the six questions featuring Alicia Bock

Alicia Bock's images are like poetry whispered in your ears as you wake up early in the morning. Her photography exudes a sense of calm that constantly inspires me to slow down and take a few moments to soak in the beauty that is so kindly presented to me. Despite a busy schedule this summer, Alicia has graciously accepted to answer all of our 8 questions. I couldn't be more excited to share her answers with you today.

1. What's the story behind this photo?

This is one of my favorite polaroids. It was a very busy day at the beach. Labor Day weekend, gorgeous and hot. But needing a break from the crowd I took a little walk up in the dunes. Up there it was just the sound of the wind and faint laughter from below.

2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?

I think this life is in my blood: my grandparents, my dad, my cousins. We are a sentimental group. I can't remember not having a camera, or not being in front of my dad's. It seems as natural to me as breathing. I do remember my Grandma always had a polaroid full of film. I am sure she is the reason for my Polaroid obsession today.

3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy? 

For both, anything goes.

4. Where do you look for inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere, but mostly in nature. Especially a day at the beach.

5. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?

This is hard... I don't consciously try to do the same things. In fact it is really important to me to keep learning, and experimenting with new cameras and techniques. But, I do seem to travel to the same comforting places, which leads to a lot of photographs of beaches, my favorite cities, big sky, and shades of the perfect blue-green. More than anything, I am drawn to the same soft colors, over and over.

6. What aspect of your photography are you constantly working on, trying to improve?

I want my photographs, especially the portraits, to tell stories better.

7. 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?

I'd do anything to go to Italy. It is where my Grandma was from. I miss her cooking.

8. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?

I won't know any female photographers in my town, and at art shows it is always the older men who want to talk photography with me. So, I am thrilled to have "met" some wonderful ladies online.

Susanna Conway - My "Favorite Things" partner. Working with her this year has been a fabulous experience. Traci (aka: Mrs. French) - She's one of the first women I knew online who I felt loved photography as much as I do. Victoria - Witty, charming and a great eye for details. Her Sunday's in the City are my favorite. I think there is so much beauty that we pass by everyday, and Victoria reminds me to open my eyes a bit wider.

Thank you so much Alicia!

You can see more of Alicia's work her website, her Flickr pool and blog Bloom, Grow, Love.

Comments

[amanda]

Great interview!
We love Alicia!
I'm with you on Number 6 for my own photography too. :)

[claudia]

When I first started really getting back into photography about 2 yrs ago, Alicia was one of the first photographers I was inspired by. I knew I had some Polaroid cameras of my Dad's in a box somewhere in the basement that I just had to get to after being continually taken aback by her beautiful shots. Here's a little family portrait she might appreciate.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurohunt/3832409460/
Thank you Alicia for being one of the first in helping me to "see" again :)

[Trude]

Such a wonderful and honest series. Thanks for taking the time!

[charlane]

I adore Alicia's work as well as the women she calls sisters - they are all so inspirational

[melissa]

beautiful image!

[georgia]

in the almost one year that i have been "into" photography and wanting to learn it and become an artist with this medium, i have come to most admire alicia's work of anyone i've seen. there are so many amazing photographers out there that i have discovered through the blogosphere, and i would not possibly have time to visit them all every day. but the blog i make sure to stop at on a regular basis is bloom grow love. i'm practically awed every single time i stop by at her ability to keep her photography fresh and new and original, but still maintain that alicia bock trademark wonderful, soft, beautiful imagery. her work is absolutely incredible! this was such a good and interesting interview.

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