by Madeline Best
Junior Katie Crow discusses her love for photography as this month’s “artist of the issue.”
How did you get started/interested in photography?
“Originally I was interested in videography as opposed to photography. I got the camera I have now as an 8th grade graduation present. I originally got it simply because I wanted to make YouTube videos. However, while I did try that, I didn’t succeed. I found that my camera was actually better suited for taking photos than it was videos and I just messed around with photos for a bit until I found I became obsessed.”
Where do you find inspiration for your photos?
“Anywhere. Usually music or quotes or a story I read. Sometimes I just sit and listen to a song that I’m currently obsessed with, over and over and then it just hits me. I find a line that speaks to me that I want to illustrate. Basically anything that has to do with words, describing something, meaning something, an idea of some sort. I just want to illustrate it.”
How have you learned so much about photography?
“I mostly messed around with my camera by myself and looked up things on the internet, occasionally reading my camera’s manual. I also had an art dealer who mentored me and had me shadow an apprentice photographer of his. Also, he set me up with a professional photographer named Gloria Feinstien and she helped give me some tips on originality and composition. I did take one photography class at Crick camera, but it wasn’t very in depth. It taught more about how to set up light for certain situations and what settings to use on your camera in that situation. It was useful though!”
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What’s the hardest thing about photography?
“I think there are two really hard things – inspiration and execution. Sometimes you will be inspired and just go with it, but other times you go through dry spells and cannot be satisfied with a photo to save your life. As for execution, sometimes I look at something and think,’That’s so awesome. Let me get my camera,’ and then I get my camera and the photo looks nothing like it does through my eyes as it does through the lens.”
What’s your favorite thing about photography?
“[I like] creating not only an image that is pleasing to look at, but one that conveys a message. A photo that is powerful, it speaks to you. One that makes you think about things and challenge ideas. Creating a photo that makes you want to create something is my favorite part.”
Who are your favorite photographers?
“I really love my friend Jillian Nelson’s photography though, she inspires me a lot.”
Do you plan to pursue photography as a career?
“Yes, I am thinking about going to [Savannah College of Art and Design] or [Rhode Island School of Design.] I want to major in photography and either minor in advertising or go into commercial photography. My dream is to become a part of a big advertising company. That way, I can change how the media portrays people.”
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
“The camera does not make the photographer, don’t compare your work to other people’s, and realize that there is always room to grow.”