Exploring the Artistic Journey of Paula VM: Insights into Conceptual Photography and Artistic Expression

Introduction

Photography serves as a medium for artists to capture and convey their unique perspectives, emotions, and creative visions. Each photographer brings their own influences, experiences, and artistic preferences into their work, resulting in a diverse and captivating realm of visual storytelling. In this article, we delve into an interview with Paula VM, a talented conceptual photographer, as she shares her journey, inspirations, and views on photography.

I. A Passion Born: The Evolution of Paula VM

Paula VM’s passion for photography has accompanied her throughout her life. From an early age, she found solace and inspiration behind the lens, capturing moments that spoke to her soul. Her artistic journey began by studying fashion design in college, but she soon realized that photography allowed her to combine all her passions seamlessly.
Paula’s love for fashion, art, and a slightly darker aesthetic played a significant role in shaping her unique style of conceptual photography. Her work merges various elements, transcending the boundaries of traditional photography and transforming her visions into captivating visual narratives.

II. Influences that Shape Artistic Sensibilities

In the interview, Paula VM attributes her fascination with darkness and melancholy to her childhood experiences, which involved being captivated by movies, particularly old black and white films, and legendary actresses like Betty Davis. The allure of these cinematic experiences ignited her artistic sensibilities, influencing her photographic style and the narratives she conveys through her work.
Books also played a pivotal role in Paula’s artistic development. She mentions how literary masterpieces, such as C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, transported her to different worlds and fueled her imagination. She draws inspiration from these literary journeys, exploring the depths of her creativity and pushing the boundaries of conceptual photography.

III. The Intersection of Personal Expression and Emotion

Paula VM shares that her inclination towards darker themes in her work does not reflect her general state of happiness in life. On the contrary, photography serves as an outlet for her to express and release these deeper emotions. It is through her art that she explores the complexity of human experiences, provoking thought and evoking profound emotions within the viewer.
The interviewer relates to this sentiment, acknowledging his own darker artwork as a form of release. Both Paula and the interviewer highlight the therapeutic aspect of their photography, emphasizing how it allows them to channel emotions and find solace in the creative process.

IV. The Business of Photography: Balancing Artistic Expression and Client Expectations

In the interview, Paula VM discusses how her photography has expanded into client work. She mentions that clients find her through her website and social media accounts. The importance of streamlining her portfolio becomes evident, as it enables her to attract clients who resonate with her unique aesthetic and vision. Taking any and every job is not always the best approach, as ensuring a good fit between the client’s expectations and her own style is crucial.
The interviewer presents a contrasting approach, accepting various types of photography jobs that interest him. He organizes his website to cater to different photography genres while maintaining a cohesive structure. Paula appreciates this approach, acknowledging that it works well for photographers genuinely interested in multiple areas of photography.

V. Inspiration and Artistic Preferences

Paula VM draws inspiration from various sources, including other photographers, movies, books, and even her own imagination. She expresses her deep love for film photography and the unique qualities it offers. The use of grain and imperfections in film photography adds character and depth to the images, creating a tangible and evocative atmosphere.
She emphasizes her preference for experiencing prints of film photography rather than viewing digital images on a computer screen. According to Paula, the true essence of film photography is lost in the digital format. She recalls visiting photography museums, such as the Annenberg Photography Center and the Getty, where she admires the large film prints and the sense of depth they provide to the images.

Paula’s artistic preferences are evident in her dislike for overly perfect and evenly lit photos. She values the interplay of shadows, light, imperfections, contrast, and drama in her images. These elements add intrigue and captivation to her work, making it stand out with its unique character.

VI. The Online Presence and Copyright Protection

The interview also touches upon Paula VM’s online presence and where people can find her work. She mentions her website, PaulaVMPhotography, as well as her social media accounts on Instagram, Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter. This multi-platform approach allows her to showcase her portfolio to a wider audience and connect with photography enthusiasts and potential clients.
Regarding copyright protection, Paula discusses her inclusion of copyright symbols or watermarks on her images. However, she acknowledges the challenges of safeguarding digital images in the age of online sharing and dissemination. While she takes precautions to protect her work, she recognizes the need for continuous vigilance and explores potential solutions for the future.

VII. The Importance of Backup and Preserving Artistic Work

In the latter part of the interview, the interviewer raises the topic of backing up photographs and preserving artistic work. Paula emphasizes the significance of regularly backing up photos to external hard drives, especially after experiencing computer crashes in the past. She highlights the importance of safeguarding precious creative endeavors against potential loss or damage.
The photographer admits that she hasn’t yet explored offsite backup methods but acknowledges their necessity. Preserving artistic work is not just about protecting the present; it is an investment in the future, ensuring that the artist’s vision endures for generations to come.

Conclusion

Paula VM, a conceptual photographer, has shared her artistic journey, influences, and insights into photography in this thought-provoking interview. Her work beautifully blends her love for fashion, art, and a darker aesthetic, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography. Through the interview, we gain a deeper understanding of the importance of personal expression, client collaborations, and the constant evolution of the photographic medium.
Furthermore, Paula’s affinity for film photography, her preference for imperfections and drama, and her approach to online presence and copyright protection provide valuable lessons and perspectives for photographers and enthusiasts alike. As we navigate the digital age, it is essential to cherish the artistry and uniqueness of each photograph while embracing the evolving landscape of the photographic medium.

If you would like to check out Paula’s work click here

https://www.paulavmphotography.com/