Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Interview : Amanda Smith



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

AS: I'm originally from Houston, Texas but moved to Portland, Oregon 5 1/2 years ago. I am a full time student studying political science and had always planned on going to law school, but not completely sold on that idea yet. I also work as a social worker at a youth homeless shelter and as a freelance photographer for a local newspaper. Photography has mostly been a hobby, creative outlet and a passion for me - I never really concerned myself with making money off of it, but rather doing what I wanted in the way that I wanted to do it.





GR: Inspiration / influences?

AS: Other photographers: Petra Collins, Saga Sigurdardottir, Steven Meisel, among many others. I draw inspiration for shoots from all kinds of things: fashion, art, music, nature, movies, fantasy, architecture, people I meet ... a random assortment of things I'm exposed to on a day to day basis.



GR: How did you become interested in photography?

AS: I've always enjoyed taking photos, but I really got into it after my art teacher showed me a book from 1973 called Suburbia by Bill Owens and after taking a photojournalism class when I was 14 and then joining my high school newspaper. I mostly was a writer and editor, but one year convinced my teacher to let me participate in a state-wide photo competition and ended up winning best of show. After that I was given more freedom to participate in the photography aspect of newspaper and started focusing on that more rather than writing.





GR: Favorite band(s) at the moment.

AS: Wishbone Ash, Iron Claw, Lee Hazelwood, Marine Girls, The Green Arrows



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

AS: Other artists are a wonderful resource. Don't be afraid to reach out and contact others who inspire you, even strangers, with questions. So many people, both good friends and strangers, have been an enormous help with answering questions that I've had about photography, especially around the business aspect of it or questions about equipment. Most importantly I would say to be true to yourself and follow your heart. There will always be people who are critical no matter what you do... Concern yourself more with doing what feels right for you.





GR: Night owl or early bird?

AS: Total night owl. Although I wish I was better about getting up early because the days in Portland are super short during winter. I need more sunshine.





GR: 3 places to visit in Portland.

AS: The Rose Garden in Washington Park during summer, The Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals (technically in Hillsboro, about 30 minutes outside of downtown Portland), and a drive through the West Hills/Skyline Drive... there are some of the most amazing houses up there and great views of the city.



GR: How would you describe your personal style?

AS: Optimistic, idealistic, romantic, & colorful.








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To view more of Amanda Smith's photos
www.aleighsmith.com
All original images via website
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I left my home.







How amazing/inspiring are these videos?? So awesome. All of the images & videos are directed by Diane Sagnier.
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Sunday, January 29, 2012

Pink Possessions.





Some of my obsessive possessions at the moment. I'm taking ballet this semester so these little ballet flats are necessary for this Spring's survival. (the studs are necessary, too.) I saw this beautiful white crotchet top at American Eagle (can you believe that?) & I couldn't resist. I never shop there but I could not pass up on this little gem especially for Spring. 'OMFG' pouch is Rebecca Minkoff. One of my favorite designers of the moment, you can purchase her stuff at Nordstrom. Nail lacquer is 'Get me to Taj on Time' by OPI.
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Interview : Ryan Kenny





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

RK: I’m a 20 year-old photographer born in Adelaide, Australia and I’ve just moved to Sydney.







GR: Inspiration / influences?

RK: My love of beautiful people & places. My photos are meant to be happy, exciting and amusing…I’ve got no interest in photographing anything that doesn’t instill that feeling in people.





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

RK: Pentax ME Super & an Olympus point and shoot.





GR: Favorite band(s) at the moment.

RK: Roy Orbison, Mike G & Twerps





GR: Night owl or early bird?

RK: I’m a bit of a grandpa/early bird; if I’m not in bed by 12 I’m not happy. I try to wake up before 8 every morning even if I’ve got nothing going on. How boring does that make me sound!





GR: Do you have any photography tricks/tips to share with someone just starting out?

RK: The only tip I can give is for photographers to focus on your own work and no one else’s. Many people’s work looks exactly the same.
Imitation isn’t the highest form of flattery; it’s weak.






GR: 3 places to visit in Sydney.

RK: The Blue Mountains, Royal National Park & Palm Beach. All incredibly beautiful places a short drive from Sydney.





GR: You have $8 in your wallet, what do you spend it on?

RK: That sounds terrible! I couldn’t spend that but I’d be tempted to put it on a horse.








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To view more of Ryan Kenny's photos
www.ryanthomaskenny.com
All original images via website
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Friday, January 27, 2012

Dreamy Daze.









via tfs
Photographed by Chris Colls

Old photoshoot but I cannot get over how effortless & dreamy Miranda Kerr looks.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012

See-thru.





Never was a huge fan of the transparent bag fad..until I came across the first photo. Maybe it's the pretty lace white dress she is wearing or the fact that it is growing on me. Either way, I'm kind of obsessed now. Love you Hermes 1996 Kelly bag.
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Valentino H/C SS 2012.




















via tfs & tumblr
Valentino
Backstage & Details // Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012
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THE GIRL.

My photo
i'm a lover undercover.