July 12, 2004 - This week, we interview Kristina A. Medhus from EightyFour.net:

Let the people know a bit about yourself:
I'm 20 years old, a Psychology Pre-Med student at the University of Texas at Austin. I was born in Houston, TX, where my family still resides. I'm primarily a web designer, photographer (or at least I pretend like I am) and all-around techie geek.

By the way, I just have to ask... what's the reason behind the name 'Eighty Four'?
I've always been proud of the year 1984. Lots of things happened during that year. Most importantly, I was born. Hence, the great year. Yeah I know I'm a little young, an even 20 years old this year.

Ah, makes sense. Anyway, what was your first time grabbing a camera?
Physically, I'd say I was about 3 years old. Emotionally, spiritually, really feeling the desire to take artful photographs started when I was about 18 years old, so not too long ago!

Does being a pre-med student take away a ton of time away from photography, or the other way around?
Usually my schoolwork does interfere, unfortunately. That's evident by my archives numbers - I have far more pictures in the summer than during any other months.

For someone so busy, why does photography interest you?
I enjoy taking photographs which make people stop and think, "Well I never looked at it THAT way before!" This is best achieved with ordinary objects: a pile of dirt from a construction site, a blue faucet against red brick, kids splashing in a pool, etc. Water is my favorite to capture - it is so versatile. You can make it look like strands of silk or beads of glass hovering in the air.

Other hobbies other than photography? Do they mix with it?
Interestingly, yes! My first hobby was web design, and then photography came along with it. Once I realized there was such a thing as a "photoblog", it just felt so right to combine the two.

What's your most memorable photographic experience?
Gaining recognition for my grass-roots approach to photography - having people from all around the world stop and admire my photographs and actually TELL me so. I think every photographer inside feels a little bit like a "nobody"... that, "Wow, somebody actually likes that shot I took of my sister?" feeling. It's inspiring and so fulfilling.

Well, I meant more like a specific shot, or shoot; not necessarily a site experience...
In that case, probably taking the photograph of my sister's hair splashing water - the immediate thrill of seeing how it turned out on my computer was just amazing. I couldn't wait to share it.

Do you have any negative experiences?
Feeling like I have to post something when I don't have any suitable material. From that I've learned that it's best not to post anything at all than to dig up a stupid shot and try to make it artsy in some way. Believe me, I've done it, and it doesn't work. That's why I have a blank period (my "dry phase") from March to June.

You mentioned before you love to shoot water; any other shooting styles?
I prefer to shoot different series' at a time. The Houston Zoo; my siblings splashing in a pool; butterflies... all tend to be clumped together to form a sort of "series", but really they're just examples of me trying out different styles. I especially like macro photography. Macro really helps to convey what I mentioned before about putting ordinary things into a new perspective. I prefer to shoot water in all its forms: rain, dew, pools, oceans, rivers, waterfalls, you name it!

Why do you like shooting water so much?
It's so versatile - you can take any object and make it art! In addition, water is such an enigmatic element; you can make it do whatever you want or you can let it be your master.

The biggie: Film or digital?
Digital, by far. There are certain photographs I take which I think would look better in film, but that's a problem that can be solved with Adobe Photoshop! Digital is so convenient, instant-gratification is my best friend, and you want a print you don't have to leave your house! Just click, click, boom.

Have you ever shot with film?
Of course! I started out with film.

What's the reason you prefer digital to film?
We who began with film are a dying breed. More and more people, especially young teens, are having their first cameras as digital. I prefer digital to film because of the immediacy of the result - knowing if I need to change any settings. It really teaches you photography at a more rapid pace than a film camera does.

Why did you start your site?
To show off my favorite artsy photographs. Online photo albums can be so cheesy, and lots of really good photos get hidden amongst the junk.

What have been the biggest joys in running Eighty Four?
The comments! I love, love, LOVE comments. They make my hobby feel worthwhile and give me great pointers on how to do things better. For example, I've learned to increase contrast on my black and white photos thanks to helpful commenter's!

The biggest strains?
Finding enough material! The last thing you want to feel is pressured like it's a JOB; it's a hobby and what makes it a hobby is that it's fun, free, and relaxing.

Does being a 'young' photoblogger add anymore strain or challenges?
Well, yes, considering I don't have the funds to support multiple cameras or expensive savvy equipment! I'd love to have things like digital SLR's or light boxes and external flashes but that just doesn't work for a young'un like myself.

Has photography and photoblogging changed your life?
In small ways, yes. But I think photography has always been with me, even when I don't have a camera. Do you ever find yourself staring at scenes or milliseconds in time when your family is laughing together and think, Wow, this would have made a great picture..? Then you're a photographer.

What are your inspirations? Both in photography and photoblogs?
My all-time favorite photoblogs are JOCUND, A Thousand Words, Loretta Lux, Photorealistica, and Chromasia.

The best photograph you've ever seen?
The "Floating Seed". It's just... Wow.

Why is it 'Wow'?
How do you shoot something like that? Is it chance? Is it try, after try? Getting the macro settings and speed just right... that's why it's, "wow." It's happenstance.

From someone with a big knowledge in photoblogs, what can make them better?
A photoblogging-specific publishing platform. I think they have something like that already, but I haven't tried it. I'm content with my Movable Type 2.66... it gets the job done!

Are you involved in anything else photography-wise other than your photoblog?
I participate non-regularly in Photo Friday in which I was privileged enough to gain a Noteworthy "award" for the "Best of 2003" contest. I am surrounded by fabulous photographers, including the author of the Floating Seed. What artists. I've also recently discovered Theme Thursday.

From visiting your site, I also noticed you have a site called Live-Diary. Can you explain what this is, and its relationship to Eighty Four?
Live Diary is actually older than 84.net. I've had it since November of 2002. It's my journal, or (text) "blog" as the slang goes these days. I'm not as interested in it as I am with 84.net because I think pictures are a lot more interesting than my mundane daily ramblings.

Any advice to give the photoblogging community?
Don't feel like you NEED to publish regularly. I think that diminishes the quality of your photographs. If you have to take a 1-year hiatus, do so! It's about quality, not quantity. Pay attention to your intuition: if something feels like a beautiful photograph - run and get your camera! Even if it's, "all the way at home", get it before it goes away! A photo opportunity can only be wasted by your own laziness.

Well said. But with that said, do you think you have more of a photo portfolio, or a photoblog?
Well, photoblog because I display the most recent photo on my front page, and update it frequently, but it all depends on how you look at it. It's mainly a photoblog, though.

Thanks again for the interview and your photoblog!