Interview - Extacy Photographic

Dotted With Hearts were lucky enough to get an interview with the very talented photographer Tara of Extacy Photographic

Tell us a bit about yourself and Extacy Photographic?

Well, I’m Tara. I’m 19 years old, a goth in denial and I’m a bit of a geek who’s besotted with Japan and anything shiny ;D I started Extacy Photographic in late 2007- I originally started it as a hobby but it has pursued into a business and I love it!

Where in the world are you based?

I’m currently based in Bedfordshire in the UK. I’m a keen traveller so I often end up in far off countries!



What got you interested in the world of photography?

Studying Art and Design throughout school and college got me really exploring all aspects of art and materials, but apart from drawing, there was nothing that I really loved to do apart from photography. I used my mums simple point and shoot camera, starting with scenery and after getting a starter SLR camera (a Nikon D40) for Christmas in 2007 I started taking pictures of my friends and then professional models. I have now progressed to a Nikon D300s with various lenses and I haven’t looked back!



Do you prefer studio or location?

I love both, but at the moment I really enjoy studio work. My personal project this year is happening at Switch Photography Studios down in Sussex. My last personal project was on location so it’ll be good to see how they compare to one another!



What do you look for in a model?

I enjoy working with models who love what they do and will give 100% at a shoot, but also someone who isn’t afraid to have fun! Look wise, I’m quite picky when it comes to models, preferably I like them to have a quirky look, clear skin and a lean body (please note that I didn’t say skinny, I LOVE curves!) If I have a personal project though, I have a clear idea of what I’d like the model to look like, or who I want the model to be.



Do you have any favourite models or themes you like to shoot?

My all time favourite model is Lily Cole. I’d love to be able to have the opportunity to photograph her in the future! My more alternative side though adores Mosh. I was meant to work with her in September, 2008, but unfortunately she couldn't get a visa for the UK. My favourite models to work with are Ulorin Vex, Sohui, Ruby True and Paradisaea Decora- I always have a brilliant shoot when I work with them, always fun and the pictures are always amazing. Theme wise, I don’t really have a favourite, though at the moment I’m obsessed with anything editorial. I have some amazing shoots booked in August, one being ‘The Albino Queen’ for a book- Watch this space!



Who or what is your inspiration?

I can’t say just one person or thing inspires me- My inspiration is drawn from all over the place! A big influence comes from my friends though, I have an amazing bunch of talented friends who are models and designers, seeing their work and the drive behind what they do is amazing. If you love something enough, you’ll work hard enough to make it become what you’ve always dreamed of.


Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

I’d love to see myself living away from home in a nice apartment or house with someone I love and where I have enough room for my own fully equipped studio. Of course I’d love to be able to make my main source of income from this business too! But, even if that doesn’t happen, wherever I end up I will always be taking pictures!


Links:
Official Website: http://www.extacy-photographic.co.uk/
deviantArt: http://extac33.deviantart.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Extac33
Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/825236

Interview with Amanda Norman

Dotted with Hearts interviewed photographer -Amanda Norman

Q. Please tell us a little about you and your website

I love Gothic and horror photography, which can be seen on my website at http://www.amandanorman.com/.
I’ve been described by those who don’t know me as morbid and a bloody weirdo for my love of photographing cemeteries and taking dark portraits, but I just find humanity amusing sometimes. Don’t you?
I have a passion for the ‘dark side of life’. I love to feed my thirst for knowledge and I don’t believe that anyone should stop learning things in life, especially those things that are unknown. I like how the unknown scares the mundane amongst us.
I love to do Tarot readings for friends and I have a strong interest in vampires, but I hate Twilight.

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I’m based in the land of the Cheshire cat in a town called Warrington, which is in the North West of England.

Q. What made you become a photographer?

I’m not a professional photographer yet, but I hope to be one day. I just love trying to capture the dark atmosphere of places I see.

Q. Your photography focus's on the Dark side of
things, has this always been your main focus?

It’s ALWAYS been my focus as I have a love of old Gothic Horror films like Hammer Horror that inspires my work. I’ve also witnessed true horror in my lifetime and perhaps that’s why I see things differently, but the challenge is getting the atmosphere right so that viewers of my photography can see it as well.

Q. Whats you favourite thing to photograph?

It has to be cemeteries as I could spend all day in some of these places, especially the old Victorian ones. It’s a shame, but as the years roll by and the stone work crumbles and there’s no living relatives left to pay for the upkeep of these grand tombs, we will lose these places and all that will remain is the odd cemetery and lots of photographs.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

I love Simon Marsden’s photography and as I said earlier, other inspiration comes from watching Hammer Horror, Amicus and Universal Horror to name but a few.

Q. Do you have any future projects coming up or new additions to your shop?

I’m currently working on an exciting project at the moment with zombie portrait artist @ChrisZenga. He’s given me his ideas for the sketches he wants to do and I will take the photographs for him to work with.

In regards to additions to my shop, I’m always coming up with new prints at http://www.amandanorman.com/cart and there’s currently an offer on of a free button badge when purchasing a print.

All greeting cards, business cards and invitations that can be fully personalised can be found at my Zazzle store at http://www.zazzle.com/mandy_norman