Interview the Artist – Kristina Gale
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Kristina Gale. I have no middle name for some reason and have always felt a bit gypped by that! Actually, the story is that my Father believed I would someday be amazingly famous and thus wanted to give me an easy to remember “stage name” so to speak. He opted for Tina Gale (when he would say it you could see how he was envisioning my name in lights!) My Mom talked him into Kristina, Tina for short.
I live on the eastern end of Long Island in a small town called Sag Harbor, which was once a whaling village and port. I am a Mom to two beautiful girls and a Grandma to one.
What is your first memory of using a camera?
My first memory of using a camera was in my High School photography class. Honestly, I didn’t feel any connection to photography at that time. I do still have the first photo I ever took. It is a picture of my mom and dad. Mom in her robe, Dad in his pajamas – both of their heads cut out of the picture. Happily, I am a bit better at framing and composing shots now.
Do you have any formal training?
Absolutely none.
What camera/s do you use?
I have always used a basic Kodak point and shoot. Over the past few years I started to realize just how much I was enjoying photography and how very impressed people were with the photos I was taking. I decided to take the plunge and bought my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel xt. I absolutely love this camera though have to admit I am still getting to know it.
Do you manipulate or edit your photos digitally and how?
Many of my photos I just do basic cropping and straightening and adjustment of levels. But I also really love to edit some of my work in Photoshop or on Picnik.com. I am certainly not a “purist” when it comes to photography.
What inspires you?
My daughters and granddaughter inspire me. My wonderful, sweet, rescue American Staffordshire Terrier (aka pit bull) Nina inspires me. Live music inspires me. Sometimes, just driving down the road inspires me!
Do you think of yourself as having a photographic “style”? If so… what would it be?
I honestly do not think I have developed a style yet. I long to though. I think I am too new to photography to really have found my niche. Hopefully someday.
Do you make your living with your photography?
No, but I aspire to.
Of all of your photographs, which is your favorite?
This is a very difficult question for me to answer. “Swing” the photo that was used on this website is definitely a favorite.
It’s a photo of my daughter and I just love the feeling and emotion and freedom captured in it. Another favorite would have to be “Lothlórien” because I am just amazed at how this shot of a friends driveway could turn into a work with such a magical, mythical feel to it!
Who is our favorite photographer?
I have several favorite photographers. My all time favorite would have to be Sally Mann. http://www.artnet.com/artist/11072/sally-mann.html I absolutely love her photos of her family – the lighting, the tones, the emotion. I recently took photos of my granddaughter with Sally Mann’s style in mind during the shoot. Rhianna – A Portrait is an homage to Sally Mann. I like to think it has some of her style to it.
Other favorites are Bill Brandt, Lee Friedlander, William Klein and Francesca Woodman.
Where can readers find your work online?
My gallery can be found at http://kristinagale.redbubble.com/ I am on jpgmag.com as Kristina Gale and you can also find me on Facebook.
Do you have a specific subject or genre you prefer to shoot?
I love to shoot action shots. A stop in time that captures great emotion.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of being behind the camera?
I love everything about being behind a camera, absolutely everything. I have a camera with me at all times, every day.
Are you connected to an online photographic community?
Yes, I am on Redbubble and jpgmag as mentioned above.
Some random questions here…
What is your favorite color?
I don’t have one specific favorite color. I would have to say I tend more towards earth tones as my favorites..
What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
Coffee and then some more coffee.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Oh, I’d love to think Angelina Jolie but that may be being a bit presumptuous! 🙂
What super power would you like to have? Why?
I’d love to have a power that would allow me to go back in time just a few seconds and catch that one perfect shot that I just missed!
What do you do to relax?
Take pictures!
Your dad was right. Middle names are dumb, and you will be very famous if you’re not already.
You are more than on your way to being famous, for in your heart you not only feel but you envision what you are capturing in pictures. The sky is the limit for you, you had the dream and you reached for the stars,,,,,,, Now they shine down upon you……
Best of wishes and luck
Kristina, Your images are very good. Keep working.
Jeff Zamek