Everyday we come across stunning photography on our shuttercrack website. That also means we come across cool people who bless us with their work. We're always intrigued with photographers who gives us a little peek into their world. For them it's just plain normal, for us it's exciting to be a part of their life trough their images. Same with Tamara Lichtenstein from Houston, USA. She takes her camera with her on her daily adventures and documents everything she comes across. Her models are her friends, that could be one of the reasons that she can deliver such genuine up and personal work. If it worked for Ryan McGinley why not for Tamara..
"I've hit myself with my camera a few times trying to do self-portraits. Accidently dropped it on my head once."
Who's the person behind the photos?
That would be me: Tamara Lichtenstein.
What got you into photography, and what makes you keep on doing it?
When i was in 8th grade, my mom bought me a point and shoot. it all started from there. sophomore year, I saved up my money for 7 months, and bought a nikon d80. junior year, i bought a nikon n80, which is like the d80, but film. I think film is way more interesting than digital. i've lost interest in the digital world.
If we'd like to trade something for a photo you made, what should the CFYE delivery man bring to your door?
A cool shirt, and a cfye magazine!
What's your favourite item to take on the road with you?
My camera, duuuh. especially my film camera, it just makes everything look so much better!
Something really fun about me:
I laugh at my own jokes, and I just laugh a lot in general. I don't know, i'm not super funny or anything, but I do know how to laugh A LOT.
Best shooting location we should check out?
Anywhere! you should just be creative. fields are nice, but they are kind of cliche in my opinion. lately i've been shooting a lot in peoples rooms. you get a really good feel of the person when the photograph is of them in their room.
Tell us about your work as a photographer, did you just picked up a camera and educate yourself?
Pretty much, I took photojournalism in high school, and bought a few books. I feel in love instantly. who doesn't? everyone loves photography, it's just a matter of being talented...
What's your camera setup?
My camera, some natural lighting, and maybe some speedlights. sometimes i dream about having a studio, and a lot of strobes.
How does your environment react on you taking your camera everywhere and shooting all the time?
It's only natural to have my camera on me at all times. no one ever sees me without it. my friend, lyna, once said "it's a tam in her natural habitat." that made me giggle. :)
What's the strangest thing that ever happened to you when you were out shooting photos?
I've hit myself with my camera a few times trying to do self-portraits. accidently dropped it on my head once. I don't know how it happened. overall, nothing really now that i think about it. hopefully I just jinxed myself.
Who is your favourite movie/gaming/cartoon character?
Ariel from the little mermaid. her long, red hair, and awesome fins! I used to be obsessed with her! only if she was real and i could photograph her.
Which artist would you like to work with?
Philippe Halsman, if he was still alive today. in my opinion, his work is what started photography and photographers different ideas have bloomed from his work, whether they know it or not.
If you could fill a swimming pool with something, what would it be?
Jello! not the red kind though, that's just awkward.
Favourite city, and coolest thing about it?
Miami, Florida. everyone is beautiful! the party scene looks amazing. everything there is a photo shoot waiting to happen! i've only been there twice, but my friend lives there and is always raving about it. jealous...
What can we expect from you in the future?
I'll probably be a nurse or something... hoping someday that people will want to buy my work for thousands of dollars! totally unrealistic dream, but oh well.
