Photographer of the month

Dear Diary...

This is the story of a small town girl from Pendleton, Oregon, who moved to Hollywood.

A Photographer & Director, but most importantly a dreamer.

 Fall in love with the work of the ultimate girls' girl, as she sends you down the path of teenage

nostalgia through her tales of  friendship, dreams and growing up.

First of all tell me more about your creative background?

I’ve been in painting and drawing classes since I was a kid. I started my background with photography in high school, developing and printing my own film. When I turned 14 I got my first 35mm SLR for my combined Christmas and Birthday gift (upon my request!), and then started shooting outside of class and entering photo competitions. I got a degree in Visual Arts from Brigham Young University in 2011, and have been venturing into the world of film on my own since then! Upon graduating I directed and wrote my first short film “Rose and Sophia” that had its world premier at the 2012 Slamdance Film Festival.

When did you first pick up a camera and decide that it was something you wanted to take further?

I enrolled in a photography class in my freshman year of high school. I loved it! I started using my dad’s Pentax 35mm to photograph still life and landscape photography. I think it came naturally to me to aspire to the role of a professional photographer. I bought a subscription to Vogue when I was 13, and always hoped I’d be the future photographer of the ad campaigns I loved to cut out and tape onto my walls.

What camera do you use?

Pentax K1000, Canon 5D MK II, Fuji Instax, plus a few different toy cameras

Do you prefer shooting film or digital?

I love shooting film! I also love how instantaneous digital is. I’m a naturally pragmatic person and when shooting either, I always make the choice based on how I want the final product to look, how much time I have before a deadline, and how much money I have for the specific project.

Who inspired you growing up?

My dad is a hardworking artist. Watching his commitment to his art and craft pushed me to make a creativity a priority. I never thought of working hard to create art as being optional, and I see now how helpful that mentality has been for me.

How would you describe the style of your work in three words?

Dreamy, feminine, fluffy

"Take the plunge! Anything that seems scary to you or is making you apprehensive, that is a sign that you should just do it!"

Your short film ‘Rose and Sophia’ had its world premiere at Slamdance film festival last year?  Any more shorts in the works for 2013?  

I just finished writing my next short film “Seashells” that is about a young girl growing to accept her budding bosoms! The film follows her during that time where she first realizes she needs a bra until when she accepts her metamorphosis.  

If you could only be either a Director or a Photographer, which would you choose?

I love both! And while I see how they are related, they are both very different so it is hard to say. Most films’ importance outlast their photographic counterparts, so I think I would say I would choose being a Director.

Los Angeles is full of young hopefuls waiting for their lucky break- what advice would you give to other artists looking to make it in a city such as LA?

Take the plunge! Anything that seems scary to you or is making you apprehensive, that is a sign that you should just do it! Don’t wait for things to happen for you, create opportunities for yourself.

Where’s your favourite place in LA to take photos?

Although not technically in LA, Disneyland!! My next fashion editorial takes place in Disneyland, the most magical place on earth!

Urban Outfitters and American Apparel are among some of the clients on your list- tell me, who would be your dream client?

I would love to shoot an ad campaign for any major designer that would let me take creative control. Tim Walker has done amazing things for Mulberry. It would be a great challenge to follow that legacy by shooting a campaign for them.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

I’m in preproduction for my next short film “Seashells” that’s about a 4^th grader coming to the realization that she needs to wear a bra.

Can you share with us any up and coming or unknown talents you have been following lately?

Rachel Stallings and Chris Duce are both compelling artists that inspire and blow my mind all the time.

Watch the trailer for 'Rose & Sophia'
'Sweet Sixteen' By Natalie Neal

Check out her dreamy portfolio