Amalia Sieber

When it came to getting this interview ready to print the biggest problem I had was not a lack of good photography but the fact that every single photo our latest guest has produce is absolutly amazing, people dream of having her talent and many people just dream. Amalia Sieber on the other hand is blessed with this talent which is why it was so obvious that I had to interview her, enjoy.

Phil:

Hi Amalia how’s it going?

Amalia:

My left temple is tingling, but besides that I'm pretty swell.

Phil:

So tell us a little bit about yourself.

Amalia:

WELL. I'm hyperactive. I go to school for digital design (motion graphics, stop animation, and interaction. so broad!) ...I am a chatterbox and I probably laugh too much...Am I bordering on too much info yet? I like going on adventures rather than partying, and I wish I could sleep more. And I really, really like candy.



Phil:

So how did you get into photography?

Amalia:

My grandfather was a professional photographer and even had his own magazine for the North-eastern US back in the day. So my own dad had a good eye for composition, and just hoped I picked it up. I also went to an arts middle/high school where we were swimming in all aspects of art- and of course in college, photography's a large part of my major.



Phil:

What do think influences your photography?

Amalia:

That's hard to narrow down. I love fashion magazines for their crazy sets and props used in shoots. I love vintage things- it's more mysterious and unique since it wasn't made during a time that I'm used to. And light- I love light! I love it so much that I'm afraid of the dark.




Phil:

What is your photography about?

Amalia:

My favourite things are light interaction, interesting textures, and vibrant colours. Those are things I hold dear and want to remember. And, uh, costume parties.




Phil:

What cameras do you use?

Amalia:

For Polaroid’s, I use a Sun660 and an SX-70 (Mr. Land's perfect camera)- my third Polaroid I own is a Spectra, the "wide format," but I don't like it very much. I also use a Canon Rebel DSLR, Lomo Holga, and for fun I have a Lomo Frogeye for underwater adventures!
That's a lot. I still need a new 35mm since mine was ruined when I capsized the canoe that was holding us both =)





Phil:

Why did you decide to focus on using a Polaroid camera over other methods?

Amalia:

Well, with everyone going digital, the want of immediate photos is strong. Polaroid’s are perfect because the photos are immediate, but you're still using film. It picks up colours really well and is associated with nostalgia and vintage, I think that's its hold on me.





Phil:

What do you think is the secret to taking a good photo?

Amalia:

An eye for detail. Polaroid’s specifically - previous photography knowledge! Because a lot of its chance, so knowing how to set up things beforehand = stronger photos.

Phil:

Who's your favourite photographer?

Amalia:

Paolo Roversi!!



Phil:

So what are the plans for the future?

Amalia:

Well, I'm still in school and doing internships every other quarter, to graduate in 2009. Hopefully I will be picked up by a motion graphics group that gives me some freedom and wants someone for stop-animation when I'm done! I also really want to go to Australia and Japan, once I find a bag of money on the ground or something.

Phil:

Quick fire round:

What’s your favourite?

Band - Rilo Kiley!
Film - Amelie and The Royal Tenenbaums (it's a tie!)
Drink - water & coke ices
Sport - soccer
Colour - cream

Thanks Amalia keep up the good work.

You can check out more of Amalia's stuff on her flickr:
Amalia's flickr
Amalia's portfolio site

Go check it out.