September 13, 2004 - This week, we interview Laura Akers from Long Story Short:

Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born on a snowy evening in poop 1982 in Reno, Nevada. I attended the University of Nevada, Reno and got my degree in computer science with a minor in Spanish. I've lived in Reno all my life and have no plans to leave. I currently work for a small company involved in distribution and part-time as a freelance web designer. My love for both writing and photography are often greater than any interest I've ever had in my field of study.

First we'll talk about photography... what about it do you like so much?
Sometimes I honestly believe it is somehow genetic - my father was a camera whiz and had an amazing eye for photography. He died before I was old enough to share it with him, but I really had no other inspiration growing up. Also, with the arrival of mainstream digital photography, the art of photography is suddenly combined with the rush of technology. I've always been a gearhead and a new technology nut, and the mixture of these two worlds is very appealing to me.

How did you feel when you first grabbed a camera?
I think I was completely hooked when I first saw a digital camera. I was captured by the amazing possibilities it opened for me, as a youngster with very limited means to do anything too serious with film. I've had a camera in my hand ever since.

Although you kind of mentioned it, do you have any other hobbies other than photography? Do they mix with it?
I studied Spanish, programming, music and a little splash of all things computer in college. I am very fond of all types of music and literature. I read all the time and try to write as often as possible. I really have no other "artistic" hobbies, so I suppose that photography is something of an exception to my very left-brained tendencies.

With your writing skills, do you ever shoot in poetry, if that makes any sense?
Photojournalism and "series" shots have always been very appealing to me. My first instinct with most of my shots is to accompany them with extensively detailed word descriptions, but I generally force myself to resist. I long for my photos to be self-explanatory. That's why I think that telling stories through photography is an amazing challenge.

Do you have a memorable photographic experience?
I took a photography class in college. To this day I am still coming to understand a lot of what I learned there. It was difficult at the time but I can still remember the way he taught us to look at photographs, study what we see and what we know, bring our own background to it and ask ourselves what the artist intends for us to see.

So then what is your negative?
This would be the same class. I feel that with such a tight schedule, I didn't have enough time for it. It was the "least important" of my classes and as such got pushed to the lowest priority most of the time. I got 100% on the midterm but a B in the class. I feel that none of the work I did there was worthwhile. I'm simply glad for what I brought out with me in knowledge.

So is most of your photographic technique self-taught, or have you taken from others since the class?
I knew virtually nothing technical about photography before the class. I started out like everybody else, a camera in my hands with some buttons and levers on it. I'm learning every day. I find that I really love it when other photographers post the technical aspects of their shooting, how they came to compose and edit their photos. I'm very much a beginner at Photoshop. I like to think that with every photo I see, I'm storing away something new that will contribute to my own technique.

Speaking of technique... what is your shooting style?
I am really partial to macro shots, black and white or sepia tones, shallow depth of field, and candid's. If I could choose any subject to shoot for the rest of my life, I would say people - candid shots of people, posed portraits, children, you name it. I think this will always be my greatest challenge, because I find it more difficult than anything.

Candid's... why?
I think candid's are amazing because I love to watch people when they don't think anybody is looking. It captures a moment that would otherwise be forgotten within the next moment.

Why macro's?
Right now, I love macro shots because the camera I am using has a limited range of aperture and no manual focus, so using macro functionality allows me to play with the focus and depth of field.

Your first love is digital, but do you have a preference between it and film?
Both, but I play almost exclusively with digital. I've never been able to justify the cost of film and developing/printing. I worked with B&W film in my photography class, and as much as I loved it, I learned to long for shots that just should be in color. With a digital camera, I can do both at the same time. I love the freedom and versatility of digital.

Favorite camera?
My current digital camera, a Canon PowerShot A80. It won't be my last. I'm working my way up.

Alright, so you're getting ready for a day of shooting. What do you grab, where do you go, and what 'secret' techniques do you use?
I bring my digital camera and my tripod. Simple enough. I'm always looking to do street shooting, candid stuff. Where do I go? The biggest city possible. San Francisco is my all-time favorite place to shoot. I envy photographers who live in big cities. I'm working on being bolder about photographing strangers. I feel like all of my favorite photos have people in them.

Onto your photoblog... why did you start one?
I found the "1000 Words" webring and Theme Thursday. I was in love with the idea of being able to post a picture on the web every day. At the time I had snapshots in mind, but now I feel obligated to be more careful and artistic.

Any story behind its name?
I'm usually the one who agonizes over what to name things. While I was designing my first photoblog, Long Story Short immediately popped into my head. I never even considered anything else. I quickly ran through any photoblog links I could find to make sure nobody else was using it. It seems like such a natural name for what I'm doing. You could say it depicts my desire to tell stories through photography.

What have been the biggest joys in running Long Story Short?
To be honest - the other photoblogs. I have learned so much just by looking at other people's photos. I've started to understand what a broad world of photography is out there - not just professionals with cameras that cost thousands of dollars, but everything from toy cameras to disposables to digital point-and-shoots to brand new digital SLR's. It doesn't matter who you are or how much money you have; you can take beautiful photos if you so desire.

A bad photo is a bad photo as they say. What are the biggest strains in running a photoblog?
The design - I'm forever debating the best way to display the photos. The amount of details about each photograph - whether to describe them or let them speak for themselves. And comparing myself to other photographers - sometimes I feel inspired enough to run outside and shoot a thousand photos, and other times I just want to shut the whole thing down.

What can make the experience better?
A clean and simple design and easy navigation. Photos of a good size and resolution. And a confidence and clear enjoyment of photography, rather than a fear of criticism.

Do you think photography has changed your life?
I would say it has. Sometimes for the better - I'm learning to look at the world in different ways, compose better photographs. Sometimes for the worse - I get very frustrated when I can't capture a photo of what I see. I have trouble just seeing the world with my own eyes and not through a lens.

Who are your inspirations? Both in photography and photoblogs?
Some online photographers - Brian Utley of Bingwalker, Melanie of Translucent, and Junnie of Memento. I've been looking at those photoblogs for a long time. In real life, I'm attracted to anybody who's just a regular Joe with a camera and a love for photography. They are amazing just through their efforts and passion.

The best photograph you've ever seen?
Do you remember that photograph of a man and a woman standing on a busy street, paused in their walk to kiss each other? I can't remember the photographer, but he did a whole series of this couple, kissing in different spots all around the city (It's "Kiss by the Hotel de Ville" by Robert Doisneau). They appear candid, but of course they were very posed. This isn't really the best photograph I've ever seen, but it always reminds me of one of my favorite ideas - that photos don't always necessarily tell the truth. Sometimes they tell a story. But that story can be completely staged, and you as the viewer may never be the wiser. I love the mystery in that.

Are you involved in anything else photography-wise other than your photoblog?
I participate in Photo Friday and Theme Thursday on a regular basis, as well as The Mirror Project and Tracey's 26 Things and other projects. I am a regular over at Pixos and I also support David at A Picture's Worth. I think the online community of photobloggers is an awesome experience.

As always, we thank you for both this interview, and for your wonderful photoblog...
Thanks so much, Jessyel.