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H. Jewel Bracken Interview

Great Photography by H. Jewel and a Pentax K1000 SLR.

Posted: 22/07/2011 - 15:35

We interview Hayley Jewel Bracken, who shoots some great photos with a Pentax K1000 SLR film camera.

H.Jewel

What camera do you use and why do you use it?

“Right now, I'm using the Pentax K1000. Despite it being older than I am and not being very complex, I am absolutely in love with it and the images it's capable of producing.”

Do you have a favourite lens?

“My favorite lens is definitely my 50mm fixed focal. I am hopelessly in love with fixed focal lens, and the 50mm is just so viable.”

How old are you and what area of photography interests you the most?

“I'm 19, and the area of photography that interests me the most is international photojournalism.”

Why do you use Pentax equipment?

“I use Pentax because it's a trusted, well-known, inexpensive brand. It's analog beginner friendly.”

What made you pick the subject that you work on?

“Currently, I'm working mostly in portraiture because it is readily available and photographing people has always been something I adore because people are easily the most complex and (non)photogenic subjects on the planet.”

Is photography just a hobby or do you get paid for the pictures you take?

“I've done a few photography jobs for people, such as senior portraits & band promotions, but in general I don't work consistently for a paycheck in my field.”

When did you start to be interested in photography?

“Originally, when I was about 10, I started carrying my video camera around with me everywhere and shooting tapes and tapes worth of footage. My siblings & I made so many home videos until finally we all became too busy with other things; from the ashes of video came my interest in photography. That was probably around the age of 14 or 15, and it's only gotten more consuming since then.”

What piece of equipment can you not be without?

“As lame as it sounds, I hate to be without my lens hood. Whether I actually need it or not, it just boosts my confidence in my shooting. Other than that, I never leave to shoot without taking an extra roll of film because I tend to be shutter happy.”

If you could take a picture of just one thing what would it be?

“Planet Earth from outer space. I would definitely cry from happiness if I was ever given the opportunity.”

What's the best piece of advice you have heard?

"Look out for landmines."

Any photographers who you admire and why?

“Sebastiao Salgado and Sally Mann are two of my favorite well-known photographers, but the small town photographers I know inspire me so much more than anyone else.”

Do you have a favourite image if so what is it and why?

“My favorite image usually changes from time to time depending on what I see, but I tend to come back to Sally Mann's "Candy Cigarette" from 1989. I like it because at first all you see is a clearly, not amused little girl smoking a cigarette; it's not until you really look at it do you realize that it's not real. And when that moment hits you, it hits you hard. American suburbia isn't as white picket fence as some people assume.”

If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would you do and why?

“If I could do anything, honestly, it would probably be join an organization like the Peace Corps so I could travel the globe, photograph the world as it truly is, and actually do some good in the world by helping anywhere we pass through.”

Members photos with related tags: K1000

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