Exposure: Knightmusik

Teresa really works her macro lens, because her close up shots are amazing. I love how her photos are incredibly random, and seem to be products of random spurs of imagination and ideas. I take great pleasure in seeking out the talented photographers that roam the streets of Vancouver, thus I hope you enjoy what Teresa had to say about photography as much as I did!

What attracted you to photography in the first place?
I always liked the concept of capturing a single moment in time for all eternity. As a child, someone let me borrow their Polaroid camera for the day. I remember going around the garden, finding the perfect flower to photograph while posing my favourite toy robot; telling my sister to make a face, and chasing my cat Sourball around the house. Each time I took a photograph, I would fan it, vigorously waiting with baited breath to see how it turns out. I would marvel at this little miracle in my hand and what I have made without anyone's help. I would keep this joy of creativity inside of me all through my life, taking the casual family photo every now and then. But, it was only recently that I came to realize that I was meant to be a photographer all along.

What kind of camera do you use? Are you satisfied with it? What camera do you think is the best on the market right now?
The world of cameras is all-new to me. The best present anyone ever gave me was my Canon Rebel EOS xti. I love it to bits! I don't know much about cameras. I only have one lens. This camera makes my photographs come alive, giving my skills time to catch up to my imagination.

You have a huge slideshow of Strathcona photos. What interested you about that area?
The Stratchona photo set was inspired by many of my flickr contacts. Squeakymarmot, photocat62, knitgirl and lookingatdamascus are just some of the Flickr personalities who have nicely documented this unique area. One of particular note is longtime resident and up and coming photographer Keith Freeman (VanKeefer / www.keeferstreet.com) who is compiling photo essays of this and other areas in the GVRD based on his long walks.

Spending a few hours on Keefer and Heatley Streets, admiring the colours of the leaves, the heritage homes washed by the rains the day before, and families enjoying the sunshine made me realize there is so much to love and photograph about this place. Diversity best summarizes the East Side. I believe rapid increases in house prices and urban renewal will surely threaten this diversity.

How long have you been a photographer? Do you think you will ever give it up?
I turned 40 last year. I've already made my mark in the world while the rest of my life was settling into a steady rhythm of certainty. I wanted something more. Last spring, I took an old point and shoot and headed back to a place in my past when my life wasn't so predictable ...UBC. It's been 19 years since graduation and I was eager for this homecoming. When I arrived, Vancouver couldn't even provide a sunny day to help my mood. It just started pouring down. Despite this setback, I meticulously visited all my old haunts, documenting details I had forgotten as I went along. "We have both changed old friend," were the words that kept going through my mind as I made my way. The walk was exhilarating. I was soaked to the bone but managed to keep the camera dry in a plastic bag. I came away with nearly 150 photos. My "old friend" had once again inspired me on which direction my life should take. I wanted to be a photographer!

Ever since that spring day, my camera has been a constant companion. If I am without one, I do not feel whole. No, I don't think I'll ever give photography up!

Do you think there is something about Vancouver photographers that sets them apart from the rest of the world's photographers (in either a negative or positive way?)
Nature's beauty, four seasons, cultural diversity, tolerance, poverty, injustice, historical heritage, changing cityscape, what a palette to "paint a picture with"! Our environment sets us apart from the rest of the world's photographers. Our collective flickr portfolios reveal far too many photos of puddle reflections and dramatic cloudy skies. Vancouver photographers crave sunshine! As well, our obsession with coffee has produced countless wonderful nighttime shots in my opinion.

I also think Vancouver photographers are very sensitive to the problems our communities are facing leading to the 2010 Olympics. Bold and daring street photography reflect the truly uphauling conditions the homeless are facing. As well, Vancouver photographers have the privilege of documenting the evolution of local graffiti artists' efforts, which are becoming more technical, complex, and engaging.

What does photography do for you (life wise)?
Photography allowed me to hold on to a moment in my life, manipulate it and absorb it for all its worth. It gives me a more intimate connection to the city I love. It lets me visit the past filled with memories of places, friends and family long gone. Through flickr, photography enables me to reach out to a global audience. To capture their attention with a quirky subject, an angle, a colour or a crop brings joy to my heart. Photography challenges me to judge a photo on its own merit and not be biased by a photographer's age, race, religious belief or sexual preference. It has found me witty and intelligent flickr friends. Photography brings out the best in me!

Do you think being a photographer has lost a value due to becoming a big trend in our Vancouver culture? Everyone seems to have a flickr account nowadays and call themselves photographers?
From my point of view, the flickr induced photography boom is not localized to Vancouver, it is a global phenomena most prevalent in first world countries.

I've asked myself that question many times. Can I call myself a photographer just because I have a camera and a flickr account? I have no formal training. Really, any ordinary person with a camera is a photographer. But who wants to be an ordinary photographer? The very best quality photographers consistently deliver great picture after great picture. People passing themselves off as quality photographers can't keep up the rouse. So the answer to your question is no, the mystique of being a quality photographer is not diminished. The more mediocre shots I find on flickr, the more I appreciate quality photography! My favourite local black and white photographer is Glen Pennykid. His high standards are something worth striving for.

Is there a spot in Vancouver that you wish other photographers would be interested in? A secreted undiscovered spot that you wish was more explored in the future?
Funny this question should come up because I happen to be one of the co-administrators for the Guess Where Vancouver (GWV) flickr group. For those not familiar with GWV, members set out to best each other by submitting and guessing photos taken in the GVRD. We thrive on obscure angles, hidden gems, heritage houses and public art. No, there is not one secreted spot but many in our pool of photos.

I wish Vancouver photographers would take more interest in our threatened heritage buildings. They are disappearing at an alarming rate. Only through photography can we preserve the essence of our "Vanishing Vancouver".