the six questions featuring Alicia Bock

Alicia Bock’s images are like poetry whispered in your ears as you wake up early in the morning. Her photography exudes a sense of calm that constantly inspires me to slow down and take a few moments to soak in the beauty that is so kindly presented to me. Despite a busy schedule this summer, Alicia has graciously accepted to answer all of our 8 questions. I couldn’t be more excited to share her answers with you today.

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

This is one of my favorite polaroids. It was a very busy day at the beach. Labor Day weekend, gorgeous and hot. But needing a break from the crowd I took a little walk up in the dunes. Up there it was just the sound of the wind and faint laughter from below.

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

I think this life is in my blood: my grandparents, my dad, my cousins. We are a sentimental group. I can’t remember not having a camera, or not being in front of my dad’s. It seems as natural to me as breathing. I do remember my Grandma always had a polaroid full of film. I am sure she is the reason for my Polaroid obsession today.

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

For both, anything goes.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere, but mostly in nature. Especially a day at the beach.

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?

This is hard… I don’t consciously try to do the same things. In fact it is really important to me to keep learning, and experimenting with new cameras and techniques. But, I do seem to travel to the same comforting places, which leads to a lot of photographs of beaches, my favorite cities, big sky, and shades of the perfect blue-green. More than anything, I am drawn to the same soft colors, over and over.

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

I want my photographs, especially the portraits, to tell stories better.

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?

I’d do anything to go to Italy. It is where my Grandma was from. I miss her cooking.

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

I won’t know any female photographers in my town, and at art shows it is always the older men who want to talk photography with me. So, I am thrilled to have “met” some wonderful ladies online.

Susanna Conway – My “Favorite Things” partner. Working with her this year has been a fabulous experience. Traci (aka: Mrs. French) – She’s one of the first women I knew online who I felt loved photography as much as I do. Victoria – Witty, charming and a great eye for details. Her Sunday’s in the City are my favorite. I think there is so much beauty that we pass by everyday, and Victoria reminds me to open my eyes a bit wider.

Thank you so much Alicia!

You can see more of Alicia’s work her website, her Flickr pool and blog Bloom, Grow, Love.