the six questions featuring Myla Kent
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 by Irene Nam 
Myla Kent has been a constant and abounding source of inspiration since the day I stumbled across her Flickr Pool about a year ago. She's the one who introduced me to street photography and whose attention to detail always reminds me to embrace the simplicity of my daily life. Her beautiful photos - always coupled with thoughtful words - capture the truth of her subjects in the most subtle and gentle way. They exude the genuine spirit behind the lens and pour out warmth into the lives of many.
Myla kindly accepted to answer 7 of our 8 questions, and I am beyond thrilled to share them with you today.
1. What's the story behind this photo?
One of my clients had bought a new camera and asked me if I'd show her a few pointers, so I met her and her brother, Z down at Pike Place Market. I took them to this funky alley down by the Market Theatre that has a wonderful cobblestone street (and a gum wall!) called Post Alley, and set up the shot. I had asked Z if he wouldn't mind jumping for us, thinking it would look pretty fantastic having him jumping toward the light. The peace signs were all his idea.
2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?
My Dad lit the spark. He always had his camera with him, he loved to shoot. The first shot I ever remember taking was with my Polaroid One Step, which I'd saved up for with babysitting money when I was 12. We were on family vacation, driving up the coast of California. I remember seeing this seagull sitting on a boulder looking straight at me. I walked slowly and gingerly toward him until I felt like I was close enough. I can still remember the anticipation of putting the camera up to my face, holding my breath, and pushing the shutter. Watching that photo develop before my eyes was definitely a life-changing moment for me.
3. Where do you look for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. I find I'm constantly framing. When I feel 'stuck' I go stand under a tree (flowering trees are best if you can find one) and shoot upward. Or I go down to the beach and doodle in the sand with a stick. If anything will clear out your brain and rejuvenate you, those two things will do it.
4. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style?
In an interview, Henri Cartier-Bresson once said that photography is "geometry and sensitivity." When I heard him say that, it was as though the proverbial lightbulb went on for me, I think about that every single time I get behind the lens. Since then I have found that my best editing comes when I'm behind the lens (vs. in the digital darkroom): I also try to shoot during magic hour whenever possible. That's not to say I don't shoot at other times of the day because I do, but when I have the option to schedule a shoot, I try to take advantage of that last hour of light when everything just looks more beautiful.
5. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?
Making time for it. Ever since I turned 40 it seems the older I get the faster the clock ticks.
6. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?
New York City. I would just love to do that!. I dream about doing that! It was 1992 or so when I first fell in love with Doisneau's Kiss by the Hotel de Ville - 1950 (which was taken in Paris), since then I've been in love with the art of street photography. I know I could spend 9 hours a day shooting all 7 days and still not have seen an nth of what there is to see. Someday I will do that, absolutely.
7. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?
Definitely. Heather Champ (hchamp.com), who is the reason I picked up a camera (again) back in 2003. She is a dear friend, one of the loveliest, most talented and innovative artists I've ever known, and a constant inspiration; Deborah Lattimore (deborahlattimore.com) is another dear friend. Her work is sublime, she's another amazing artist who never ceases to inspire me and as a friend pushes me in all the ways a good friend does. And ever since photoblogging (and flickr), I've met some of the most amazingly talented women: Gayla, Alison, Kathleen, Annie, Barb, Amanda, and Martha, to name a few, and have been blessed with many wonderful friendships.
Be sure to visit Myla's Flickr Pool and beautiful website for more inspiration.
Reader Comments (14)
Myla has been SUCH an inspiration to me for a long time. She is incredibly talented behind the camera and is so supportive as a "shutter sister". She's my go to girl when I have a photography dilemma!
Thanks for the great interview, guys. :)
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