I am excited to post this featured artist interview – I own two of her photographs and covet many more of them. She recently also opened a shop with notecards and gift tags, some featuring her original photographs.

Here’s a sampling from both of LJ Design and Photo’s etsy shops:

How did you pick your shop name?

It is the name I have used a while for my photography and other art work. The LJ is for Lorissa June.

This may be obvious, but what is your medium? What kinds of materials and tools do you use?

Mainly photography so my tools include a Nikon Digital SLR, a computer, photo paper, a Minolta x700 SLR, film, and a Nikon film scanner. I also create cards of some of my photos so I can include cardstock, adhesives, and more.

Tell me a little bit about your process, from a new idea for a piece to the finished product.

It depends on the series I’m working on. I often have a camera with me and if something catches my eye, I try to capture it. Once captured, I generally do little to the basic image to start with. I might crop it, improve the contrast, correct color if needed. Often I later return to the image and decide if it could use more. More might be making it Black & White, improving the contrast in the sky, basically enhancing what is already in the image. With some of my route 66 photos I might mute the colors so it has a vintage look. It really depends on the image.

Any advice for aspiring artists/crafters in your medium?

Don’t be afraid of your own style. Practice, Practice, Practice. With digital you can take so many photos and just delete them if they don’t work. Play with your depth of field, f-stops, shutter speed, don’t be afraid and don’t forget post processing. You can only improve a bad photo only so much, but it is truly amazing what you can do with a great photo. Since the invention of photography, photographers have used dark room tools and other materials to manipulate their work. Manipulating and using light is what photography is all about.

Close-up flower photo by LJ Design and Photo

Any business advice for artists/crafters just starting to sell their work?

Art and Fine Art photography will never be a get rich quick scheme. Do it because you love it.

What is the last song/album you listened to? (I’m just curious, I love music.)

LOL – It was a mix, I think that the Donna’s Take it off, or it might have been a Garbage song.

I remember Garbage! That takes me back a few years, LOL.

Do you sell your work anywhere other than etsy?

Yes, I have my own website at www.ljdesignphoto.com

Are there other websites where we can find you/your work?

http://ljdesignphoto.blogspot.com
http://flickr.com/photos/ljdesignphoto/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LJ-Design-Photo/31291031329

Desert Scene: Photo by LJ Design and Photo

Tell me a little bit about an etsy artist you admire.

I admire Valerie of Valerie’s Gallery and all her wonderful creations in her shop. She is just one of many artist on etsy I admire. I met her online though our mutual street team FAM and have always enjoyed seeing the wonderful bowls and pins she creates. I own a few things from her and cherish them very much. My favorite things in her shop are her decorative bowls and vases. My most favorite piece is one that was purchased by someone else before I could afford it: http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.16520057.jpg, just beautiful. I also love this fall tree and this lovely coin purse.

Thanks Lorissa for the great interview!

I hope everyone enjoyed reading about her work & the photo tips!