“Often I write them down or make sketches. Then it needs time to get mature.”
Natasha Gudermane (born in Latvia) is a contemporary photographer currently based in Paris, France.
Interview Natasha Gudermane
Natasha, why did you become a photographer? And what does photography mean to you?
I don’t think we become photographer for a reason, being a photographer is a state of mind and a way of living.
Photography is my instrument of exploring the world. It is also my way of communication with the world.
How would you describe your photographic language and creative process? How do you plan and execute a project? Both technically and conceptually?
The ideas just come. Often I write them down or make sketches. Then it needs time to get mature. Some ideas do not survive this phase. Some others do come to the execution but often turn into different ideas during the shooting. There is always a lot of space for improvisation.
Which photographer has inspired you most?
There are some photographers that I love and admire a lot, but I don’t think they really inspired me. I take more inspiration in painting and literature. And also in life itself.
What’s your favorite inspirational quote about photography?
“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.”
Ansel Adams
What kind of camera and equipment do you use?
For the Parisian project I use 6×7 analogue Mamya.
What book about photography would you recommend?
“Camera Lucida” by Roland Barthes, it was the book that made me see photography from a different angle.
Which advice would you give someone who wants to get started with photography?
Getting into photography is like falling in love, it just happens. Becoming a professional photographer however is another matter. I think the best way of learning things is just doing-doing-doing them.
