the six questions featuring Amanda Gilligan
Sunday, April 11, 2010 by Irene Nam 
There's something endearing and authentic about photographer Amanda Gilligan's dreamy images that makes me want to drop whatever I'm doing and dwell in every corner of her little world. But what I love most about Amanda is her beautiful spirit of giving. She shares tips, insights, tutorials and inspiration on her blog Mocking Bird with kindness and sheer enthusiasm, reminding me every day that one of the most wonderful things about photography is the ongoing conversation between passionate people, and the joy we experience by sharing what we love.
Amanda was kind enough to answer 7 of our 8 questions. Here are her answers:
What's the story behind this photo?
This Polaroid is my little sister and my muse. I've been photographing her since she was a baby and have been so lucky to watch her grow into a beautiful young woman. The Polaroid was taken on a special trip away with our mother, just the three of us spending a special time together. She picked up the dandelion and I noticed the beautiful flickerings of the light in the trees behind her. As soon as I grabbed my camera, she knew what to do. She's my perfect model and my muse.
2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?
From a young age I always loved creating stories and was always encouraged to be creative. I was given my first camera at the age of 8 but remember really wanting to find the art in photography after being given a book of black and white portraits by an Australian photographer. I loved the photojournalistic style of the portraits and it felt like something I could do. The portraits seemed to be taken from quiet places. I tend to be the one sitting in a corner at parties and observing life- those photographs seemed like something I would shoot and it inspired me to buy my first SLR camera. I haven't looked back since.
3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?
My photo philosophy definitely reflects my life. I believe in shooting from the heart and shooting things that are important to you. I never try to be something I'm not, it doesn't work. My life is quiet, inquisitive, peaceful, full of light and emotion. I would hope to think my photographs convey that too. I believe that shooting photographs is about seeing the truth and being authentic.
4. Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for it everywhere! I'm inspired by my family, friends, music, art, books, my home, food, nature, the landscapes of my homeland Australia and my new home in Vancouver, Canada. I think we need to notice and be aware of the beauty around us. I love the films of Sofia Coppola, Michel Gondry, Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Pedro Almodóvar and the music of Sigur Rós, Radiohead and Bjork. I love attention to detail and it's the little details in the big picture that I look for. The colours of the pebbles in the sand at the beach, the textures of the fruit at the local market, the softness of the brush strokes in your favourite painting...details are my constant inspiration.
5. What would you say is one of your 'signature' editing tricks, themes or style?
Soft light, low saturated colour and attention to detail. I shoot mostly film so I hope I capture that in my Polaroids and 35mm work.
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?
Paris without a doubt. I have been aching to get there for so many years. I dream about wandering the hilly streets of Montmartre with my Polaroid camera, stopping in for a coffee and a baguette, hanging out in the quiet alleys and searching for the Parisian light that I've heard so much about. I will wear a scarf tied around my neck and pretend I am Amélie.
7. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who, and why?
Oh so many! First and foremost my actual sister, Kelly. She is not only my muse and model but loves shooting with me. I love that she has followed in my footsteps with a love of photography. Myla Kent has always been a power of strength and inspiration to me. She is so supportive and a wonderful photographer. I adore my Polaroid girls Jenifer Altman and Susannah Conway. We are sharing a special secret journey together at the moment and they inspire me to be better on a daily basis. I know I can always turn to them for support and when the three of us get together there is going to be some serious Polaroid damage!
Thank you Amanda!
You can see more of Amanda's work on her blog and Flickr Pool.
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