*Q&A :: Lara Rossignol*

I still can't really remember how I came across Piewacket, but it's been an essential part of my Google reader ever since! Lara Rossignol grew up in LA, lived in New York for 15 years and is now in Atlanta, Georgia where she takes gorgeous photos and also writes her blog, which she calls, 'a little online magazine about the things I love!' Each day, it offers a happy collection of beautiful eye candy, and often she shares her own yummy recipes as well! As a commercial and editorial photographer, Lara has a really amazing body of work that can be viewed on her website (and her flickr), and my favorite part of her work, regardless of whether she's shooting people, food or antiques, is her lighting. Take a look...

 I can't tell you how excited I was to get in touch with Lara! The internet really is making the world smaller and more accessible... it totally blows my mind how we can communicate with people we admire through the magic of the interwebs. Anyway, I asked her to do a little Q&A, and she was so sweet to say yes! 

1.) What were you before you became the *you* you are now?

I was very into dance and coached gymnastics and did choreography (I used the money I made making up routines to buy my Hasselblad). I also worked in a book store for a few months before I started school (Art Center College of Design) and that is actually the only "real" job I have ever had. I started working as a professional photographer before I  graduated and have done it ever since. 

 

2.) Where do your ideas usually begin? 

Sometimes a location or an object can trigger an idea. Movies and old photos are also very inspiring for me. I am always looking.

 3.) Describe your workspace...
I live in an 100 year old craftsman duplex. I have an enclosed sunporch I use as my studio and a 2nd bedroom I use as my office. It has been a great live & work space. You really do not need a ton of space. I would take great light over space any day!

 4.) What do you shoot with?

I use a Canon 5D primarily. I have a fixed 50L lens and also a 70-24, I use a Canon G10 for fun  and that's about it. I did started working with Leica who gave me a Leica M9 to play with and I will be doing more with them.  I have also been playing around a lot with my iphone and the hipstamatic app, which mimics a holga or diana. I still have my film cameras but have not shot with them at all for over 3 years now. It actually is astounding to me how fast I have adapted to a digital world.

I must add that a better camera will not make you a better photographer, there is a science to the art and you can learn that but you either have the talent or you don't.

 5.) What 3 activities do you engage in regularly that keep you inspired?

Blogging, I started my blog just over a year ago and the desire to keep it fresh has pushed me creatively beyond what I ever expected.

Reading, I read constantly. 

Pool, I play competitively and this gives my brain a chance to think differently and I think you need a balance. When I am playing pool I can let the rest of the world float away.

 

6.) What 3 things have you read lately?

I am currently reading "Glass of Time: by Michael Cox an engrossing historical thriller.

I just finished  "The Girl that Played with Fire" and before that I finished the Twilight series with "Breaking Dawn", which I have to admit 

I enjoyed. No matter how old I get, at heart I will always be a sixteen year old girl.

 7.) What do you do when you get 'stuck in a rut'?

I  like to clean and reorganize my space, even do laundry. There is something inspiring about a fresh, clean space.

8.) Fill in the blank: When I was 6, I wanted to be a cowgirl.

Hope you enjoyed the Q&A! Be sure to visit Lara's blog and say *hello!*
Also, Lara spoke of playing pool and when she does she packs the most adorable Bento lunches, and she has a collection on flickr so you can see them! Also, she recently posted about this amazing little iPhone app that may be fun to play around with. You can see how she's used it in this collection.


Well, we are having about 20 people for dinner tonight so I am off to the store! 

Hope you have a *lovely* day! 

xo~ HannahB.