Interview : Daeja Fallas

I think what makes a great photographer is someone who is true to themselves. Not worrying about what is selling or what they should be photographing, but what feels right to them. Daeja Fallas is one of the most influential photographers I've interviewed thus far and it is quite inspiring that she finds her main source of inspiration from her own blood, her mother. Take a read of what Fallas has to say to GOLDREBEL.


GR: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

DF: I am a dreamer. I love the night sky from anywhere where you can see the
stars, big cities early in the morning when you can still hear the birds,
books, paintings, photographs, friends. I live in the LES





GR: How did you become interested in fashion photography?

DF: I wouldn't say my work is fashion inspired but it has evolved into
fashion. I originally became interested in photography because of the
story telling aspect of the medium. I was fascinated with the ability to
illustrate my thoughts.



GR: Inspiration / influences?

DF: First and foremost my mom. She is a teacher and an illustrator. I am in
awe of her patience and inexhaustible love for what she does.
The others include: Paulo Roversi, Sheila Metzner, Marc Chagall, Isa
Genzken, Ben Olson and the list goes on and on...


GR: Favorite band(s) at the moment.

DF: I dont know. When I hear something I like, I buy it but I'm pretty fickle.


GR: What kind of camera(s) do you shoot with.

DF: I loved my canon AE1 from the 70's till it "died" said the man at Nippon
Repair Shop... When she went south I decided to upgrade a bit to a canon
EOS1 that I really love. I also use a 5dMKII for jobs and a hasselblad 500
C that seems to sit on the shelf more and more. I love my Polaroid land
camera and have had the fortune to have a friend with a 195 that he lets
me borrow. The old Polaroids are always fun... and instant gratification!


GR: Night owl or early bird?

DF: Depends. There are so many great things about both...


GR: Do you have any tips/tricks for someone who is just starting out in photography?

DF: Be yourself. You can copy anyone but only you can be yourself.





GR: 3 places to visit in NYC.

DF: Any one of the museums and their rooftop, the highline at sunset, one of
the hundreds of amazing restaurants depending on your taste. I love
Frankie's 17 on Clinton, Sachico's also on Clinton, Bar Tano in Brooklyn,
San Marzano Pizza, new greenbow Chinese, peels, cafe mogador...


GR: How would you describe your personal style.

DF: Romantic


All original images via Daeja Fallas's website.
Click here to view more of her work.