what they say.

And I know these two.

Yet it isn’t until very recently that I realized that my sons, now almost 8, have been a constant source of inspiration whether I was holding a pen or my camera. And though I am now able to create a routine that revolves a little more around my work rather than school schedules, and I no longer feel the compulsive urge to squeeze and kiss their cheeks all the time, documenting my children’s daily life is still one of the greatest joys of mine.

It’s little surprise then that some of my favorite photographers like Hitoshi Ishihara, Jenifer Altman, Bob Smith and Alison Garnett are also parents. And parents who photograph their kids. A lot. There’s just something heartbreakingly beautiful and touching when we are faced with such innocence, curiosity and unrestrained joy of life.

What about you? Do you photograph children a lot (yours or otherwise)? Please share your images of kids life with us today.

my girl

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“A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his.” John Grogan, Marley & Me

Finn is one of those quick, unreasonable, whimsical and best decisions I have made in my life. I never thought that I would ever own a dog. Growing up my two turtles died, I accidentally set two birds free and had to return a rabbit. I was convinced that I was not meant to live with animals. But it’s been almost 10 years now. And though we’ve made countless trips to the vet, though she once ate a whole box of pastel crayons and pooped multicolor for a week, though she cannot balance any object on her head, very few things in this world can equal the comfort of her gentle presence, her unwavering loyalty, and the way she makes us laugh every day.

Today I invite you to share the lovely, fun, cute, nostalgic or crazy images (and stories) of the big, small, four-legged, furry or feathered members of your family. Show us the one you gave your heart to. And who gave you his.

before bedtime

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This is the moment I look forward to every day. When dishes are washed, bellies are fed, and the smell of strawberry shampoo lingers in the air. When there’s nothing else to do but play a game of Monopoly in our pajamas, read our favorite books or nestle on the couch and watch a movie together. When I am not only reminded to unplug, slow down and enjoy the present moment, but also to invite soothing, peaceful energy into my home and life, every day.

What about you? Is there a special place or hour of the day that helps you slow down, center, and brings a sense of quiet and peace to your busy life? Tell us. And please, show us.

3 questions, 3 sisters (round 2)

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Are you ready for another round of “3 questions, 3 sisters”? Do you want to know the tricks that Shutter Sister Maile uses when taking her beautiful portraits? What Sarah-Ji looks for when shooting the streets? Or how Paige keeps little ones smiling and cheerful on photo shoots? Read on!

Sarah-Ji, what is it in the streets, in the lives of strangers passing by that moves you and inspires you to pick up the camera?

If there’s one thing that I yearn for in all aspects of life, it’s narrative. Every single person on this planet has their unique story, and it’s that thought that fascinates me about the strangers I encounter on the streets. I’m compelled to point my camera towards images that have a story to tell. Of course, I have no way of knowing whether the stories I see are actually true, and most likely they are not since I have no claim to psychic powers. However, when you think about it, a story doesn’t have to be true to move us or to change us. If it did, a huge chunk of art would be meaningless. I hope the images I capture will evoke stories for those who view my photos. Everyone might see a totally different narrative, but as long as they are touched in some way, that’s what matters to me.

Maile, I’ve spent some time visiting your website, and I was stunned by your portraits. How do you do to make people so beautiful? And what is your approach when taking someone’s portrait? Please, share your tips too!

I think people are most beautiful when they’re relaxed, so I’m always very aware of my own energy. I’ve found that the more relaxed I feel, the more likely it is that people will loosen up and feel free enough to interact naturally together. Technically speaking, good light is way more important than the background. So I’m always looking primarily for flat light, meaning there are no highlights or shadows being cast across someone’s face. As they say, shade is good. But open shade is better. It’s that spot where the person is right on the edge of the shade. That’s why doorways work well, because there are no funky shadows, and they’re still close enough to the bright light to have it be reflected in their eyes. If I pose people, I will have them stand to the side, sit on their hip, raise one shoulder slightly higher than the other, because angles are flattering. And the holy grail of making any woman look amazing, is to shoot with the camera positioned higher than her face. Even if it means that you ask her to squat down in front of you. This is the fool-proof head shot. Because not only does it make anyone look thinner, it also reflects light from the sky into their eyes. And it makes eyes look bigger and more dramatic because they are the closest thing to the camera. This is also the reason why if I’m taking a snap shot of myself, it is mounted on the ceiling. Just kidding (sort of) 🙂

Paige, while we were in Chicago I remember peeking into your camera bag and asking you about the rubber duck and the Pez dispenser. Could you please share with our readers what they’re for?

My husband gave me the rubber duck when I first started the business because he thought it might be a good attention grabber for kids and babies. And he was right! It squeaks, it’s cute, and they love it. I often play peek-a-boo with it or set it on top of my head to get their attention. The Pez dispenser was not my idea, but I read about it somewhere. I took a bunny Pez dispenser and fit it right into the external flash port on top of my camera. I had to shave a little off the sides with a knife to get it to fit perfectly. I sometimes use it as a last resort to get kids to look in my direction. I’m sure I look ridiculous when it’s up there, but I don’t care! Whatever works! In my camera bag I also keep bubbles for entertainment and lots of stickers for bribery!

What about you? What are your tricks? What does inspire you? Please feel free to leave your answers and/or comments below. There’s another giveaway so don’t forget to comment!

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Hooray for this week’s Memolio winners:

Kosenrufu Mama, Spread Your Wings, Donna, Chocolate on my Cranium and Life in Eden .

AND five more books are up for grabs in yet another generous giveaway from Memolio in a random drawing this week. Just leave a comment here to be entered. Good luck!

the six questions featuring Jennifer Evans

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I was immediately drawn to Jennifer Evans’ Polaroid photos the moment I stumbled across her Flickr Pool about a year ago. And I have been admiring her unique sense of composition and light, as well as the delightful blend of beauty, style and simplicity emanating from her images ever since. I was so excited when Jennifer kindly accepted to answer our 6 questions, and I couldn’t be happier today to share her answers with you.

1. What’s the story behind this photo? 

This day was like any other day, yet special for me. I was spending it riverside on the Thames with the love of my life. We were enjoying the briskness of a fall afternoon, drinking cider and eating fish and chips. The sunset was beautiful that evening, like flames slowly crawling over the bridge. It ignited a renewal of passion for each other once again. 

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film? 

As long as I can remember photography has been a part of my life. There is quite a substantial amount of photographer’s in my family. Polaroid was introduced on the day I was born. Many in my family owned Polaroids, but my grandfather was the one who lived by it. He wouldn’t use anything else but his trusty sx70 camera.

As a kid, Polaroid was fun… Having the image physically in your hands appearing in a matter of minutes. It was magic, I was convinced. To this day I carry my sx70 with me everywhere capturing moments that only my eyes see and sharing them with the rest of the world. Still believing in the magic, just like my grandfather. 

3. What’s your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy? 

“Day by day”, that is the way I try to live, I see this in my photos as well. I try to capture everyday life, the beauty and the beast of it. That’s the same with life, the good and the bad, but that makes a person who they are. That is the same with my photographs, they tell a life story on their own or as a photo diary. 

4. Where do you look for inspiration? 

Everywhere, anywhere I look, the music I listen to, the books I read, the places I travel, the art I see, the people on the streets… The light.

5. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why? 

Well there are so many places in the world that are left to be explored. In my first degree I studied a bit of anthropology and focused on a tribe in Vietnam, called the Hmong tribe. I have always wanted to go there and live with the people for a short time and document their way of life. That is just one of many places I would love to go on a photographic journey to. 

6. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why? 

Many, I have met so many women, some through Flickr, some through life who I would consider my shutter sisters. Two in particular are the closest… One of my best friends Breanna Wucinich has always had the love of photography, I have introduced her to Polaroid and she has fallen in love as well. The other is another great friend Fernanda Montoro, with whom I have shared many Polaroid projects with in the past and many to come in the future. We also have a stall at the famous Broadway Market in London, called “The Polaroid Shop”. I know I will meet many more shutter sisters in the future, and have many more photographic adventures!

Thank you so much Jennifer!

Please, go take a look at Jennifer’s Flickr Pool and website. I promise her images will inspire you and make you smile.

autumn in Paris

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I don’t like autumn as much as I enjoy the other seasons of the year. And yet it recently dawned on me that stories unfold and lessons are better learned during those shorter days when a sore throat forces me to slow down, when I find delightful comfort in small, simple things, and crisp leaves crunch under my feet as I walk my sons to school in the morning.

Today, please show us. What does fall look like in your city? And tell us, what does inspire you about autumn?

3 questions, 3 sisters

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photo of Karen Walrond by Andrea Scher, photo of Stephanie Roberts by Karen Walrond, photo of Andrea Scher by Tracey Clark.

Some of them I had worked with for many years, some I only knew from their words and images. And yet meeting my fellow Shutter Sisters in Chicago this past summer has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. I can’t even begin to tell you how uniquely beautiful, kind and talented these women are and how much their friendship and support mean to me. Today I want you to know a little more about them, so I asked one question to three of them. Here are their answers:

Stephanie, has traveling to Africa shift your perception of the world and changed the way you look at people? What do you see now that you might not have noticed before? 

Yes, indeed. Traveling to Africa changed me in many ways. It pushed me to be more open and trusting with new relationships. When you place yourself in a foreign country – not knowing the local language, culture and geography – it forces you to develop new relationships, to trust your instincts about people, and to be open to new experiences despite the presence of fear. I never thought I’d ride on the back of a motorcycle for 45 minutes (driven by a man I barely knew) on a dirt road… up a mountain… in the open countryside of Rwanda… with nothing but my camera in my backpack. But it was one of the most memorable moments of my time there.

The people I met in Rwanda instantly became very dear to me for several reasons. Their hearts are pure and open – sharing love in the form of kind words and warm embraces on a daily basis. Children would reach for my hand and brush the hair away from my face without hesitation. They value their relationships with each other over all material possessions – sharing love, kindness, their simple homes, and food without hesitation.  Their strong sense of purpose is rooted in faith – expressing thanks to God openly for all that they have. I look at people now with much more kindness and compassion in my heart, and I’m truly grateful to my friends in Rwanda for teaching me how to do that.

Karen, what has been or still is your biggest challenge as a photographer?

My biggest challenge always has been, and remains making my photography provocative or innovative.  At this point in my practice of photography, I feel comfortable that I can take a pretty picture — now I struggle with how to make viewers wonder — wonder how I came up with a particular angle or treatment, wonder what the backstory is behind the shot, wonder why the photograph affects them the way it does.  It’s a hard thing to try to do, since often in photography we can get comfortable with our particular style, but I think innovation and provocation is necessary in order to feel like we grow as photographers.

I keep on trying, though. 🙂

Andrea, what do you think is the one quality that any photographer should have?

One quality every photographer should have is a true love of beauty and awe of the world. Sometimes this is natural for me, and sometimes carrying my camera can help remind me to look at the world with these kind of eyes. Going on a photo walk can be like a walking meditation. Each step you are looking for what’s beautiful and interesting about the moment. It keeps you present, and (no pun intended) seeing through a lens of appreciation.

 

Today I invite you to answer those questions too in the comment section below. I have the feeling that wonderful thoughts and insights might unfold here. And if you would like to ask a specific question to one of the Shutter Sisters for a future “3 questions, 3 sisters” post, please let us know!

What are you listening to?

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When I was growing up, music was a huge part of my life. It was a safe haven to retreat to after a difficult day at school, something that defined who I was, like the clothes and shoes I wore, a way to connect with friends as we shared a common passion, mix tapes and earphones, and learn new English vocabulary.

We’ve all done it. We’ve unpacked an old box and found a CD or a tape, and smiled as we held an entire year of our lives in our two hands. Toto’s “I’ll be over you” reminds me of one particular summer watching horror movies with my friends when I was 14. Bon Jovi’s “I’ll be there for you” is still a karaoke favorite of mine. And don’t get me started on the New Kids on the Block. 

This made me wonder. I know a lot of professional photographers like to play music in the background on photo shoots to set a certain mood and put the model at ease. But what about you? Do you listen to music while taking photos? And if songs are memories and moods wrapped in a few notes and sentences, how much do they affect the way we look at life through our lenses?

I can’t wait to read your thoughts on this. And don’t forget to share your images and songs in the comment section below.