In this interview, Linda tells about her love of landscape photographers like Ansel Adams and about how she uses images to tell her stories. Linda also imparts some sage advice for us fellow storytellers - take time to browse the Shutterfly Gallery, because it’s always inspiring to see other peoples’ creations.
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What got you interested in making photo books?
I got started wanting to make a few creative portfolios of my work. I searched around online and found a few sites but I was always disappointed in the quality. I found Shutterfly using a search engine. After the first book, I was hooked!
What are your favorite images to capture and why?
I love travel photography. I’ve been traveling around Europe for the past 10 years but only in the past 6 or 7 have I been trying to capture photos of the places I visit. I think it’s exciting because everyone has a different perspective of a city or landscape.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by the works of Ansel Adams, because I love his black and white landscapes. For portrait photography, I admire Gordon Parks, Margaret Bourke-White, Annie Leibovitz and Anne Geddes.
What kind of stories do you like to tell in your photo books?
I’ve used poetry in some photo books and brief descriptions of locations but I usually don’t include captions. I guess I’d just like the pictures to tell their own story.
What advice would you give your fellow photo book storytellers?
I guess it will be to just have fun and be creative. Also, take the time to browse. There are some great photo books posted and I love searching different categories and seeing the amazing things others are posting.
What’s your next photo book project?
I guess it will be my next travel spot. That’s still in the works!
What are some of your favorite Gallery photo books and why?
I really like the Gallery members who use scrap booking. I’ve never tried it, but I’d love to. I admire the time and thought they put into their projects. Here are a few I really like:
ClaireH35 –
Reflections of America II
ChrisO134 –
Jordan 2008
Check out Linda’s photo books on her Gallery profile page.
June 16th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Hi Linda,
Great interview. I also like what you said about just browsing others Gallery books and they’ll be inspired to get ideas. I’m trying to tell people I know who are intimidated by it. Just have fun with it like you said.
I love your work and look forward to more of your creative books. They take me to places i have never been.
Joanna T
Shutterfly Gallery Guru
July 15th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Linda,
I am honoured to have you mention our photobook… that is such a compliment coming from a skilled photographer like yourself. Thank you.
As mentioned before, your photo books are truly inspirational and one day I will attempt to produce a black-and-white masterpiece according to your guidelines. I really like the way you insert one coloured photograph in each book. What a wow-factor.
Thanks for inspiring!
Claire
Shutterfly Gallery Guru