Artist Name: Jenifer Altman
Shop Name and Url: Fieryeyed Photography www.fieryeyed.etsy.com
Website: www.fieryeyedphotography.com
Blog: www.nectarandlight.com
City: The Midwest
Where in your home/apartment/city is your studio located?
We are currently in process of moving our family to Rome, Italy – as such we are temporarily staying with my parents. They have the most stunning sun porch that backs up to the forest – the light is extraordinary and perfect for photographing. My mom put up white curtains on one end of the porch and I feel as if I truly have my own studio.
What equipment/tools do you use?
My two favorites cameras are my Polaroid SX-70 and a 680SLR. I shoot almost exclusively with them right now. However, as a birthday gift, my husband bought me an old Hasselblad which is medium format. I have it on a little shrine – I just need to shoot with it more – I look at it everyday and think so. My mother collects everything you can imagine, so being here has been wonderful for my still life studies – I love bowls, mugs, spoons, crystal, vintage dishes – the list goes on – and course, food.
Do you have an inspiration board, and can you tell us what is inspiring you now?
I keep a rotating visual feast on a wall in the sun room – not too many images at a time, but those from artists I am currently loving – some of my own work that reminds me to focus; I am really inspired by old photos of my mom when she was my age as well. I find myself shooting a lot of flowers, which never really interested me from an artists point of reference before – I think it is what Polaroid film does to them – it is magic. I am also loving these old Japanese story books that my mom bought in Misawa when I was a baby – I look at them everyday right now – there is a new project in there somewhere, I just feel it. And vintage children’s clothes – I have one my mom’s baby shirts hanging on the wall – I love to photograph my girls in white – I think it is so lovely to look at this beautiful piece of clothing – I find inspiration in every detail.
How do you create best (e.g. do you listen to music while you create and if so what?)
In the light of course – it inspires me daily. When I see it flooding across the sun porch I feel my heart race as I begin to brainstorm still life compositions to set up. Grey days seem to cast that mood-filled darkness into my photos that I also love – so truly right now I create best in that room. And I love music – it speaks to me on so many levels. Right now I can’t stop listening to Haley Bonar, A Fine Frenzy and She & Him.
List (3) of your favorite artists:
This of course was so difficult to choose just three – but at this very moment these are three of the women who simply keep me in a state of awe:
Nanako Koyama
Louise Robinson {Art & Ghosts}
Elle Moss
If yours isn't, what would be your perfect studio?
I love this space – someday I of course would love to have a light-filled loft but for now this makes me exceedingly happy – also because of the location – I can have my daughters join me at a whim and suddenly become newly inspired.
Thanks Jenifer!
