August 8, 2011

Interview: Alessandra Cave

It's a new week and I am a back with an intriguing interview with photographer, new Mama, and gypsy heart Alessandra Cave.  I've long admired her dreamy, boho-esque photo shoots and pictures of far away places that she shares through her web site and Shutter Sisters.  It was definitely time to connect and extend an invite to this dear lady (affectionately known as Alex) so you could meet her too.  Please welcome:


Can you remember when photography began to play a more important role in your creative life? Could you describe that time for me, specifically when you realized that taking photos was no longer just a hobby, but something you felt a deeper passion for?


The first photograph I ever took with the intent of self expression was in 1990 at the Venice Carnival. At that time I was 17 years old and I had just embarked on my first adventure around the world on my own. From that moment on I embraced the camera as my travel partner and my visual voice, documenting my travels and the beauty I encountered along the way. But it wasn't until I started my blog "Gypsy Girls Guide" in 2005, that I realized I could pursue photography as my life's work. Back then, my blog was a vehicle for self expression and my photographs were the medium I used to illustrate my ideas and the story of my life. I wasn't expecting much of it at first, but when my readers responded to my photographs with enthusiasm and emotion, I realized the great potential for connection through my imagery and became completely hooked!



What do you feel most comfortable taking photos of?  If you could step out of your comfort zone for a day, tell me what would you photograph?

I am really most comfortable photographing models or strangers. My comfort zone is portraiture for sure. I love the process of connecting with my subject matter and looking for the spark!
I'd say that nature and sports photography are really out of my comfort zone because I'm as much of an alien in a forest as I am in a soccer field. You'd think that being from Brazil and all, I'd be all over that stuff. But I actually grew up in a big city, which means I hate bugs and panic at the thought of wild animals! I'm also not the sporty type. I love dancing and watching surfers rip beautiful waves, but beyond that, I'm just not into anything that involves referees, balls or whistles of any kind!




Imagine in your mind's eye the most beautiful picture you haven't yet taken.  What does that photo look like?


Oh that is so hard! I can't give it up like that! :) But I can say I'd love to shoot really really feminine dresses, full of transparency and lace.




I know that you love to travel.  What country or place did you most enjoy taking photos and why?


That is easy! India, of course. I think India is the most colorful, spiritual, magical, controversial and complex place on Earth.




Describe for me your process.  Do you carry your camera with you at all times or do you take it with you when the mood calls for it?  Do you have a post editing process to enhance your photos or do you prefer SOOC (straight our of the camera).


I used to carry my camera with me at all times, but I don't anymore. I've really never been the type who clicks non-stop and points the camera at everyone and everything all the time. I am most comfortable carrying my camera with a purpose and when I am by myself. I really don't like to shoot when ten others are shooting as well. A group photo walk drives me absolutely nuts unless I am leading it as an instructor and mostly guiding, watching people, versus shooting. When I am shooting I like to be either in a contemplative mode, interacting and connecting with the subject matter or in total control, if it is a commercial shoot.

I process my images with very little enhancement from filters and actions. In my editing I mostly resize the images, dial levels, adjust color balance and retouch for blemishes and etc.





Can you share any names or links to photographers you admire or who have helped you improve your skills?


There are so many that inspire me everyday! You can take a look at my resources page for a list of influences and current favorites.


*Thank you so much, Alex for sharing a bit of your journey here today. It's been a pleasure getting to know you better and to feature your work. Wishing you many happy travels & keep on clicking!


My name is Alessandra Cave and I’m a film producer and photographer with a gypsy heart. I can’t help but always have my hand on a variety of creative projects. Currently, I’m splitting my time between photography, teaching assignments, speaking gigs, penning and shooting books, as well as caring for my baby daughter, who is my biggest creative achievement to date! I’m also the creator of Gypsy Girls Guide, a resource for women interested in travel and a bohemian lifestyle, and I’m a regular contributor to Shutter Sisters, an inspiring community of women photographers. When I am not doing any of the above, I’m either on an adventure around the world or you can find me practicing yoga, walking on the beach, hiking among redwoods, enjoying sunshine, reading, napping (trying to do lots of that since I had a baby!) and roaming the streets of San Francisco with my camera.


Alessandra holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and she worked for over 10 years as a visual effects producer for feature films and commercials. In 2009 Alessandra kissed the cubicle goodbye to pursue her dream of working as a professional photographer. She is completely self taught, and she is passionate about inspiring and empowering women to follow their creative passion. 


*All photos have been posted with permission by Alessandra Cave. 

4 comments:

urban muser said...

Bella, Alex--wonderful interview! Thanks for sharing these inspiring photos and words.

Gill said...

I just LOVE Alex and I love her work. She is a fellow Portuguese woman (we both have Brazilian blood) and apart from that my loyalty to her lies in the fact that I've faithfully followed her since before GGG, and will continue to cheer her on through her journey and then some. Yes...you could say I'm rather fond of her.
Alex, your work is sublime. Keep it up.
xoxo

Alessandra Cave said...

Aww. you guys make me blush! Thank you Urban Muser and Gillian for the kind words! xo

Stef said...

Oh, I am so happy to see Alex here, love love love her and her work!

x