VALERIE CHIANG
Valerie Chiang takes photographs that transport you to another world. Her unique style and creative voice is strong, it's hard to believe that she is only 18 years old. Valerie uses her images to create a sense of escapism, telling stories and giving viewers the opportunity to relive their childhood dreams. I had a chat to Valerie to find out more about the girl behind the lens...
How long have you been taking photos and what began your passion?
I've been taking photos for about two years now, and I'd have to say Flickr was what ignited a creative spark in me. A friend introduced me to Flickr and I just started looking at other people's photostreams and I decided to try out photography myself.
Your photography is so ethereal and has a beautiful innocence to it. Where do you find inspiration?
Thank you! I find inspiration mostly in old photographs and movies. Also art and children's book illustrations have influenced me quite a bit.
Can you describe where you live and how this affects and inspires your work?
I live in Raleigh, North Carolina and I love being somewhat close to the beach. The North Carolina Outer Banks are beautiful and the ocean inspires me a lot.
Are you a self-taught photographer or have you studied?
I am self-taught. I've thought about taking a few photography classes but I like experimenting and finding things out for myself. I think you learn a lot more by going outside and taking photos than learning about photography in a classroom. Style can't be taught, but technique can come with experience.
What type of equipment do you use?
Right now I use a Nikon D80 for digital photos (85mm and 50mm lenses) and a Nikon N80 for film photos. I would really like to get a manual film camera to experiment with as well.
What are your other interests and what do you do when you aren't taking photos? I read that you are studying piano performance?
Yes, I'm a piano performance major in school. I also love to read and watch films. I'm fascinated with movies.
Can you name a few favourites? Artists, musicians, photographers?
Artists: Edward Hopper, Magritte, Chris van Allsburg, Gustav Klimt, Dali, Vilhelm Hammershoi and Milo Winter. Film directors such as David Lean and Andrei Tarkovsky inspire me as well.
Musicians: All classical composers, Beirut, Billie Holiday, Al Bowlly, Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Idan Raichel Project, Beatles, Cat Stevens, The Strokes and The Smiths.
Photographers: Wendy Bevan, Genevieve Naylor, Tim Walker, Alison Scarpulla and Helmut Newton.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into photography?
Don't get sucked into the fierce competition out there. I've had to fight the frustration of seeing other young photographers doing things I've always wanted to do (travel for commissions, shoot for magazines, etc.) and remind myself that I take photographs because I love it. Remember why you take photographs in the first place and always always create images for yourself, not for other people. If you take pictures to cater to other people's tastes on Flickr, Tumblr or even the general public (cliche things/ subjects they're used to), you might as well get them to take the photos for you. Have your own voice, and state it loud and clear through your art.
Images courtesy of Valerie Chiang