Photography Interview with Lisa Michelle Arhontidis & Picture Prompt Poetry Challenge

Welcome to One Shoot
Photography Sunday!

Over the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend, amidst Turkey and other fine delicacies, I had the honor of interviewing Texan photographer Lisa Michelle Arhontidis. She is a self-taught photographer with a penchant for people – and her website, for one, boasts a fine portfolio of her experience with portraiture photography. No newcomer to the social media scene either, this Nikon girl has already gathered a loyal following on both Twitter (@lmphotos) and Facebook.

*One Stop Poetry's Chris G. conducted the following interview:

What sparked your interest in photography? How long have you been working with photography?

LMA: I remember trying to get into Photojournalism in high school but I didn't have any room for it in my schedule. Years later I was desperate to get a camera and see if I had "The Eye" for it. In 2006, a Nikon D50 was purchased and I practiced and practiced shooting anything I could. In late 2007, I got a call from a friend in need of a replacement photographer to shoot her elementary cheerleaders' annual group and individual photos. 22 girls total, and to say I was nervous was an understatement. I got there...parents behind me watching...and it just happened. I was cool, calm, creative, and I had a ton of fun. Best beginning experience ever. Haven't looked back since!

In your case, your photography tends to focus on people, portraits, etc. – what is it about people that appeals to you and your camera?

LMA: People! Sounds simple but I love people. I love the range of emotion I can get from someone in a single session whether it's a child or adult. I also adore working with kids, since I seem to have a superhuman patience when it comes to photographing them.

Do you have a personal philosophy about photography? 
LMA: Inspiration over Imitation. So many people out there forget that what you see from most photographers came from their heart and usually tons of planning. I am inspired every day by amazing artists and I take that inspiration and turn it into something that I hope will be an inspiration to other artists.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of people-centered photography? How does one, in a sense, "capture" the essence of a person?

LMA: Connecting. In order to bring out true emotion you have to find a way to connect with your subject. It's always awesome when by the end of the session I feel like I've made a good friend. In all honesty though I have had a couple sessions where I just couldn't find that connection or they didn't really let me in. Those were tough shoots and I found it hard to enjoy the finished product.

What has been your experience with the internet as a medium for sharing your art and experiences with photography?

LMA:  Facebook ...is amazing and in my opinion the easiest and most fun form of advertising for any photographer. First off, it's free! And besides that it's just a great way to spread your name around to the masses. I haven't exactly had much luck in the way of bookings through twitter (http://twitter.com/Lmphotos) but it's certainly another tool I use. Why not, right? The more free advertising the better! ;)

What sort of education/experiences have you gone through to get where you are today?

LMA: I'm completely self-taught. It's been frustrating at times when I desperately want to do something I see in my head yet can't quite get it exactly right. I will always be learning though and hope to never feel like I know everything there is to know. I mean how could I when art is always changing.

How much of your work/photography in general would you say is pure shot vs. post-processing/digital editing? 
LMA: My goal is to have a great shot straight out of camera so the only cropping that ever takes place is when I take the shot. Lighting is also a big deal to me because that just makes my finished product more beautiful and natural. My post processing consists mainly of skin retouching. I also like to use actions that I play with and alter in order to create different moods like a vintage effect or a killer b&w or sepia.

What kind of camera, lenses, filters, and/or editing programs do you typically use? LMA: I'm a Nikon girl. I am currently shooting with a Nikon D300, and for lenses I go between the Nikkor 50mm 1.8, and my Nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-5.6. I use Photoshop CS3 with plans to upgrade to CS5 soon. And I only shoot in RAW.
  
What would you suggest to people just beginning with photography?
LMA: Take your camera everywhere. Take pictures of everything. Learn how to visually crop when you shoot as opposed to cropping while you edit. Practice on friends and family before you start charging. And have fun learning.

Are there any photography resources you would recommend for individuals who wish to know more about the art form?
LMA:  I love to look at my local competition's websites to get a good understanding of what attracts them and how our work differs. I also find a ton of inspiration in their work and use that inspiration to fuel me to be better!

As far as technical information, here are some goodies:

http://feedgrids.com/grid/photography
http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/
http://www.photographyblog.com/category/photography_techniques/
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/tips

And this next one is my photographer crush...her work is beyond inspiring and she is only 21! http://www.larajade.co.uk/

*********

And now for the Picture Prompt Challenge!

Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55). Post it on your site.
Sign up using Mr. Linky so people can find your work.
Let us know what you are sharing by leaving a comment below.
Finally, visit other participants, comment, & give credit to Lisa in your post. 

Thank you,
dustus

Accept the picture prompt challenge! :)