Lindsay Saunders Unraveled: An Interview
Lindsay Saunders of Forest + Field Photography is a history teacher and photographer living in Alaska. She is truly an artist at her core and loves to photograph a little bit of everything, from landscapes, to street photos, to couples and weddings, and, of course, her children. Her absolute favorite thing about photography is working with light and shadows and finding dynamic light to create in. Some of our favorite work of hers is when she creates photographs based on old paintings and art. She is inspiring and unique and totally kickass.
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What inspires your art? Honestly, my inspiration for art changes constantly. I can be blown away by an old classic film, a music video, classical paintings, the colors in an airport, a fantastic novel I have read, etc. RIGHT now I am completely obsessed with the idea of "nostalgia" and have been trying to capture what that means. Also, I am really into Dutch artists, that seems like a constant for me.
What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens? I shoot with a Nikon D750 and my favorite lens (of course) is the Sigma Art 35 and Art 24 but also I shoot film on an old TLR and Pentax k1000.
What other ways do you express your creativity? I paint, draw, and write. Most days I have either a drawing pencil or a camera in my hand, at some point. I love to work with oil and watercolor paints, as well as pen and ink, but I have also painted two murals in my home. I. Can't. Stop.
How do you de-stress at the end of the day? With a huge cup of tea, chocolate biscuits, and a good book or a BBC special. Not even joking, I am legitimately that much of a grandma. During the day for a de-stress (permitting it isn't -30 out) I love to hike and be outside.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing? Hip hop music. Or straight up rap. I listened to Khalid and Jurassic 5 last night while editing.
What is your favorite book? Oh, how can I even answer this?! I will name TEN because these books have heavily influenced me as a human (sorry!) 1.) Great Expectations 2.) The Great Gatsby 3.) The Goldfinch 4.) Little Women 5.) The Secret Garden 6.) Their Eyes Were Watching God 7.) What is the What 8.) Atonement 9.) Never Let Me Go 10.) Angela's Ashes
Name one movie that inspires you. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was my knee-jerk response here.
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps? Truth be told, I can't help but stew in it. Being creative is WHO I am and I can be rather hard on myself. I have to remind myself that I am just having an "off" day, which can be just as hard as the slump. We often get in these slumps because of the pressures we feel to be "the best", but I often get that way because I am comparing myself to others.To get out of the slump, I play with my kids, and try to see the world through their eyes. I put on The Cure and dance. I go for a walk through a museum (even online!) and that can be so refreshing, because all of these artists are SO different and yet they all fit under the roof of a museum.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey? I would say the most difficult part would be the slumps. Self care is important and sometimes I push myself too hard and take on projects that don't fit me. I've said that 2018 will be "The Year of No" for me. I have found out the hard way after four years, it is totally okay to say "no" if you feel it in your bones. You will know when to say the word, follow your instincts, and stay true to yourself.
Who is one of your favorite photographers? At the moment, Bruce Davidson's images have really struck a cord with me, but I also can't forget that portrait Annie Leibovitz took of Leonardo DiCaprio with the swan around his neck. Next week, I am sure I will be ogling another photographer's work.