In today's technology driven society we have seen success emerge at a much earlier age than in the past. A great example of this is seen in the work of Eleanor Hardwick, a photographer who got her recognition at the ripe age of 15. Through the shift of film to digital in photography, it has become easier to create a successful image through the use of editing programs. Another aid technology has to offer lies in social media pages. Hardwick began posting her photos through Flickr, a media sharing website, where she was able to post her photos and share them on a global scale. Her discovery since then has landed her with major recognition through companies such as Dazed Digital.
Below is an interview conducted by Andrew S. Gibson:
How would you describe your photographic vision? What kind of feel do you try and create in your photos?
My photos are dreamscapes (infact, ‘dreamscapes’ is the title of my exhibition in Bristol early next year!) I like to play with what I have to create something out of reality. I love using natural light and soft peachy tones to create something serene, with a hint of the sixties in it.
Name three photographers you like and why. Who inspires you?
Tim Walker is my favourite photographer, I feel like sometimes we are on the same wavelength with our ideas (however obviously his execution is so much more incredible!). I love his use of oversized props, and the childlike, misty quality to his images. Another photographer I admire is Denise Grünstein, for her quietly beautiful style. I also adore the work of Elene Usdin, a Parisian Photographer who shares my passion for the unison of the surreal and fashion.
Your work is very creative. Where do you get your ideas from?
I’ve no idea where my ideas originate from, however things that I am often inspired by are the countryside near to my home, unusual props and literature.
When did you start taking photos and how long have you been posting photos on Flickr? What have you learnt about photography from Flickr?
I started taking photos in early 2006, when I was twelve. I began taking general snapshots, especially of toys, with a simple 4 megapixel point and shoot. About a year ago I developed a particular interest in fashion portraiture however.
What role has Flickr played in helping getting your photos noticed? When did things start to take off?
I had an offer in 2007 from BBC Bitesize, who wanted to use my image for a slideshow. Then in April 2008 Here, a small gallery in Bristol, asked me to exhibit with them in February 2009, however it wasn’t until August 2008 that things really began to take off. I had an interview on Dazeddigital.com (the website for Dazed & Confused magazine) which caught the attention of The Independent, as well as from a couple of musicians and smaller magazines.
After my feature with The Independent, I began to receive many more offers from magazines and clients. I have a page feature in Dazed & Confused Magazine coming out next week, as well as an interview with a Brazilian newspaper set to come out early next year.
Without the help of the internet, this could never have happened.. not only because I have been approached via the world wide web, but also because without the support of flickr members, I would have put down the camera before I even started to take photos.
You have a lot of self-portraits, portraits and fashion work on your Flickrstream. Why do you like photographing people so much? What ideas are you exploring?
Ever since I was little I have loved to draw people, I never seemed to have much interest in sketching landscapes or still life. I guess I am very drawn by how versatile people are; everyone is different, and every photographic situation is something new and never been done before. I suppose a famous landmark, such as the Eiffel Tower, can only be photographed in so many ways, but a single person is constantly changing both physically and mentally.
I really liked your photos of the Gambia. What did you learn from your trip there? Not just about photography, but about yourself and the world we live in?
It was an incredible family holiday, we made so many new friends on our visit, one family of which we are still in touch with. It was not only a fantastic opportunity to photograph new sights and people, but a chance to see the world from another angle. Nothing compares to actually being there with the dust in your hair, everyone there was so happy and it was just a wonderful experience.
Tell us a little about your exhibition in Lisbon, Portugal. What’s the story behind the exhibition and what did you learn from the experience?
I was invited by Sara (www.thesecondbushome.com) to take part in a project she was organising based around the word “Home.” The exhibition in Lisbon is hopefully one of the first of many.
You’ve already worked with some top fashion models. What was it like? What’s been your favourite experience so far?
As much as I love taking photographs of my sister and friends, it is wonderful to work with professional models as you can really see how fluidly they can pose, and they really understand what you’re trying to achieve in the photograph.
I think it’s amazing that you’ve achieved so much at a young age. What’s the secret to your success?
I guess I’ve been very lucky to have so many offers, but I have been working hard. Photography is my number one passion in life, and I usually do at least one photoshoot a week. I’ve learnt that the more effort I put into an idea, the more it will pay off.
Finally – what are your plans for the future? What are your dreams? Where do you see yourself being in 10 years time?
I’d ultimately love to work with the top fashion magazines, travelling the world to photograph all kinds of people, with a whole team of set designers and stylists! Who knows what will happen though haha!
http://eleanorhardwick.com/
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