Q and A

Why did you want to become a photographer?

To create fun images to make people smile, of course!

Did you go to photography school? I really want to become a professional photographer but I don't live near any photography/art schools. Do you have any advice?

I went to FIT in Manhattan for photography although I learned most of what I know by just going out and shooting. Sitting in a classroom learning about technique doesn't work for me! I spent most of my four years in college looking for unpaid photo jobs and internships on craigslist so I could get as much experience as possible. So I personally don't think it's necessary to go to art school. There are tons of great books, online tutorials, and internships to learn from. I use to even model for photographers just so I can watch them and learn how they shoot ;)

Where on earth do you get your fantastic ideas?

From constant daydreaming.

Can you give us a few examples of things that you are inspired by?

Strangers that help strangers, adults that are children at heart, an honest smile, a child's imagination

Do you have a place where inspiration arrives or is it more of a spontaneous thing?

Most of my ideas seem to come while I'm walking around my neighborhood, riding the subway, or in the shower!

What kind of camera do you use?

I shoot with a Canon 5D with either my 16-35mm or 85mm 1.2 lens.

How do you afford your life?

Well, I pretty much work all the time! I have tons of different jobs since I'm a freelance photographer. I shoot for Gothamist, Improv Everywhere, various events around NYC, portraits and weddings. A lot of my images are also used in books, newspapers, and magazines.

How did you do your header? I like the shadows, and the feeling of it all being in the air.

I set my camera on a timer and then threw the objects in the air when it was about to take the picture. I made a complete mess of my floor but I just love a good mess! I then combined all the objects in photoshop to create the final picture.

Is Matty your boyfriend? or fiance? or husband?

Matty is my boyfriend but I prefer to call him my partner in crime.

What is your favorite word?

Charming. But I rarely use it because I don't want it to loose it's charm ;)

If Moo still has his boy bits and if he ever has kittens, can I have one?

Unfortunately, all his bits are gone but if I ever figure out how to clone him I'll let you know!

Can you post more Moo pictures?

Of course!

Do you have a favorite movie?

Amelie

How old are you?

Drum roll please............I'm twenty-two!

Although every day I have to convince someone that I'm not fourteen, I just look small for my age.

(i'm under that coat)

What is your favorite book?

The little Prince.

Who is your favorite cartoon character?

SpongeBob SquarePants, of course.

I was wondering, you live in Brooklyn right? Where abouts... you make it seem like such a fun place I want to visit someday!

I live in Brooklyn in a charming little neighborhood called Greenpoint. There are lots of pretty apartments, sleepy store cats, and a famous bakery called Peter Pans where the donuts are the tastiest and the waitresses wear cute uniforms.

What is your best childhood memory?

Being at my mom-mom's townhouse wrapped up in fluffy blankets with the air conditioner blasting, laughing at old game shows and eating her amazing meatballs.

How are you so cute?

haha!

Which blogs, if any, do you check out for fun / inspiration?

Zoomdoggle and Cup of Jo were the blogs that inspired me to start my own blog!

Do you listen to music when you are brainstorming new ideas? What kind of music do you like?

I love listening to french singer Camille Dalmais. She has the sweetest voice! While I'm editing I like to have a movie on in the background to create a specific mood in the room.

So what do you do when you have a gloomy day? Do you ever curl up in bed, with Moo by your side, just sulking? Or do you always find a way to lift your own spirit?

I never like to sulk because I feel like I'm just wasting time and not doing anything to help myself feel better. Feeling sad inspires me to do something positive, like decorate my neighborhood with stickers. It makes me feel a lot better to be creative and to make my neighbors smile.

What is your biggest wish?

To be a crazy cat lady.... minus the crazy.

I am curious to know how your childhood influenced your bohemian outlook on life. I live in a society that prizes pure academic excellence and marginalises artistic creativity - and I really hope that despite the pressures here, my son will still grow up to appreciate the beauty in small things.

I went to a school that didn't support art and only prized sports and academic excellence as well. My dad understood that I was more of a creative person and helped me to find acting, music, dance, and art classes to take outside of school. It was really inspiring for me to be around creative and open minded people.

What's a favorite encounter with a stranger you've had?

The day Matty and I were shooting a silly video on the train and we bumped into a guy who was wearing the EXACT same outfit as us. I also love dancing with strangers.

When will you have your first colormekatie book in stores?

It's definitely something I've been looking into!