PiecesOfAnsley has been on deviantART for just over a year and is a Photographer based in the United States. Her work is varied and explores several sub-categories of the Photography galleries here on deviantART. But it was her Still Life Photography that caught my eye. Soft, unique and often focusing on objects that we show little day to day regard for - it's definitely a gallery worth stopping by.

1)Hi Sabrina! Tell us a bit about yourself and how you find yourself undertaking Photography.

First of all, thank you for taking the time to interview me! I started out doing photography as just a hobby when I was about thirteen. However, it quickly turned into my passion and I am currently majoring in Photography at my local college. I hope to work in a studio doing portraiture and perhaps weddings, while doing some freelance work on the side.

2) Could you tell us a bit about your style as a Photographer and what led you to undertaking Still Life Photography in particular and what is your favourite Still Life Subject?

I would describe my style as whimsical. I love playing with pastel colors, glowing light and water.  I first began doing nature photography, especially macro nature shots, but in attempt to make my photos more creative, I began merging a bit of Still Life and Macro. My favorite Still Life Subject would have to be Origami, such as paper boats and paper birds. I think they make such whimsical photos. I also really enjoy splashing drink photos, since those are so fun to take.

3) What equipment do you use in particular to capture still life Photography and what would you recommend to somebody starting out?

Camera body - I used a Canon Rebel T2i, which I would definitely recommend to anyone starting out in Photography.
Lens - I currently use the Canon 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, however the kit lens that comes with Canon cameras is what I used for a year or so, and it is certainly great for someone just starting out, especially in something like Still Life.
Tripod -  Canon 6195A006 Deluxe Tripod 300
Camera bag - Standard Canon camera bag.
I don't use filters, or flash. I prefer natural light.

4) What are the challenges of undertaking this type of Photography?

For me, I think the challenge is to create something that really stands out. With Still Life, it's very easy to snap a few shots of every day things, but I love trying to make what I photograph appear magical, whether it be with the way arrange the subject, lighting, colors, composition, etc. My favorite Still Life shots are those where the ordinary seems extraordinary.

5) Do you find there are some subjects trickier than others to capture?

While composition is obviously important with Still Life photography, I think lighting is the most difficult part with any subject, but especially with food. The perfect lighting can transform the colors in your subject and can really make a subject come to life; however, it can take quite a lot of practice to know how to work with lighting to appear just the right way in your photographs. This is especially true when working with natural light, like I do.

6) Are there any photographers on deviantART that you believe have inspiring still life photography works within their gallery?

Yes! There are so many, but a few of my favorites are hayzy, cloduy, Kara-a and MyLifeThroughTheLens.

7) Would you recommend any groups on deviantART that help promote still life photography?

Obviously, Still-Life-Stills is a fabulous group. Soft-Stills and This-isthe-life are two other groups that promote Still Life Photography.

8) If you could work alongside another artist, dead or alive, Photographer or otherwise - who would it be?

Josh Ramsay, who is a musician from the band Marianas Trench, is a huge inspiration to me. I would love to photograph him or work with him in any way.


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9) Is there a piece of advice that you know now, which you didn't know when you started photography?

 
Good photographs take a lot of effort, thought and determination.

10) Who are your influences, Photographic or otherwise?

MyLifeThroughTheLens was one of my first photographic influences here on Deviantart, as well was Orwald. My high school Photography teacher was also a huge influence.