GS&NS: Whose work do you admire? Who are your favorite photographers?
Katrina: I study cinematography and think in
cinematic terms, so my favorite photographers are really my favorite DP’s. My absolutely ultimate photographic/cinematographic inspiration is Emmanuel Lubezki (“Chivo”). His work in Terrence Malick’s films The Tree of Life, To The Wonder, and The New World are some of the most captivating images in the world, in my opinion. His still photography echoes his cinematic work, and it’s just exquisite. (“What inspires you to pick up your camera?”? Short answer: Chivo.)
I think Seamus McGarvey’s work on Atonement is some of the most beautiful imagery in film, and Sean Bobbitt’s work on Steve McQueen’s films is luminescent.
I’m also a big fan of all of Reed Morano’s work.
In terms of pure photography, Australian photographer Dean Raphael’s work is soulful, and stunning.
GS&NS: What advice would you give to emerging photographers?
Katrina: Although I’m in no position whatsoever to be giving advice, I would say the most important part of photography or cinematography is to see in composition. Don’t look, see. Obsessively, intricately, from different angles and perspectives and distances and with different emotions and intentions and motives and at different times and with deep thought and with no thought at all.
After that, pick up a camera, learn how to make it do what your mind and eyes do. Learn how to manipulate it as much as you can manipulate your own viewpoint. Practice. All the time.
I’m nowhere near being able to manipulate the camera to my total satisfaction, but uncovering it more and more, bit by bit, is like a drug. It’s why I’m still fascinated with this art form--we live in a time where we have access to a mysterious, magical tool that can actually capture and record the beauty around us, and all we have to do is figure it out. How incredible is that?
Connect with Katrina:
Instagram: @Kate_bird13 (main) @katrinasalamon (additional photography)
Facebook: Katrina Salamon
VSCO: kate_bird13
Evolution: An Anthology