Interview of Carissa Parker

Carissa Parker’s special interest is Photography

Q: How long have you been into photography?

A: I’ve only been into photography for a few years. When my little sister was born nearly five years ago, I loved taking pictures of her. I have so many pictures from her as a baby that I took! Eventually I started venturing out and being interested in photography other than just my sister.

Q: How old were you when you started photography?

A: Well my mom was a Creative Memories Consultant, which is an independent business that sells scrapbooking and photo preservation products. So since I was about 8 my mom was very involved in capturing every moment of our lives. So I kind of got that aspect of photography from here. In my mid-teens I started making it my own, and finding my own niche in photography, I love being able to have pride in something so tangible.

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue photography?

A: Initially it was probably my mom and her business, just reiterating the importance of being able to document meaningful events. But eventually it turned into something I could work on myself and be proud of. I really love having something to call me own and tell people, “I did that.” Or “I made that.” It’s such a self-satisfying feeling, and when someone gives me a compliment on my work, I never forget it. It means the world to me. If you really get down to it, it was really my need to feel proud for myself that made me continue pursuing it.

Q: What do you like to photograph?

A: Basically everything! This world is such a beautiful place, and I feel honored to have the ability to capture it in a way not every can. I feel that as an artist I see the world a little differently. Photography helps me find beauty in an often ugly and depressing world.

I love photography people, especially children. There is so much emotion to be captured, and so much life and personality. Of all God’s creations, people are his finest. I also enjoy scenery, parks, flowers, landscapes. I also go into New York City occasionally and I love the architecture there. One of my favorite pictures is one I took on the Brooklyn Bridge with the manhattan skyline and the sun setting behind it. I am also an abstract vintage inspired photographer and so a lot of my work is untraditional, it’s very unique. Not something you see everyday, I really like having that to myself.

Q:What do you MOST like to photograph?

A: Probably people.

Q: Where do you do most of your photographing?

A: I take my photography everywhere I go. I love just capturing my natural surroundings, the places I live, the people around me, places that mean the most to me. But I love finding unique places as well. There are so many fun parks, museums and beaches on Long Island that give me a way to capture so much beauty that not everyone in the world can experience. I will go anywhere for pictures though.

Q: Did you take photography classes?

A: Actually no. This surprises most people. But once I moved back home to Minnesota, I plan on going to art school for photography. My sister-in-law is a professional photographer based out of Milwaukee, WI and has invited me to join her business eventually as a photographer. I would love that opportunity! Although I feel I could never be half the photographer she is, she is the most talented woman I have ever met, I get a lot of my inspiration from her.

My dream school is the Minneapolis Art Institute. I plan on working hard to save money to go there.

Q: If so, how many have you taken and when?

A: n/a

Q: Where did you take you photography classes?

A: n/a

Q: Do you teach others about photography?

A: If they’re interested, why not? When my fiancé and I first started dating, several of our dates were me doing photoshoots of him! It was a great way to get to know each other in a really relaxed atmosphere. We went to several parks and beaches and I had a blast having a model. (and he is a great looking guy if I do say so myself!) After awhile, he wanted to take pictures of me, so he is now very interested in photography because of me. I’ve taught him a lot, but he has a natural eye for it as well and it’s so much fun to be able to share that passion and love with him now. After awhile, I couldn’t teach him much anymore because it all comes down to having a special eye as a photographer and seeing the world in a way not many others see it.

Q:Do you have a studio where you keep your equipment?

A: I don’t, someday I hope to though.

Q:Besides a camera, what kinds of equipment do you have?

A:I use Photoshot CS2 to edit a lot of my pictures. I use a tripod as well.

Q: Do you develop your own pictures?

A: No, I’d love to get into dark room developing eventually. Once I start my major, I will definitely take that class!

Q: What kind of camera do you use?

A: Right now, I only use a Kodak C913. It’s just a point and shoot. I’m lacking funds for a better camera! But I’m in the process of saving my money now for a Nikon D80.

Q: Have you ever sold your photos for money?

A: I have not. Eventually I might.

Q: Have any of your photos won awards?

A: I’ve never entered any contests. I was going to submit them to the county and state fair last year but it didn’t work out.

Q: What kinds of equipment should a beginner have to be successful?

A: Honestly, a simple camera is all it takes. A good photographer doesn’t need a lot of equipment to make beautiful pictures. It is not the camera that makes the work; it’s the person behind the camera. I figure if anyone can make a picture from a point and shoot camera look professional, imagine how far they could go with a professional camera. I cannot wait until I get my dream camera!

Q:What would you suggest is the best and easiest camera for a beginner?

A: If you really plan on going far into photography, and not using it just for a hobby, then I suggest any of the Nikon D series. They are all awesome cameras and you can find some great deals on the internet. The camera I want is Nikon D80, and retails for a little over $1,000. But places like ebay sell them refurbished in $500-$700 packages. And other retailers online do the same. I also love Canon, their D series is AMAZING! However, they are much more expensive, and more professional cameras.

Otherwise, a canon powershot is a great, fun camera, and even mine, the Kodak C913, are great. They have between 7-10 megapixels, which are high picture quality, and often have good features, simple enough for a beginner not looking for a lot of complicated techniques.

Q: What kinds of tips can you give to a beginner in photography?

A: Practice, practice, practice! Just like a sport, you realize what works and what doesn’t by just taking pictures. Later you evaluate. I find myself saying, “I wish I would have known if I’d raised the ISO this picture would have captured the lighting so much better!” Also, read your camera’s instruction manual! Sounds boring, but you won’t look like you know what you’re doing if you don’t know what you’re doing! They include those things for a reason!

And just have fun with it. There is no way to lose and no way to win. Be proud of your work and don’t let other people tear you down, make it yours, make it unique and do what you want.

Q: What are things should a person avoid when photographing a subject?

A: Be aware of lighting conditions which can drastically change the outcome of a photo. Make sure things are in focus, and use your natural eye more often than a camera viewfinder. You learn by trial and error, find what works for you and what you like, and do it that way. There is no defined set of rules that every photographer must follow, that would make the world of photography extremely boring if everyone did it the same way! Maybe that is why I love photography so much, it allows my personality and my spontaneity to shine through. My pictures tell a story in a way that my words cannot. It’s like painting a picture into my heart. That’s how it should be for everyone. Let your pictures tell your readers who you are.