flickrz.interviews

Melissa is possibly the cutest thing on flickr, and so are her pictures. She keeps it simple but her simplicity makes her pictures complex and big. She is a new rising star on flickr!



Your profile doesn't explain much other than that you are a simple English girl taking simple photos. But I think there is much more to learn about you. Your pictures are so delicate, hearty and simple - what's your magic mystery in taking them?

Just as my profile states: I'm a simple girl, and consider my photos to be the same, nothing more. I'm addicted to trying to find and see the little things we all take for granted. I suppose you could say I'm a visual poet, as cheesy as that might sound [laughs]. I suppose there is no magic mystery in what I do, I just have a great deal of appreciation for what is around me.

Combining pictures seems to be very important to you. Do you always think about two pictures which could work well together when you go out taking pictures? What do you consider most important when you take them?

Sometimes I browse through old photos and see one that has diptych potential, so I go out and take a second photo with this in mind. Other times I go out with the intention to create a new diptych, and photograph whatever I set my mind on that day.


Your friendly and loving face is another striking reason to browse your pictures regularly - you take so many selfportraits. Why? :)

Many thanks for the compliment. :)

I first started taking self-portraits when winter arrived. No car, no models, and poor weather made me an ideal photographic subject. I used to be quite shy when it came to having my photo taken and taking self portraits gave me an opportunity to overcome this.

It's always a challenge to take self-portraits because you have to be two people at once. Being fairly new to flickr, after viewing other members' streams and receiving positive feedback, this opened my eyes to the possibilities.


Did you ever think about taking more erotic (nude) pictures of yourself?

Of course. I don't think I've reached that level of confidence just yet. Possibly later on in the year I'll think about moving in that direction.





I was very affected when you posted your picture with your little secret (the scar). Thanks for that! Nice idea. What sort of feedback did you get on it?

To be honest, I didn't expect people to gasp in horror at my scar; it was something I did for myself. My scar is my biggest insecurity, and I figured that if, in the future, I ever wanted to better my self-poraits, then would be a good time to expose a bit about myself.

But the number of positive responses was very heart felt. :)


Which equipment do you use? How do you post-process your photos?

Before I used a Fuji s5600, but recently upgraded to a Nikon D80 and various lenses.

As for post processing, I'm a bit of a Photoshop slut, but in no way a pro. I love experimenting, especially with colors and recently textures. The tools I use mostly are color balance and selective color. Occasionally messing about with curves and upping contrast. I do, though, try to get those correct when taking the photo. Normally it's all about the color.


There are only 18 pictures left on your flickr stream. Where have all the others gone?

An art gallery never displays all of its artwork. I decided I'd do the same. No really, I just decided to do a spring clean. ;) I will, though, be uploading older photos in good time.


Anything else I should have asked you?

I suppose I'd like to say thank you to those that have supported me. Both family, friends, and the flickr community. It's great to feel welcomed, appreciated, and to know that advice is always on hand.