#mandy mcgee

MUSIC in 2014:

I am going to start with Gretchen Lohse's Primal Rumble. Even though her album came out in the very end of 2013 it got the most play for me in 2014. It is the perfect album for when you want to relax. She is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has fronted the indie psych band Yellow Humphrey and played along side many other amazing musicians. This is her first solo album and it feels like a love letter to the folk singers of the 60s with a twist. The arrangements of the songs make me so giddy. When you think it is going one way she pops in a flute or a stark shaky violin among the classic singer-songwritter acoustic guitar style. This album is full of whimsy, heartache and longing. I just absolutely adore this musician.

The Drums newest album Encyclopedia is one of the most perfect indie-pop albums I have heard. It has so much honesty in the lyrics combined with showing their many facets of sounds and feelings. This album really shows off their talent and what they can do as a band.

Jupe Jupe took their time putting out Crooked Kisses, three years after their last release. I took some promo photos for them for the release of this album! They are such a fun band to dance to bringing their synth pop to the party. 

Sticking with synth pop, Generationals put out their fourth album, Alix. It is their most poppy and synth driven album and even though slightly different then their past albums it still is a favourite. Generationals never disappointment one bit. This album sounds like a mash up of 50's pop riffs and 80s new wave; married in perfect melodies. 

There were so many amazing albums out in 2014 but I will end here with a band that I was long awaiting for in much anticipation since I first heard their single, Happy. New York based, Field Mouse put out their second album, Hold Still Life, after a long four years. They started as a duo and have expanded into a four piece. It is what I will consider one of the best dream pop albums I have ever heard. It is a perfect and tightly put together album. Rachel Browne's voice is so sweet and light combined with meloncoly lyrics wrapped in jangly guitar and pulsating basslines.

Art in 2014:

I discovered a lot of amazing artists in 2014, here is just a quick list.

Christine McConnell-Baker, Crafter, Photographer, Model

Braden Duncan-Artist, Photographer

Kimberly Applegate-Artist

Spike Vain-Medical Image Manipulator. Turning X-RAYS, CT SCANS and MRIs into usable, functional and ONE.OF.A.KIND art. Custom pieces available. You have to contact him directly.

Bonetrail Jewelry-Ethically sourced bone jewelry artist

Mandy: What is most important to you, technique or vision? 

April: Vision, absolutely! The end product is what counts. It's what everyone sees, and what represents you and your work. HOW you go to that end product doesn't matter. Of course knowing different techniques can help enhance that vision, but if you know what you want, and are determined to get that shot... you will. Just keep that vision in the back of your mind until you do!

Mandy: What equipment and software do you make use of in your work flow?

April: I shoot with a Canon Rebel T3i, and lately I've been loving my 50mm lense. As for editing I start in Lightroom for color/lighting/contrast corrections, and then move over to CS6 for the rest.

Mandy: What have you learned lately in photography? 

April: A friend taught me to shoot through  rather sheer objects to create different color/lighting effects. My favorite to use are different colored feathers. Also, using more dense objects to create shadows. My models always give me funny looks when they see me grab a handful of grass or leaves and stick them in front of my lens while taking their picture but always love the end result!

Mandy: What is your favourite shoot you have done so far?

April: My favorite shoot I have done so far is a tie between the Halloween shoot I did with Angela Hirsch and a recent one I did with Tessa Goetz. I styled everything and made the head pieces myself, which is probably why I enjoyed them so much. Being able to create pieces that I was truly proud of, and have beautiful models and an amazing team bring them to life was a great feeling! My newest headpiece is being mailed out west to be modeled by Heidi Lavon and I am SO excited about it! 

Mandy: What photographers inspire you?

April: Right now some of my favorites are Emily Soto. Her work is so elegant and flawless! And another would be Yellow Bubbles Photography. I love how her work always reminds me of a fairy-tale. 

Mandy: What inspires you in life?

April: My son. He is my best friend. I haven't always been the most patient person, and I didn't always make the best decisions (but then, who does when they are young?) He inspires me to do the right thing in any situation, to be the better person even when sometimes I just don't want to be. Leading him by example is what inspires me in life.

Mandy: Talk a little about the magazine you run.

April: I am the owner of Aspira Magazine. We feature artists of all kinds. Photographers, Models, Musicians, Tattoo Artists, Painters, Designers. We just love ART! Even though we are still fairly new (July is our 1 year anniversary!) I am very proud of the direction we are heading!

Mandy: If you could have a super power what would it be?

April: I just had this conversation the other day! I'm pretty sure I would have to go with teleportation! How cool would that be. I could be sitting at home in bed, and in the blink of an eye I could be zip lining through Fiji! (Yes... I've thought about this a lot!)

Mandy: If you could have a conversation with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

April: When I was a child, a woman who was my babysitter from the time I was about 6 months old until she was taken way too young when I was in 4th grade. She was more like a mother to me, and I'd love to talk to her one more time.

Mandy: Do you have any hidden talents?

April: Not that I would let many people hear it now a days, but I can sing. I use to be in the Women's Choir, Advanced Choir and did state competitions when I was in high school. Did solo's in front of 100's of people... and now I can't even sing in my car if there's anyone else is in there without being insecure. 

Mandy: Do you make enough money off of your work or do you have a  day job as well?

April: Unfortunately, due to being on dialysis, I am unable to hold a day job, but I get by just fine! :)

Mandy: What is the best advice you have received?

April: "Work Hard. Stay Humble." Pretty self explanatory.

Mandy: What advice do you have for individuals interested in pursuing a career in photography?

April: For starters, making a full time career out of photography is not always easy, and can usually take time. Be patient. And always be open minded. Not everyone will like your work. Don't take offense! Just use those remarks as a critique, something to work on. And get out there and shoot as often as you can! Again, practice makes perfect!

Mandy: Where can people find out more about you?

April: Sadly, I have been so busy I haven't been able to finish my website. But, you can find my work on Facebook at April Eileen Photography as well as on Instagram, @aprileileenphotography