Featured Member - Sarah Smiley
At only 17 years of age, Sarah Rose Smiley is photographer from Madison, Wisconsin who’s talents have quickly evolved from an outlet to a lifestyle. “What it has given me, I could never begin to repay.”
Q. What does Photography mean to you?
A. Photography is so much more than a means of capturing a moment. To me, it’s the very practice of living a life worth remembering. It’s the rush you feel when you create something that makes your heart beat a little faster. It’s the quiet feeling of home and the relief of taking off those too-small shoes as you collapse into a chair at the end of a long day. It’s everything, really.
Q. Can you explain what triggered your interest in Photography?
A. I’ve always been a very artistic person; some of my earliest memories involve being knee-deep in paint. When I was 15, I started noticing bunches of teenage photographers cropping up around me, and I thought why not?
Q. Are there any photographers you admire?
A. Oh, so many. My biggest role model would have to be Tim Walker. He is truly the most inspirational, incredible man. His style is so uniquely his; you see one of his pieces, you immediately know it’s his. I hope to someday be half as talented as him.
Q. Are there other artists you admire? Why?
A. I live in a community of extremely creative people. I go to school with incredibly talented individuals; it’s hard not to be in complete awe of everyone. The people I admire most, I would say, are those that can create art out of anything. Those that can pick up a napkin and a dull pencil and in five minutes, hand you a masterpiece. I could never do that in my wildest dreams.
Q. How do you choose your subjects?
A. I try not to be drawn to the classic “pretty” girl. Though everyone I work with is beautiful, that’s really not what I look for. There has to be some substance, some soul there, because I feel that’s what really comes through in a photo. And that’s something you can’t fake; no amount of photoshop is going to alter that.
Q. Your subjects are mostly girls/women, is there a specific reason for that?
A. There’s such a quiet beauty that is never associated with youth. It’s always noise and drama and mistakes. But through my lens, there is an innocence that others don’t always see. I am fascinated with the sheer strength of femininity.
Q. Your work shows the importance you give to nature. Can you explain a little bit more the reasons?
A. Simply put, nature is everything. My photos reflect a sense of respect, a feeling of harmony. Despise the industrial, and love the dirt. Cringe at fluorescent lighting, and collect sunshine. Without nature, we would be nothing. I feel that fact is oftentimes forgotten.
Q. What are your inspirations?
A. I notice strange things. I’m that odd girl that stops in the middle of the road to stare at the crack running through the pavement. I stare into the sun because I like the colors that appear on the insides of my eyelids. I trace the patterns the veins make across my wrist, blue and spidery and vulnerable. Simple, strange things.
Q. Is there a story behind your work?
A. There may not be a clear cut story - but there is some kind of collective consciousness. I hope so, at least. My photos are very much a representation of who I am, both in that specific moment of the picture, and as a whole; so if any story is being told, it’s my own.
Q. Can you talk about your most important project?
A. It hope it hasn’t happened yet! I would hate to peak at 17. As much as I am proud of my past work and what I’m doing now, in 10 years, I want to be doing something completely different. I want to create something earth-shattering, something evocative. Something that shakes my viewer, to the core.
Q. Can you talk about any professional experience?
A. I would not say I’m extremely experienced, professionally, though I am not lacking. I’ve been running my own business as a freelance photographer for the past 2 years, as well as working for a studio on the side. One of the highlights of my professional career happened this year; I was hired for GARAGE’s Spring 2011 campaign. (I know, I was shocked too.) The experience was incredible - something I’ll never forget.
Q. Do you have a favorite piece among your works?
A. I can’t say that I do. There are many pieces that I like, possibly because they’re associated with warm memories, but there is nothing I absolutely adore. But I think that’s good - it’s motivation. I don’t want to be able to look at my work and love it, just yet. I think you have to earn that. I want to earn that.
Q. What equipment & techniques do you use?
A. Up until very recently, all of my work was shot with a Nikon D60. A few months ago, however, I upgraded to the Nikon D700 (and fell in love!) In terms of lighting, I rely on sunlight; very rarely will I use any other form.
Q. Are you working on new projects currently?
A. I have lots of ideas floating around! I’ve been toying with the idea of “Modern-Day Myths,” and doing lots of variations on old fables. There are so many crazy concepts I have yet to bring into fruition.
Q. What are your professional ambitions and your projects for 2011?
A. I’ve been striving for so long to push myself out of my comfort zones with my artwork. I think that would probably be my main goal for this year - to do something that really, truly scares me. I’m not quite sure what that will be yet, but I know that I’ll realize it when I see it.
Q. How do you hope Pelime can help with this?
A. I hope Pelime can help me branch out, reach new people, and touch new lives. Networking is one of the most important parts of this industry, and I could use all the help I can get! ;)
