Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a full time freelance photographer that specializes in fashion portraiture and creative photography. I’m currently 21 years old living in Chicago with my two Chihuahuas. When I’m not working I’m cooking, dancing, or watching Netflix (actually I still do some of these things while I work).
How did you get interested in photography?
I became interested in Photography during high school. I initially took interest in drawing, my high school had two drawing classes and I took them both during my first two years. After that I decided to take a photography class. It was a black and white film photo class but it was a lot of fun. My passion for Photography took over the feelings that I had for drawing. I’m not sure why but I love the technical aspects of photography.
Do you artist/photographer inspired your art?
I have so many inspiring artists that I admire and I find new ones everyday so it’s hard to choose but I’d have to say that the most influential artists to me at the moment are Emily Soto, Karrah Kobus, Ann He, and Julia Trotti, to name a few.
Could you please tell us anything about your technique and creating process?
The creating process for me starts with the spark of an idea, maybe it’s the weather, a song, a theme for a magazine, something I saw online, or something that randomly popped into my head. As soon as I get an idea I create a pinterest board and I start pinning any outfit ideas, makeup, hair, poses, lighting, colors, etc. Then once I have my vision board, I seek out the appropriate models and stylists to make my idea to come to life.
Describe your ideal photographic situation
It would be ideal if I had all the equipment I could ever need. It seems that no matter what I have I always feel as though I need something more. That and working with the perfect team would be my ideal photoshoot.
How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph?
A lot of preparation goes into my shoots. Sometimes I will spend months planning a shoot, seeking the perfect location and team members.
What’s your useable-to-unusable ratio when you review images from a shoot?
It really depends on the shoot, sometimes I only need one image from a shoot, but usually when I shoot, I only use 1/3 of the images taken. As they say, it takes a few bad ones to get a good one.
What quick advice do you have for someone who wants to improve his or her photography skills?
Make it happen, really focus on the work that you love and figure out what makes makes it such a great image. Study photos and surround yourself with photography, art, things that inspire you. Watch tutorials and take classes if you need to. And finally, practice, practice, practice!
From time to time many photographers find themselves in a creative rut or uninspired to shoot. Does this ever happen to you and if so how do you overcome these phases?
I happens to me and I’m sure it happens to everyone. I overcome it by taking a little break for my art, and then forcing myself to be inspired by looking at my favorite images on pinterest, or finding a new technique I haven’t tried before, I sit there for an hour looking through photos until I have an idea that’s original. Or other times I just put on a cool outfit and take some selfies and see what it turns into. Sometimes it’s been my best work.
What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
My future plans involve me moving to California, helping models build their portfolios and working as a freelance fashion and creative photographer, shooting for publications and teaching workshops around the globe. [Official Website][dodho magazine]
