What’s your artistic inspiration?
It’s probably become really obvious that my greatest inspiration is the female form, more specifically females of the counter culture persuasion (although I’m not against working with industry standard models either, if they have a little edge or pop). You’re kind of an in between aren’t you? ;) I just find that females have such versatile expressions and body language. Females are mystic, primitive and otherworldly.
Have you ever tried to branch out into other photography roles?
I’m trying to work my way into event photography/weddings also because I feel it helps me with my timing and capturing that “decisive moment” when the image is unplanned and genius. In addition to portraiture and event work, I’m hoping to get a better understanding of product photography as well. I guess you could say I’m almost a one-stop photographer!
Digital or Film?
Hm. I will say that shooting film was NECESSARY in my becoming the photographer I am today. It taught me patience behind the camera and to recognize the subtleties of an image via grain, contrast, tones and colorcasts. Such things are easily ignored by the digital age. Oh yea, I’m a HUGE perfectionist when it comes to my work. I’d be a strictly film photographer if it weren’t so costly and if I didn’t have such demands for a quick turn-around on post processing. With film, you’ve got one chance to make it happen and no do-overs. I’ve gotten so lazy via the convenience of digital photography and PS.
What do you think about Greenville?
I’ve always felt geographically misplaced and that Greenville speaks home to me in volumes!!! More than anything, and like most I imagine, I’m drawn to the aesthetics of the area. It feels small town but has a trendy vibe as well. The area I reside here in Michigan, called Royal Oak is very similar to Greenville in that it’s kind of the trend center and hub of the artistic community. I also LOOOVE that Greenville is SO close to so many other major cities whereas here in Detroit, we only have Detroit, Toledo and of course Chicago (but it’s too windy there to be home.)
Thoughts about the people of Greenville?
My experience so far with the people of Greenville has been incredible!! There’s lightheartedness about the individuals I’ve met so far, a sense of self that I’m not so accustomed to. I think us Yanks are too busy working and worrying that we lose ourselves. THAT is most refreshing.
So when do we get to officially have you as a neighbor?
Ah, my journey to Greenville. As I haven’t made it official yet (but will the week of May 19th and STILL haven’t found a house yet, or job yet, eeep!!!) at this point. I’m spending all my waking hours networking my tushie off!!! And following any leads I have.
What is your goal here in Greenville?
I’ve found that the creative industry in the upstate doesn’t have as much of an online presence via ModelMayhem.com and Flickr.com as does the north so I’m trying to establish that by way of the Flickr community (SC Swagger), word of mouth and certainly the Food For Models blog. I’ve also yet to find a female photographer that offers the kind/style of imagery that I do and so naturally, I’m hoping to corner the market and really establish myself there. I’m really not the competitive type and here in Detroit, it’s hard to stand out. I think the south will really welcome me and I hope to open their eyes to a style of photography that is sensitive, quirky and feminine but not sexual. Also perhaps to find sponsors/galleries interested in showing my work would be AMAZING. My real hope is that once I’m down there, the model-esque, stylish types will start coming out of the woodwork. If you know of anyone involved w/ styling hair, handy with make-up, wardrobe styling, body painting, etc. ANYONE who can aid me in my quest, PLEASE send them my way! I’ll also be on a quest for a new muse, as I’ll be leaving mine behind….
Can’t get enough? Check out more of Sea Jae’s AMAZING photography at Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/seajae
Check out her new blog “Food For Models” focusing on the modeling community!
http://foodformodels.blogspot.com/
Add Sea Jae to your twitter! @cestseajae
Any Greenville makeup artists, models or hairstylists interested in helping Sea Jae out, please contact her by leaving a comment on this post or join her upstate modeling community SC Swagger on Flickr!
Thank you to Sea Jae for the interview and the delicious photos! YOU are my muse!
America’s Next Yam Model,
-Miss Destructo
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Comments ( 3 )
This is such a great idea! Thanks, I would have probably not met Sea Jae and looked through her lens. Love her position on film versus digital. It took me SO LONG to switch and I still have my film cameras (Still Photography – Canon T90 & Canon FT). From a video perspective, I am actually considering shooting my next documentary on film.
Please bring us more slices of Greenville…it is amazing what can be found if we are willing to consider looking through other lenses!
Bobby Rettew added these pithy words on
May 03 09 at
10:37 pm
Stunning work! Thanks for showcasing her.
MrsEvilGenius added these pithy words on
May 04 09 at
9:55 am
For anyone who doesn’t have an MM or Flickr account, my e-mail address is cestseajae@gmail.com
=)
Sea Jae added these pithy words on
May 04 09 at
1:19 pm
