Micklyn

Interview the Artist  –  Micklyn

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Micklyn, live in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with my wonderful husband, Greg and nine children – Jacob (16) Joshua (14) Perrin (13) John (11) Tane (8) Grace (6) Hudson (4) Mila (2.5) and Reilly (1). (Jacob and John are adopted.)

What is your first memory of using a camera?
After years of longing, my parents bought me a Pentax K1000 at the age of 16 – a fully manual film camera that I used constantly until it was stolen in a break-in when I was 28.  I can’t actually remember the first time I used it, only that it was love at first sight and soon became my most treasured possession.

Do you have any formal training?
When studying Fine Art in the 1990’s I majored in photography, but I would say the training was FAR from formal, much more emphasis was placed on concept than anything else, technique, lighting etc were only touched on.  As a result, I’m really ignorant about lots of stuff… six months ago I didn’t even know what a softbox was and still have yet to try one out…  After my pentax was stolen 6 years ago, I didn’t have a decent camera for a while.  I only really got to start taking photo’s again in 2008.

What camera/s do you use?
I have two Canon’s, a 400D and a 500D

Do you manipulate or edit your photos digitally and how?
Yes, I do, with photoshop CS2.  Absolutely addicted.

What inspires you?
Beautiful lighting, beautiful paintings, novels, my kids, conversations with others, all the amazing artwork out there…

Do you think of yourself as having a photographic “style”? If so… what would it be?
Umm… is ‘happy’ a style?  none of my work is particularly dark, anyway.

Do you make your living with your photography?
Nope, although lately I’ve been seriously considering the possibility.

Of all of your photographs, which is your favorite?
That’s a tough one.  Ok, maybe the one I did of Joshua and Reilly when Reilly was just a few weeks old.

Who is your favorite photographer? (can you provide a link to their work?)
I don’t have one.  There are many many people whose work I really admire, but I don’t think I could pick one or even two or three.

Where can readers find your work online?
At Redbubble – http://www.redbubble.com/people/micklyn

Do you have a specific subject or genre you prefer to shoot?
Most definitely people / portrait shots.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of being behind the camera?
Being able to keep a part of what you see – forever.

Are you connected to an online photographic community?
Also Redbubble

Some random questions here…

What is your favorite color?
umm… can I have 2? red and blue… oh, and turquoise, too.

What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
Croissant with butter and honey and plenty of wonderful coffee.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself?
Julia Roberts as she was in ‘The Pelican Brief’… ( :

What super power would you like to have? Why?
Absolutely definitely the powers of Elastigirl from The Incredibles… can you think of a better superpower for a mom of 9 to have?? I’ve envied her deeply ever since I saw that movie, I COVET her powers!

What do you do to relax?
Read.

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