Thursday, October 13, 2011

Tiffany Dyer - Fine Artist


Tiffany Dyer
22 years old
Student earning her Bachelors degree

CONTACT:
Blog. tbdphoto.tumblr.com
Twitter. @tiffanydyer





        I got the pleasure of sitting down with Tiffany while she was printing some of her latest work. I have been blessed of being in the same quarter in school as her and to watch her work develop is so impressing. She has a huge heart and an awesome personality. She’s witty, intelligent, beautiful and a superb photographer. Really excited to know her as a friend and psyched to see where her talent takes her.

What is a little about yourself?
I am 22 years old and I was born and raised in Hillsborough, North Carolina. I have a twin sister and I am the youngest of four. I grew up on a horse farm. My sister and I are claimed to be the two creative ones in our family.

How long have you been into photography?
I shot as a hobby when I was younger but never took any classes. In high school I was more interested in it but wasn't allowed on the yearbook staff so I took newspaper instead and hated it. My high school didn't offer photographer as a class so I took videography instead. I then began working with the Durham Bulls with an organization called the Explorer Post 50. It was a student run program that filmed the home games for the baseball team. That is how I first started getting some experience behind the camera. I got older and was finishing my associate’s degree and contacted the Art Institute for photography. I applied for a photography scholarship and won for the transfer student division. Although stressful I’ve enjoyed it ever since.

Were you “artsy” as a kid? Into drawing or music?
Yes, my twin Kayleigh and I sang in our church’s choir and we danced when we were young. We were homeschooled during our middle school years and found ways to keep ourselves busy. As imaginative as I was, I'm impressed I didn’t have an imaginary friend.


 Do you prefer shooting in the studio or on location?
It depends. I haven't yet figured out exactly what I want to do. Culinary interests me so I probably might work more on location. I’m the kind of person that walks around and finds things to shoot. I do that a lot. It's rare that you'll ever find me with out my camera!

What is your favorite piece of equipment, lens, accessory?
My favorite lens is the 50mm macro. I like my camera but nothing compares to the 5D mark II from Canon.

What is one rookie mistake you see a lot?
White balance!! Incorrect white balance can be an easy fix. I also notice some people over editing their photos. Leave the saturation and contrast alone!

 When you are not taking photos what do you do in your downtime? How do you distress?
I watch a lot of 80’s movies or British Jane Austin type movies. I read; currently into mystery novels. I enjoy going out to get coffee with friends. Thrift stores.

Is there anyone who has greatly influenced your life?
My parents never stifled me in what I wanted to do so they are a big influence. My sister could be a given. Although I can do the photography thing she can do everything else. She is creative, I am almost jealous. Our best friend Tonisha is a big inspiration. She also is so artistic and so creative. I have seen her dance, sing and paint and now she wants to become a doctor. It's inspiring to see her learning to be the best she can be so she can be the best for her patients.

 
Do you shoot with natural light or prefer artificial?
It really depends on what I’m doing. A lot of personal work is shot with natural and available light, but I do love the technical aspect of strobes.

Where do you get your inspiration?
Sometimes I do research on topics or ideas that interest me. I enjoy looking up photographers for ideas and ping-ponging ideas between Kayliegh and I. Sometimes colors inspire me. Songs. Books. Flowers…you know, normal things that get creative juices flowin’.


What is one thing you would like to tell your peers?
My peers need to learn constructive criticism is a good thing! Listen to it and apply it wherever you see it’s appropriate.

What is one dream assignment of yours?
I would just like a job in photography. I know I would not like to photograph senior portraits or babies.

Do you have a mentor or a professor that is pushing you?
Each one of my instructors is incredible in providing me with information and knowledge. My work has improved through their critiques.
 




What is the hardest thing about photography?
The hardest thing about photography is getting models. That’s something I don’t really enjoy.

What is your pet peeve? How do you thing we can fix it?
I don't appreciate the disrespect. It doesn’t happen as much during critiques. It is the small talk after class about someone’s work or what the instructor or something said during their critiques. It really isn't something we can fix as a whole. It will have to be the individual that has to change.


What other photographers do you like?
I like a lot of my peers work. I like David La’Chapelle, Annie Leibovits, Shiloh Strong, and Sean Ocean. I do like all of our instructors work. They are all different and good at what they do.

I know some students are facing criticism and mockery from individuals who do not think photography is a real degree or believe photography is just a hobby. Are you running into that and do you have any advice for those students?

I have never been mocked. People find it cool that I'm doing what I love but are not quiet sure how I will profit from it. In this industry you have to be up to par or you wont get any business and may end up in fast food or retail. 


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Breanna Dobbins - Humanitarian Photojournalist


Breanna Dobbins
21 years old
Student earning her Bachelors degree

CONTACT INFORMATION:
email: breanna@breannadobbinsphotography.com
website: www.breannadobbinsphotography.com
blog: www.breannadobbins.blogspot.com

         

          For my first interviewee my subject was Ms. Breanna Dobbins. We met for coffee at Starbucks near our school and it was an honest pleasure getting to know such a talented and selfless individual.

Where are you from?
I’m from Ashville, North Carolina.

How long have you been in photography?
I have had a camera since middle school but did not really start becoming serious about photography until about 5 years ago. I knew during my senior year of high school that I wanted to become a photographer.

Were you “artsy” as a child? Into music or drawing?
Yes. My twin is more the academic one and I’m more of the artsy twin. I love music and I drew a little as a child.

Do you prefer shooting in the studio or on location?
Location! I love being in the environment with my subject. I do more Humanitarian/ photojournalism work. It has helped me develop a good eye and a good understanding of exposure.

What other photographers do you like?
Gary S. Chapman. He is a humanitarian photographer. I have emailed him a couple of times and have received responses and his blog features equipment he takes with him on shoots. He seems like he really wants to help other photographers.
What is your favorite piece of equipment?
The camera. I work a lot with natural light. I also like reflectors and a speed light as a fill but mainly my camera.

What is one rookie mistake you see a lot?
People immediately think they can work at their dream job when they get out of school. You need to work you way up. No one should ever hand you a job. You must earn it.


When you’re not taking photographs, what do you do in your down time?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a twin sister and an older sister who is married with two little girls. I love playing with my nieces.

Is there anyone who has greatly influenced your life?
My sister and my best friend. My sister is very strong in her faith and my friend is really outgoing . They both helped influence the person I am today and my work. When I moved here I had to be outgoing.

Do you know what you want to say prior to photographing?
When I am shooting for non-profit organizations I know I want to highlight the organization but I don’t know the dynamics until I get there.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My faith. I have gone on multiple mission's trips that sparked an interest in non-profit organizations. I also want to help people and I can fuel that through my photography. I would like to one day join the Peace Corp. as a photographer and be able to travel and help people. I'd love to one day relocate to Africa.

What are some things you wish you could tell your peers?
You have to take control. If something goes wrong take responsibility and either email an instructor or tell the cage or nothing will get resolved.

Do you have a mentor or professor that is pushing you?
Mr. C. He is good about sending me links to the type of photography I am into. He seems to really be interested in seeing me succeed. I know I can go to him with a question and he will give me an honest answer.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about photography?
The hardest part of being a photographer is letting people know you’re a professional and asking to be paid. Since I’m a student it’s hard to convince people your not a lemonade stand. Many people have a camera these days so convincing someone to pay you for something they could ask their friend to do it for free is tough.

What is your pet peeve in classes? How can we fix it?
People being disrespectful. Either the talking during critiques or being on facebook and missing things the instructor says then asking questions they would understand if they were paying attention. The way we can fix it is just start being respectful and perhaps the teachers calling them out on it.

Finally, I know some students are facing criticism and mockery from individuals who don’t think photography is a real degree or think it’s just a hobby. Do you run into that and do you have any advice for those students?
Students need to push through it and work hard because they are doing what they love instead of a 9 to 5 desk job. The business classes are helping me realize, “wow, you can do what you love and earn money for it.” Those individuals will soon realize that too.