Creative Activity: A Joanna Briggs Interview

Miss Lovely Joanna Briggs, I first came across her photography probably 2years ago on Flickr. Ive come across many fine talent on Flickr & I love how we all maintain friendships online and appreciation for each others work. I admire Miss Joanna, very humble & down to earth girl. Its going to be super fun when Carol, my sister, Joanna and I travel to New York in June. Im looking forward to the experience! Find more of Joanna's work here.

Here we go:


1. Name? Age? How long (have you been a photographer)? Located?
My name is Joanna Briggs, I've been a photographer for about 4 years now, I live in the West Midlands, UK and work in London.



2. What led you to photography & why?
It was a happy accident. When Myspace was all the rage, I started taking self portraits to put up and discovered I really enjoyed it. Then I studied fine art at college and the tutors encouraged me to put more of my time and creativity into it (also because I'm not very good at drawing!) From there it became a real passion for me.



3. If you weren't a photographer, what would you be?
I would love to be a singer. Either a folk singer or working in musical theatre. Music has always been my first love but I never had the confidence to pursue it professionally.



4. What inspires you?
So many things! Music, poetry, beautiful scenery, films, fashion, etc. Particularly with my self portraits, my mood plays a huge part in the feel of the image.

5. What is your ritual before every shoot (preparation)?
I don't really have one.. just make sure everything is charged and working! Sometimes I like to make moodboards for the concept I'm going for but a lot of the time I just come up with the concepts on the day with the team so in that case there isn't much planning to be done. I think I prefer doing it that way, it feels more organic.



6. If you could shoot any famous model/celebrity who would it be?
Camilla Belle. She has such a striking, unique beauty.

7. What is your favorite place to shoot?
Beautiful outdoor locations. I love nature and especially love shooting with water in the background but don't often get the chance to do that.



8. If you had the whole world listening, what would you tell them about your photography?
My photography is a way of creating my own fantasy world. A way of escaping reality, expressing my desires and capturing something so beautiful in that moment. My photos are a way for people to look into my personality, get an idea of how I'm feeling, who I really am and what I want. I'm a shy person so this is my way of talking when I can't find the words.