I have embraced creativity and art in my personal and professional life as long as I can remember. My first career was owner and Designer of an Interior Designer Firm for over twenty years. When I decided to retire from that business I felt a need to fill my creative void. Little did I know that my desire and affection for extensive world travel would be the beginning of my photography career.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I have embraced creativity and art in my personal and professional life as long as I can remember. My first career was owner and Designer of an Interior Designer Firm for over twenty years. When I decided to retire from that business I felt a need to fill my creative void.
Little did I know that my desire and affection for extensive world travel would be the beginning of my photography career. My work has been acknowledged in magazines, and online publications including National Geographic Yourshot, GuruShots, Colorado Outdoors Photography Magazine, Erudite Magazine.
Exhibitions include African Photo Festival NYC 2019, GuruShots Berlin, Germany, GuruShots Melbourne, Australia, Solo Exhibition Modern Nomad Rino Arts District Denver, Colorado, Atlas of Humanity Paris Exhibition 2021.
2. What inspired you to pursue photography?
The past twenty plus years I have committed to exploring and photographing people and places around the world. My style as a photographer lies somewhere between lifestyle and documentary. I treasure the many unique and exclusive places I’ve been, but my true love and inspiration is the diversity of people I’ve come to know along this journey.
3. Tell us about your journey as an interior designer.
Art manifests itself in many ways. As an Interior Designer my forte was custom homes. I loved creating spaces which were totally different for each client. My right brain was at full capacity compartmentalizing several different homes at the same time.
It was during this career I realized I had the ability to visualize a 7,000 square foot home inch by inch. I could visually take it off the blueprint and literally see the finished product in my head. I considered this a gift.
As a photographer I have experienced a similar situation. My visual mind can see the photo before I snap and I can anticipate the end result.
4. What message do you want to convey through your photographs?
Portraiture is my strength and preference. My camera allows me to enter into my subjects world. Over the years, I have honed the skill of “the approach”. It is done with the utmost respect and desire to understand people of very unique cultures and customs regardless of how idiosyncratic they appear.
The portrait becomes more powerful and authentic when I make eye contact with people. I always feel like we are mutually looking deep into each other’s souls.
5. Who do you admire as a photographer?
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic photographers for four decades. What I love and admire most is his ability to visually tell stories with his photos from around the world. In 2019 when I departed Ethiopia, our flight had a stopover in Houston.
It was a very large plane and our luggage came down on 2 carousels. My husband and I were standing in front of the carousel for about 5 minutes when a large silver photography suitcase with a handwritten label passed before my eyes! Written on the label STEVE MCCURRY NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
At that moment I knew he had been on my flight and I frantically started looking around. In shock and awe, I see him standing about 20 feet away. I quickly scurried over and introduced myself.
He was delightful and engaging. We spoke about our trips to the OMO Valley and many others. Then we shared and swiped photos on our phones for about 20 more minutes. All the way home I was thinking this was a trip of a lifetime. Little did I know meeting Steve would be the cherry on top!
6. What are the learning you take on while photographing people from indigenous cultures?
Indigenous people are unique and generally very traditional, seeped into their longstanding cultures. Some of the rituals are unexpected, outdated and often times hard to accept.
I don’t always agree with the customs and or ceremonies but I feel it is not for me to judge. Many of these cultures are on the brink of extinction. It is an honor to have an opportunity to document their lifestyles.
7. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
Luckily inspiration and motivation are both very natural for me on the whole. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t pursuing a passion. Pre Covid it was essential for me to have trips planned. It’s been more challenging with quarantines but have some upcoming trips in the Fall.
8. What tips and advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Respect is a given, particularly with portraiture in foreign cultures. Meeting people and spending time with them gives an understanding and meaning of the culture and people. Often times indigenous people are offended to have their photos taken. If they say “no” I say thank you and respect their wishes.
9. Which is your favorite book and why?
India, the people and country hold a very special place in my heart. Shantaram was more of an experience for me than a book. I think it’s best to read after experiencing life in India. If that’s not an option this book will take you on an incredible journey.
Interviewed By - Prashansa Maurya
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