the six questions featuring Jenny Vorwaller

As promised earlier this month, today I introduce you to another talented Jennifer. Jenny Vorwaller stole my heart the minute I came across her lovely blog True Nature where she shares insights and inspiration on photography, fashion, art, travel and motherhood. Not only is Jenny one of the kindest souls and most beautiful women I’ve seen, she is also a talented photographer, painter, jewelry designer and dedicated wife and mother. Her approach to life, creating and finding beauty wherever she is, is delightful and inspiring.

Jenny kindly accepted to answer all 8 questions of our Shutter Sisters interview. Here are her answers:

1. What’s the story behind this photo?

My best friend from Buenos Aires was visiting me in Seattle, and we had been walking around Alki Beach that day. I remember walking by this adorable little girl and struck up a conversation with her mother. We were collectively admiring her shoes, her pull toy, her doll-like appearance. Before I knew it I was asking permission to take some Polaroids of Sally. She was really hard to resist and I just wanted to remember that moment.

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

It’s always been there… I think it’s been with me so long that I don’t remember one marked incidence or first camera. Tracing back to those first moments learning in the darkroom is sort of like remembering my first kiss. Sparks! And there was this one time when I was a kid… I remember taking pictures with a cheap disposable camera out the window of our family van while the van was moving, I was always aiming at everything. My brothers had fun with that. “Look Jenny! It’s a field! Take a picture! Look Jenny! It’s a cow, take a picture!” We were awesome. And the more I think of my childhood photography skills, the more I see I haven’t changed all that much.

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

I’m all intuition: in my art, in my life.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

Outside. Magazines. Music. Fashion. My boys.

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’m not sure how to define it – but looking through the viewfinder, I would recognize it if I saw it. My husband would say, “if it moves… (brief pause) or not.” So true!

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

Developing my film. It sits around for ages before I get those pictures printed out from the rolls. But it doesn’t slow me down from shooting, and if we’re being honest, I think I subconsciously let them pile up because then it’s all a surprise once I see the photos and I love that! It’s like opening a present that you always wanted but didn’t suspect anyone would ever get for you.

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?

Morocco. Seychelles. Santa Fe! Right now I am so determined to go somewhere sunny that I’m looking at locales with sandy beaches and summery colors. We might even be booking a flight tonight: this is what Seattle February does to a girl. I have this dream of bringing an air stream trailer full of my beautiful friends (they are all so beautiful) and I would pack with us lots of bright colored, neon frocks and drive into the desert. I’m dying to see that contrast of the landscape against flowing dresses and scarves… It will be done!

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

I’m so used to being the one in my circle with the camera that people usually rely on me to be taking all the pictures, which I secretly love. When there is an opportunity to meet up with friends who are obsessed with photography as I am, we have a blast! Taking pictures with my younger sister is always a pleasure – we can have gooey beauty facemasks on, I’ll bring props into a photo booth with her, trade big hats on the beach… I love that feeling when you are at ease enough with a person to want to take hundreds of photos together and still want more.

Thank you Jenny!

You can see more of Jenny’s beautiful work on her blog and Flickr pool.