#ainterviews

JILLIAN GIRARDEAU

GOLDEN BOY PRESS INTERVIEW #327

Could you introduce yourself?  

My name is Jillian, I am 21, an amateur photographer, and an Art History student at the University of Georgia.

What’s your life philosophy?  How do you try to apply that to your work? 

I’m not sure I have a philosophy that I go by but I try to find beauty in the small things. I think that’s made its way into some of my photos. When I was younger and first started taking pictures, I was really attracted to small stuff around my house like how a ray of light hit the floor or my favorite reading spot.

Why photography?  How has your work as an art history and English literature student influenced your portfolio?

Photography is just the medium that I have always enjoyed the most. I’ve tried drawing, painting, etc. and have always enjoyed art classes at school but I have had trouble capturing exactly what I wanted on paper. I don’t have that issue with photographs. Art history has definitely changed the way I see the composition of an image and has made me more conscious of the layout of the photograph.

Could you tell us what you think makes you stand apart in the art industry?

To be honest, I don’t think that I do stand apart much from other artists, but I don’t mind. I am really just looking for an outlet.

How would you describe your photography style?  Do you feel like it reflects you?

I don’t know exactly how I would describe it. I try to keep things simplistic and straightforward. It reflects me in that all of the subjects in my photographs are people who are important to me or present in my personal life. Every photograph has a specific meaning to me or is attached to a specific memory.

Do you prefer staged over candid photography, or vice versa?  Mind telling us why?

Candid photography is always more fun for me, especially when photographing my friends. I love to take pictures during a moment that is special to me in some way, because I want to document it., And when people don’t notice the camera they aren’t as guarded or aware of themselves as in a staged shoot, which makes for better photos. But I do enjoy staged photography and am planning on experimenting with it more in the future.

Who are the individuals in your work?  Friends, family, strangers?  

Almost all of the people in my work are close friends. I love to use photography to document my personal life. But I will sometimes take photos of strangers on the street if I can work up the courage.

What are a few tips for other photographers that might be reading this, that you could give when it comes to photographing others, and directing the shoot?

Honestly, directing a shoot is something that I struggle with myself, but I think flexibility is important. So many things can interfere with your original plan, it’s important to be able to let things come to you as you are working and don’t get too attached to what you imagined beforehand.

Do you have any rituals you do before you start your creative process for a new project, to get your mind and energy in the right place?

Not at all! Once I start taking photos I am in the right place.

What’s a typical day for you?

I don’t have much of a routine right now. Other than work and classes, I spend a lot of time with my roommates and watch a lot of Netflix. I read when I have the time.

What are some of your goals for 2017?

Shoot more often and read more books.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my friends and family.

Any closing comments?

Thank you so much for this interview! J