Thursday, November 5, 2009

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!

67 comments:

Brittany said...

This is fantastic.

Jenn said...

I've noticed a french theme in your answers (Amelie, Camille Delmais, The Little Prince). Do you speak french? Have you been to France? I ask because those are some of my favorite things, and I can't decide which came first: my love of french things or my love of those specific things.

colormekatie said...

I have quite a bit of love for the french language! I speak a little bit of french but have not been to France...yet!

tifsong said...

katie,
you are twenty two. and you've changed the world so much by what you do and who you are. i sincerely feel i need to step up in this life! i am 22 too, and i aspire to be more like YOU everyday! thanks so much for sharing little bits of you with everyone else!

-tiffani

Paige said...

Yay for Amelie! Also, I have that same age problem--I'm 23 and everyone thinks I'm 12! I guess that's life :)

Unknown said...

You are
A. awesome. If your work reflects your personality, then we should be friends!
2. I didn't realize that you were my age. Very cool.
3. I also love The Little Prince and Amelie. I'm just sayin.

leaca said...

=]

leni said...

you are seriously amazing. loved the q and a and i'm looking forward to hearing about your new book. i'll be one of the first to buy one!

Vanessa said...

I live one stop above Greenpoint on the G train...in Long Island City! Come over for a coup of tea :)

Adelaide said...

Why does it not surprise me that Amelie is your favourite movie? You ARE Amelie! :)

gingerbee said...

You have such a beautiful soul, I can't believe that it translated so well on your blog. :D

Anonymous said...

just so you know, you're a great inspiration (:

Sue said...

Twenty-two and living such an interesting life...good for you!

p S h A o R t A o said...

Amelie is one of my favorites too! I have the original DVD, a burnt copy of it, and the VHS. :X

Love your blog and the positivity that just explode from my screen every time I see a new post. :]

Anonymous said...

OH MY GOD.... i had no idea you were TWENTY TWO !

Emily said...

I love you blog and learning more about you was super fun. And pictures of Moo are never a bad thing either!

blueskiesandrain said...

i'm 22, but i feel like we are on opposite ends of the world!
i'm currently finishing up my degree in political science, and am so caught up in the academic whirlwind...your blog has reminded me time and time again, that there's so much more to life than just bombs, guns, politics, essay deadlines and finding a job!

so, thank you, for helping to bring out the child in me, the one i always knew i had in me ;)

have a great day!!!!

Tine said...

Honoustly I thought you were older than twenty-two!! I am twenty years old, but you look much much older! (And I do have friends that are 22, 23, etc. but you look older.)

:)

From Belgium with love
Have a nice day!

wodedrawling said...

How tall are you? You don't look short at all!

bichonpawz said...

Loved your Q and A!! You are a creative inspiration!!! Thank you for that!! Every single time I leave your blog....I leave with a smile! Loved the Moo pics and the description of how you made your blog header! Makes me want to go make a mess...

A Daft Scots Lass said...

God you make me feel old. But I still love your blog and your photos really do make me smile.

Anne said...

Adelaide's right; you are Amélie. And like Gillian, I feel old now! :) Thank you for allowing us to get to know you a little better and do go to France, it will inspire you, I'm sure!

mikan said...

Hi! What's your height? I don't think you look small at all, but the picture of the jacket looks really convincing. lol

colormekatie said...

haha I'm 5'1 and just under 90 pounds!

Anonymous said...

We have the same favourite movie.. yeey!

I absolutely adore "Amélie" =) Thanks for answering my question!

Love your blog, and ur personality (Well what I've read from you anyway)..


Greetings from Astrid, in Norway! =)

miss. chief said...

oh, katie katie katie. every time i read your blog i just smile my stupid face off! it's seriously like a breath of fresh air. and so inspiring!

i'm pretty sure i've said it all to you before on other posts you've done but please never stop being you.

p.s. i think i have a kitty-crush on moo!

mikan said...

Oh really? Me too! My weight is pretty normal, but I like to hide in the closet too;D

PS. I am the biggest fan of Moo!!

Unknown said...

Are there any particular books you recommend to someone who is getting into photography?

angelvamp13 said...

Very interesting Q & A. I'm not surprised at all that Amelie is your favorite movie. And I'm glad I'm not the only one people think is young. I'm 28 and at work people think I'm in high school sometimes!

Tania R.C said...

what a wonderful things you make...

Anonymous said...

Great interview (who's interviewing though...?)
I love Amelie too, although as of yesterday it has a contendor in my mind- 500 Days of Summer (you must see it, if you haven't yet...)
Can't believe you're only 22!!
:)

La chica said...

Eres fantástica, love your blog.

Caroline K said...

how do you organize all of your photos? on your computer backed up with a hard drive?

Carolyn said...

I would definitely get the book if you ever make one!
I've been trying to look into Craigslist for unpaid jobs, but there aren't that many around my area! Any suggestions on any other ways to get experience for shooting with people/events?

drachen said...

Hey Katie, I'm stoked you answered the Q&A :) :).

Thanks for the insight, especially for the music tip with Camille Dalmais, I realized I had already heard her before sing a song in my favorite Pixar movie, set in Paris, Ratatouille (really awesome movie btw. :D :)).

I adore you for simply not sulking at all :).

That's truly something I wanna accomplish. And not moaning around as well, especially not moaning :D.

Lívia said...

katie, you're the cutest!
i've learned, with you, that is okay and much more fun to be silly and always happy!! :)
i was so glad to know that i'm only one year younger than you. unfortunately (or not!) i've discovered recently that i'm a creative person. I'm trying hard to get the money i need to buy my 1st camera!
next time i come to ny we HAVE to meet! it would be so much fun!
thank you for your blog, your photos and your personality.
xoxo
lívia!

Erica said...

Thanks for answering my question!

I can't believe you're only 22! You're wise beyond your years ;)

Sam said...

oooh! you answered two of my questions, thank you! :D that just made my day.

actually, every time i read your blog i end up smiling :D

you're so incredibly inspiring, i just wanted to let you know :D

keep doing what you're doing!

:)
-Sam

Lancelink said...

woof woof

tscd said...

You're 5'1?! In your pictures, your legs look so fantastic and seem go on forever; I thought you were at least 5'10!

Maybe your big tall personality just comes forward in your pictures.

Farmgirl Paints said...

I'm so glad I stumbled on to your blog all those months ago. You are a ray of sunshine. I love your creative spirit and happy out look on life. Thanks for sharing about yourself.

Nina said...

you are beautiful and your finding of joy in life really helps me to focus on that rather than crappy things in life. thank you.

Tellie said...

Wow only 221? It's not that you look older, but it seems you have already done so many great things with your life in just a short amount of time! Glad you answered the question I definitely enjoy getting to know you more.

May said...

I agree with the person above me! You seem to have lived and living such a full life. I was going to ask you if you've ever seen the movie Amelie, as it is also my favorite.
Have you ever seen Dharma & Greg? I think you might like that show from years ago. She's just so full of life and compassion!

Mica White said...

Katie- I'd just like to say I've been following your blog since forever and you're my all time role model! After reading this, I completely freaked out. My favourite movie is Amelie and I ADORE the book 'The Little Prince'. The hairs on my back of my neck are dancinggg. :]

Your posts make my day!
-M. <3

Cissa said...

I wanna be a great photographer like you when I grow up!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is so amazing! :D

Diana said...

I love your style and clothes! Hope you don't mind if people keep asking questions: How tall are you? And where do you shop?

Julie said...

thanks so much! your happiness inspires me. and thanks for the intro to camille dalmais - what an adorable voice and lovely songs!

melee said...

I heard a foreign (British?) lady on a radio show the other day and she kept saying that things were "chaarming". It made me think of you! :)

Girl in the frame said...

Thanks Katie for answering my question about your header.
I am not sure if you like to post about blog awards, but I wrote a little note about your blog and gave you an award on my page. Here it is, whenever you want to see it :)
Click here

Lauren said...

Yay, Moo pictures! I'm not allowed pets in my apartment so I live vicariously.

I second whoever said they would be among the first to buy your book :)

Sabriel said...

Katie! This is ridiculous. You are amazing and I want to be your best friend! You should go to Germany to a little town called Baden Baden and go to Der Kleine Prinz and have tea there. :) I live in Utah and if you ever come out my way (or if I ever come out yours) I would love to meet you and dance or something!

breton said...

Your outlook on sulking is beautiful. I'm taking it. And I can't believe you're 22. I'm 22! So many emotions :)

Pavithra said...

omg..this Q and A helps so much! I am taking the second advise for sure! actually i just started assisting...and im finding it soo much fun. thanks for this! and IM 22 as well!! yay! go 22 year olds! :)

Unknown said...

You're amazing Katie! <3 <3 <3 and

You're my inspiration... =)

me said...

We share the same favorite movie and favorite book. That is fun. At least I think so! You are so creative and I love your blog!

maryse said...

such an interesting questions! love your answers! i'm amazed of how much you've accomplished and you're only 22! keep up the great work!

Peppergnome said...

I want a Color Me Katie coloring book. And a brand new box of crayons. :D

chelswildflower said...

Thank you for answering my question!!!!!!!

Liz Meehan Neighbors said...

i love your whimsy! you keep spreading the joy....i'm about 2X your age, married with 2 kids, live in connecticut, 2 golden retievers...no white picket fence! you are blessed to live and breathe the true you! it has taken me some time to really go deep and be the me i truly am!
in one of my millions of career choices, i worked in a clothing factory on driggs avenue and maybe 6th street, right near a polish diner! it was an awesome experience...i love brooklyn....i also loved driving through williamsburg world...so interesting to see the lifestyle of the people...that's the best part of brooklyn!....the little pockets of people...nationalities...cultures...art worlds...food worlds....LOVE YOUR CREATIVITY! stay inspired!

jackie said...

u're 22?! I feel so old and unaccomplished; I'm 28! I look 22 tho, haha! It's always great to be young at heart, hope we're 22 for a while LOL!

Emma Stephens said...

the girl in your shot about peter pan is one my best friends! we've been friends since we were 11. she gives me free donuts.

Nancy said...

wow i'm so amazed that i found your blog from craftzine and read that cup of jo inspired you to start a blog because she also inspired me to start mine... i've been too busy in school to really attend to it thought :(

Mikimidori said...

hi, first time i see your blog and is so awesome, you had such a happy life good for you! and must important you bring happyness to other people n.n
i wached you dancing with strangers video and when i realize i had a big smile in my face, thanks for that girl n.n

Anonymous said...

Hi Kat, I love your blog, and I adore you! But now I love you even more because I've just discovered that we have the same favorite book and character and most of all, your favorite word is "charming". My name is Fatine, I'm Moroccan by the way, and Fatine in Arabic means charming... I'm happy!

Moriah Brantner said...

So did you have to go to buisness school for your photography buisness, if so, where?