INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA REYNOSO

JR: When did you first become interested in photography?

AR: I became interested in photography when I was in high school but once I enrolled to take the class the program collapsed, go figure uh! After that college revived my interest, but I always kept in touch with photography. My brothers had cameras of their own and I always played around with them, trying to be artistic and what not.

JR: What do you like most about it (photography)?

AR: I like everything about photography, from the darkroom to working with a computer. Photography opens doors to meet new people, but at the same time it may target you as to someone not to approach, it's funny. It is all learning experience, my camera keeps my life interesting, makes me see things in ways I would never have.

JR: How does it compare to other mediums that you have worked with? Why do you prefer it over other mediums?

AR: I guess photography can be compared with graphic design. I use many of my own photos to work on GD projects. Like I said before, I feel that photography hhmmm is more adventurous, it puts me out in the field to work with people that I am photographing, it makes me learn about them and their situations, this is why I prefer photo over other mediums.

JR: Do you prefer color or black and white photography? Why?

AR: Color or black and white photo?? Both! why? Well, it just depends on what I'm taking photos of and what feeling I want to convey. In my opinion, color photos are more contemporary and black and white photos has more of a classy feeling among other things.


JR: Do you prefer digital or film photography? why?

AR: Oh gosh! haha, see i have to say i like both digital and film photography but working with a digital camera is hhmm is much faster and maybe a bit more precise than film photography. Though, with film photo you can't wait to develop your film to check out your negatives and see how terrible or good you did! So, I guess digital photo loses that feeling of anticipation, those tiny butterflies in your stomach.

JR: What kind of camera do you use?

AR: Well, I have a Canon 40D. This is funny because all of my friends use Nikons and I always have to defend Canons!

JR: From you work, I get the sense that you enjoy shooting social documentaries. Why do you think you're drawn to taking these types of photos? And in a broader context, why do you feel it's important?

AR: Yeah, social doc. has always been my weak point. I always try to draw away from it and shoot new things but I always turn back to this type of photography. I just love it! I feel that there is so much to tell, to find out and research in this world but so many people just don't see this, or don't care about it and so I feel the need to communicate the different situations/cultures/feelings or whatever that is happening outsides our door through my photos, hhmm let's say I just want people to care more and to understand that there is much more out there than our puny little lives and our so called problems.

JR:How do you feel about photographer's who take photographs of nature or scenery?

AR: I appreciate it. Some nature photographers do some great work. I would like to drop some photographer names but.. I am terrible at remembering names so we are out of luck here.

JR: Do you feel that one type of photography is better or superior to another? Why or why not?

AR: Noooo...all photography is great in my eyes. See I like all types of photo because they all have different techniques/feeling and motives that I would love to learn, from fashion photography, social photo, nature photo and so on. I do social photography because I'm more attached to it somehow, but I don't think it's better. The only photos I don't really like are the hhmm myspace pictures hehehe..

JR: You are also majoring in Graphic Design. How do you feel it relates to photography?

AR: I am trying to major in graphic design but I think I'll be a class short! How terrible?! but hhmm, I like graphic design not as much as photography but I think they connect in various ways, like I said before I like to use my photos for GD projects. Also, I feel that photography along with GD makes me a more rounded artist.

JR: Do you consider yourself a photographer first?

AR: Definitely.

JR: Do you have a favorite body of work that you created while attending Mason Gross? Describe it briefly

AR: I have lots of them, they are like my babies, I really can't choose between them! haha. There is a project that I recently shot in Peru, I think this might be my favorite. I shot a cemetery that was built in the early 1800's...don't want to say much about it other than it might be awesome - in my eyes.

JR: What are your plans after you graduate?

AR: Oh man! this question makes me nervous. I really still don't know what I'm going to do after I graduate, maybe find a real job; whatever that means.