We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Crandall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I consider myself a “Creative person.” Meaning, I truly rely on my creativity to problem solve in various aspects of my daily life. I am constantly in search of ways to keep it alive and fresh. One way I’ve found successful is being inspired by the space around me. I’m talking about the built environment as well as the natural environment. Through the spaces we experience, we can evoke various emotions, thoughts, and wonders. Whenever I need a creative boost, I will find a spot I’ve never been to and let it challenge me. I look at the design decisions someone made as they created this space. Whether it be someone who thought about the landscape, the views, or composition. I let that guide me into finding other ways to frame it, and capture it via camera. When it comes to photographing people, I typically try every single angle possible as well. I want to find a way to view a moment in a way that many may not.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My approach to photography is not just about capturing images but freezing moments in time, highlighting the beauty in composition, color, layering, and framing. It’s worth noting that my background as an architect influences my perspective, giving my work a unique blend of precision and creativity. I frequently find myself using architectural elements to guide your eye in various photographs.
My emphasis on authenticity and storytelling shines through in my work, careful to not focus on over-posing in favor of capturing genuine moments that reflect the personalities and emotions. I strive to make even the most reserved or self-conscious individuals feel at ease in front of the camera, ensuring they leave the experience feeling confident and cherished.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three pivotal areas of knowledge have profoundly shaped my journey in photography: 1. Camera Proficiency: Mastering the settings of my camera has been paramount. This entails a comprehensive understanding of settings and functions to achieve desired outcomes. Through extensive practice and ongoing learning, I’ve cultivated the ability to personalize settings to suit specific photographic visions. I am fortunate to have a trusted friend and mentor who has been instrumental in helping me with understanding all that my camera can do.
2. Posing Techniques: The art of posing subjects is fundamental to crafting captivating photographs. It involves a blend of intuition, experience, and adaptability, as each individual reacts uniquely to directives. Prior to any shoot, I invest time in comprehending my clients’ personalities, allowing me to tailor poses that resonate authentically with their essence. While I typically begin with set poses as a foundation, I encourage spontaneity and playfulness throughout the session to capture genuine moments.
3. Mastery of Light: the power of light has been a transformative aspect of my photography journey. Understanding how to manipulate light sources in various environments has elevated the quality of my work. Whether it involves experimenting with backlighting, shadow play, or strategic placement to cast flattering illumination, my proficiency in utilizing light has significantly enhanced the depth and visual impact of my compositions.
My advice is to always have fun and try something new with each and every session. I never want to stop learning and developing these skills that make my photography stand out.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As someone who grapples with imposter syndrome daily, I’m constantly seeking opportunities to collaborate with established photographers to deepen my understanding of the business. I’m eager to join forces with other creatives to learn from their approaches to posing, culling, and enhancing efficiency. Building a network of photographers across different locations is important to me; it means that when I travel, I can connect with fellow professionals to exchange services and ideas. I firmly believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, valuing the opportunity to bounce ideas off others and learn from their experiences. There is something to be said about surrounding yourself with people you admire and strive to be like. Therefore, I would love to meet other creatives and simply be inspired by them. I’m looking for others that cherish teamwork and connectivity between artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crandallwithasea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crandall.with.a.sea
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-luber-crandall
