Amelia Fletcher a dreamer, an artist and an insect collector who was raised in North Carolina and will always be a Southern girl at heart. She began improving her skills in photography by doing personal projects such as self portraits which she called 52 weeks project. Where you can see her skills in creating a beautiful surreal images of her. We are really amazed on her works, especially on her self portraits that will definitely give inspiration for young artists and photographers.
YTP got the chance to talk with Amelia Fletcher regarding her photography. Check out the interview below
“Natural elements, personal histories, and the idea of home are themes that come up time and time again in my photos. I aim to make images that are not only strong technically and aesthetically but also make the viewer feel something.”
YTP: Hi, Amelia! How are you? We’re so glad to have you with us!
Amelia: Thank you! I’m doing well
YTP: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did photography become a part of your life? Did you go to a school to study photography?
Amelia: Ever since I was a child I wanted to become an artist, even though I didn’t really know what that meant. Out of all the activities, sports, and hobbies my parents put in front of me, art was the only thing I ever stuck with and the only activity in which I felt I could keep up with my peers.
As I got older I began to develop a fear of losing my memories, so I shot photos of everything I did with my friends and family and filled up a scrapbook so I wouldn’t forget any of those important events. When I entered college, photography seemed like the only logical path to follow, and I was so blessed to have incredible professors that pushed me in the best ways possible. I received a BFA in photography from UNC Charlotte in 2011.
YTP: Can you still remember the first photo you took? Can you tell us the story behind your first photo? How has your style changed between then and now?
Amelia: I don’t remember the first photo, but I do remember coming home a couple years ago and my mom had been cleaning out my old things. She found a project from 8th grade in which we were assigned to find our favorite photo and write about it. I had chosen a picture of my dad teaching me how to drive our old jeep trough the pasture, not because of what it was but the memory behind it. Photography, to me, has always been about more than just a pretty image. It’s about the feeling behind it.
My style has changed drastically since I first picked up a camera sometime as a kid. It’s still changing.
YTP: From your collection of awesome images, how would you describe your style?
Amelia: Some of my work is surreal some is more photojournalistic. The red thread that connects everything is natural elements, an ethereal feel, and an appreciation for the world around us.
YTP: What’s a photo shoot with Amelia Fletcher like? What are the essential things you look for in a shoot? What are the types of cameras, equipments, etc. do you use when shooting?
Amelia: It depends on the shoot! The essential things would be good lighting, a little time, and some magic. I use a Canon 5d mark 2 with a 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8, and 35mm 2.0.
YTP: Do you use reflectors, flash, or any modifiers when lighting your models?
Amelia: Occasionally I use those things but usually it’s just natural light.
YTP: What, in your opinion, is the best softwares to use when editing photos? What software do you use personally?
Amelia: I use Lightroom and Photoshop. In my opnion they are the best, because I’ve never tried anything else
YTP: What’s the best advice can you give to anyone aspiring to become a successful photographer like you?
Amelia: Don’t give up.
YTP: What are the challenges of being a photographer? Were there any fun moments you could remember coming out of a stressful shoot?
Amelia: Not knowing where the next paycheck will come from, sometimes difficult clients, working nights and weekends. I can’t complain too much, those things are all worth it.
Every shoot is fun and every shoot is stressful in different ways. I always worry that I’m going to mess it up no matter how easy the day is going to be. I think the most nervous I get is before shooting weddings, because you only get one chance to get it right!
YTP: Which masters of photography do you admire most?
Amelia: Sally Mann, Richard Avedon, Keith Carter, I could go on and on.
YTP: What does creating an image mean to you?
Amelia: It means adding a little beautiful something to the world we live in, something connecting me and my thoughts to other people and ultimately feeds my soul.
YTP: If you were given the chance to be a photographer’s model, which photographer would you like to work with and why?
Amelia: Annie Leibovitz. She’s a legend.
YTP: Please give us a clue how we can capture Amalia Fletcher’s best smile. What brings out Amelia Fletcher’s smile?
Amelia: Exploring, meeting new people, sunshine, a warm home cooked meal, my kitty.
YTP: Thank you, Amelia!
Amelia: Thanks, YouThePhotographer!
Follow more about the work of Amelia Fletcher in her website, Facebook, Flickr, and 500px.
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