Photographer Interview: Mikka Rosen Of Dekalb, Illinois
Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: Yes- I like discussing with others how I come up with some of the ideas that I create. It’s much harder than it looks to sum. I have only been photographing models for 2 years and all my skills of photo shop is all self taught. I like to inspire other inspiring photographers that art is art.. It’s all about passion!
Q: How would you describe your attention span?
A: Well I would agree mine is pretty well grounded. I always have my eye on the prize!
Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: In High School. I had an amazing teacher. Even though I got a C in his class that still didn’t stop me. I have wanted it for as long as I remember. He just gave me that extra push to prove myself.
Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: Its capturing memories that we can live over and over again. Making someone that feels like “the ugly duckling” and making them see that they really are a swan. And most of all creating art.
Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: Yes I can. Its one of my favorite photos that I have ever created. Its called ” The Choking Hazard. Its a piece that took me 3 hours to create and was well worth it. The model that helped me create this image was amazing to work with as well and got her in a bit of trouble actually. ” BTW” no nudity was anywhere to be seen.
Q: Do you have any formal training regarding photography?
A: Only training I remember having was on a 35mm camera. Otherwise everything has been self taught.
Q: How technical is your photography?
A: Not to technical. I hate over thinking my images that I create. Because they tend to surprise me and you never know what the model may have in store for you.
Q: How do you feel about cropping?
A: I very rarely crop any of my photos. I normally shoot as is.
Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: I would love to live in Europe. I love everything that comes from that country the fashion, the ability to express yourself however you want..
Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: Unrecognized. Plain and simple.
Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: Artist at work. My mind is in another place. I don’t see anything else besides whats in front of me.
Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: Drives me crazy. When I upload images that I took and see that I missed a shot because of whatever reason is does distract me a little bit, but then I can always try again and see if I can top what could have been.
Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: ALL THE TIME. Just like fashion.. Out with the Old in with the New
Q: Who are your influences?
A: Every photographer that I meet and or few their work. Everyone around me is a great influence to have because you can always learn something new.
Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Keeping my creativity flowing. Everyone gets blocks.
Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: Competition. Its will always be there. Regardless of skill level. Someone is always on top.
Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: Children. No one of them are alike. Every expression is natural and unposed and innocent.
Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot!
A: Well I finished photographing a model named Kayla. I posted a few teaser photos on facebook. I was told by the model early in the shoot that I was aloud to post whatever images I wished as long as they did not contain nudity. Of course I did as she said. I posted a few of her best shots and tagged her in the photos for all to see who she was. She was completely over joyed with the images.
But as soon I posted my favorite photo ” The Choking Hazard” I got a much to my surprise message. I received a message from her stating that her parents had seen the photo and had flipped out and was going to send her to a mental institution over the image. Saying basically she was unstable and something had to be wrong with her.
Now this image that I created with her was pretty basic when I shot it. With the help of photoshop I happened to create a much darker image than even I realized at the time. All and all it turned out any further pictures of her I can not tag so her mother can not see. Which is totally fine with me. The image was a hit on every site I put it on. So mission accomplished. Something amazing was created.
Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: Yes at times I have wanted to walk away. The feeling of being unappreciated came over me and almost couldn’t take it anymore. But when I finally sat down with my lovely finance’ and talked it all over I knew I would hate myself forever if I walked away because others couldn’t appreciate my work.
Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
A: ALL THE TIME! I normally take a tiny break like a week or so. Get my mind off of anything to do with photography and BAM. Ill watch a movie or be driving somewhere and my creativity comes rushing back. I think all photographers get burned out and need time away.
Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: Fashion, and Glam photos.
Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: They are the soul of photography. Everyday you see the world in color all pretty and bright colored. Its nice to see a change when black and white is added. The mood of the image changes. Everything about the images changes.
Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: Someone wanting to buy one of my photos for the first time. It was a shocker that’s for sure.. An honor of course, but that melted my heart.
Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A: I REALLY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT ALL THE TECHNICAL STUFF TO DO WITH THE CAMERA. HONEST!
Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: A New York Fashion Show
Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: NOTHING!
Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: I use it all the time and I love it!. To take a simple picture and turn it into something completely different.
THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS!
Connect with Mikka via her photography website: Angelic Beings Photography, MySpace pages.
