When did you start your photography journey and what does photography mean to you?
I started photography when I was about ten years old. That’s when I received my first point and shoot camera during the Christmas holiday. from there I pretty much did what every amateur photography would do, which is take photos of nature, family and friends. Over time, however, I started to take it much more seriously. During this time, I was quite a shy kid who would get extremely nervous when it came to having simple conversations with people. However, photography was the guiding light that pushed me into those uncomfortable situations that broke that shell I found myself constantly hiding in.
Where do you attain your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from all over, most from just everyday experiences such as the books I’ve read, to movies and places I’ve traveled to. As for my current work, it’s been inspired by photographers such as Sally Mann, Chris Knight and Albert Watson. I was especially excited when SCAD Fash implemented Albert Watson’s ‘Behind the lens’ series in the museum.
What is your creative process like per shoot?
My creative process may seem a bit backwards to others. I don’t normally have a starting point on what I do. I keep this notebook with concept thoughts, lighting ideas, sketches of compositions and clothing choices. All specs of ideas that have not come to a complete foundation. Once I do start to bring an idea to life during the shoot, I spend time building out my mood-board, color pallet, source materials and search for the perfect model. Essentially this is a trial and error, then creating the foundational tools necessary to capture the perfect images.
What kind of impact would you like to make on the industry?
I just want my work to inspire people. It’s not much else I find quintessential to my brand, than to inspire people to keep pushing on their photographic journey.
Do you have any projects that you’re currently working on?
Ephemerality.
My current series started off with the idea of limitation. This was something that came to me when I realized that once we graduate from the doors of SCAD, we are on our own. The years of access to the equipment that was once provided to oneself will no longer be there. From those thoughts, it led me to this idea of limiting myself to certain equipment. From there, I decided to jump out of my comfort zone and photograph primarily people at SCAD who felt like strangers to me. Most happen to wander into my studio space with no intention of being photographed until I ask. I would give myself 15 to 20 minutes to learn as much as I can about the person and photograph them in a way that best describes them. This is a series that I will be continuing down the road.
To see more of Carmona’s work, visit her website and Instagram.
