Interview: Jessica Louise

Jessica Louise is an eighteen year old photographer from Leeds in England, whose photography I came across on Facebook. I think her work is absolutely gorgeous, so I contacted her to ask whether she would mind answering a few questions for my blog. Below is the resulting interview, and some examples of her work.

When did you first start taking photographs?
I got my beautiful Canon at 13 but I only got my interest in people-photography at 16 and have been pushing my work ever since.

Are any of your family members into photography?
No, but my whole family are art freaks so I guess it's in my blood.

Have you completed any formal study of photography?
I took photography GCSE and got an A! I am at college at the minute studying art and design which I use a lot of photography for. The photos I took of a friend painted red, for example, were for college!

Do you make money from your work?
I have been hoping to some day start making money from it, but I only just recently did my first paid shoot! It was of a friend's band, Covered in Cool, and they were great to work with.

What equipment do you currently use?
I have my baby- my Canon SLR 400D, with a zoom lens and a Lensbaby. Also lately disposable cameras have become a big part of my photography! I do have my own studio equipment but for me it is all about natural light and settings. I use Adobe Photoshop CS5, the best [for editing]! I have never had a lesson in it [and] am completely self taught.

Do you prefer shooting with film or digital?
I have two old SLR cameras but I just can't find the courage to use them in case they go wrong! But hopefully I will move out alone next year and my house will be my place for a darkroom- [that's] my dream.

What inspires you?
My grandma. She was the one who pushed me to do my photography, and she bought me my camera to get me started. She was amazing and I will never forget her.

Who are your favourite photographers?
The most inspirational artists to me are young and new. Nirrimi Hakanson is my favourite, she is only 18 and she has worked with music artists and Diesel [advertising campaign]. I aim to be as successful as her one day. My other love would be for Rockie Nolan; she is stunning, as is her photography.

Where do you shoot your photos?
Local, pretty areas I know. I have shot in the city, woods, parks, moors and indoors. I select the location on the models look, outfits, weather and ideas. There's a lot of thinking that goes into each shoot believe it or not.

Who are your models?
Most are [my] friends. I am so lucky to have so many beautiful people around me! But I have worked with strangers and it just has a more professional feel. It can be hard if the model is hard work but it is always worth it!

What are your long term goals?
To move to the city and to get my work out there. All I want to do is inspire and meet people.

Who would you most like to shoot?
I would absolutely die to photograph Lady Gaga, but who wouldn't! Also the Foals and Marina and the Diamonds. There's so much you could do with them.

How many photos do you take during a shoot, before you get 'the right one'?
I did a shoot the other day and only took 80 photos, but a few weeks ago I took about 250. It all depends on the shoot.

How do you define 'beauty'?
Natural and from the heart.

Jessica Louise blog.
Jessica Louise Facebook page.
Jessica Louise DeviantArt.