Melissa Bean: Simmer
1. Can you tell us how you became interested in photography, and where you are from/if where you live has had a unique influence on your photography
I spent most of my life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or the U.P. Having finished up my BFA, I ended up at a dead end job in Wisconsin. After a few years there, my friend invited me to move in with him in Chicago, IL. This was late summer 2009. My interest in photography came strictly from boredom. In June of 2010, I had little work and a lot of time. To deal with that problem, I picked up my roommate’s Canon Powershot G7 camera. Since, I wasn’t familiar with the city, I walked for a few hours getting a feel of the near by neighborhoods. During that time, I took a lot of photos of people. It opened up a brand new world for me. Ever since that day, I have been taking street photos. The city definitely influenced.
2. What other artists and art forms have influenced you and your work?
The two main artists that have influenced me are Salvador Dali and Vivian Maier. Dali’s surrealism and Maier’s blunt, in your face photography, are unique and visually stimulating. It’s hard not to be inspired.
3. Can you describe your current artistic process, habits, techniques you have formed?
The current process of my work involves shooting a lot of black & white medium format film with my prize possession, a Rolleiflex tlr. I drop off the film at a professional lab. Once I get the negatives, I scan them into my computer with an Epsn v500. From there they get processed in Lightroom and Photoshop.
4. Is storytelling important in your photography?
Storytelling is very important in my craft. If there isn’t a story, the photograph isn’t good enough to share. There must be something that perks the interest of the audience.
5. What are some of your favorite books, poems, authors?
My favorite book has to be “Vivian Maier, Out of the Shadows,” by Richard Cahan and Michael Williams.
6. Can you put into words the way you have evolved over time as a photographer?
There are a few ways that I have evolved over time as a photographer. First, I have become more patient. When I started out taking photographs, I used a digital camera. I could shoot everything that I wanted until the memory card was full. With film, you cannot do that. One must find the perfect place or moment, and wait. Medium format only allows for 12 shots. I choose those shots wisely. Secondly, I have moved away from automatic settings and automatic focusing. This allowed me to get a better understanding of how my camera works. Even though it was tricky at first, I feel like I am a better photographer for it.
7. Where do you turn for motivation and new sources of inspiration?
Every single day, I visit deviantART.com and browse through the newest artwork. I make sure to not limit it to photography, but to view paintings, drawings and digital work.
8. Discuss the role of community to your growth as an artist.
Chicago has a big community. I feel that the amazing diversity, of all that live here, continues to help me grow. Not only as a photographer, but as a human being.
9. What do you think is more important for your craft: passion, dedication, or raw talent and can you elaborate on why?
Passion and dedication are both very important things to have. Talent can come after practice and experimentation.
10. What is a project you are currently working on, and a project you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
At the moment, I am continually adding to my folder of negatives. The goal for this summer is to set up an area for home development, so I do not have to keep paying high prices to get my film developed.Best Nike Sneakers | Women's Nike Superrep