Interview of Felicia Simion : up & coming photographer

At only 16, Felicia Simion is highly popular, notably on DeviantArt. We asked some questions to this very talented Romanian photographer. She give us her vision of photography.

Hello Fely. First of all can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello, hello. As simple as it may seem, finding a few words to write about myself is taking way longer than any of the other answers I am to give. Well, I am a sixteen-year-old dreamer living in Romania, and yearning to be a genuine photographer one day. I like boiled corn and tinting my hands green when unraveling nutshells in autumn. I am hard-headed. And libertine. I want to surprise people and, from time to time, myself.

When did you start photography and why?

I have been taking photographs since I was thirteen. It was pretty much unexpected; all I knew back then was the fact that I wanted to create something. There hadn’t been any connections with photography before, I really have no clue why it hit me. I just hope it was some kind of destiny.

I have the impression that, in a lot of your photos, there is a sensation of calm or isolation. What do you try to transmit to your viewers?

Most of my photos coincide with my own feelings. The other “most of my photos” are spontaneous. I still feel like a little human rumbling around, often stumbling, trying to find a peace of mind. I am a calm person, more or less introvert. I’m very moody, so that is why I cannot talk about a certain style of photography I’m trying to reach. I just want my viewers to wince for an instant and find a crumb of hope in my art, if I may call it so.

According to you, what really makes a photo interesting : What you shoot? The way you shoot it? The retouch that you make after?

I believe the emotions you entail behind anything else matter the most. That being… the way. You can easily make a difference between a photograph taken with the heart and one taken only using the body and/or the head. It’s exactly as life is. You might possess great photo equipment, have everything prepared by the book, all the details settled in your mind, but if you don’t put your soul in it, then the result will be rough, frigid.

What kind of photos do you love taking? What kind of photos you haven’t taken yet but you really want to take one day?

I love taking photos of everything. As I’ve said, I’m not trying to imbide a definitive style yet, I’m still experimenting. And frankly, I wish it could last forever. What I would love to approach is underwater photography, I’ve always had a passion for it. But… I need to learn how to swim first. And buy a water resistant camera. And find a model willing to do it. And keep dreaming.

You are just 16. What are your plans for your future? Have you already been contacted by professional interested in your works?

My plan and biggest wish at the same time is to become a full-time professional photographer, and, perhaps, an occasional writer. The rest shall be history. I’ve given a few interviews, been featured in some magazines, and also three of my photos were used as book covers. Looking forward for more collaborations.

What SLR and lenses do you use?

I own a Canon EOS 400D and three lenses (18-55mm, 60mm, 35-135mm, the last one being used the most). I also have a Zenit, which I cannot wait to go out with in summer.

Where does your inspiration come from?

It’s been a while since I last was truly inspired, that being because of the lack of time. Anyway, I get it from all the places around me. From the littlest things, from songs, from… life.

Are you surprised by your incredible popularity on DeviantArt?

Oh yes, a big yes. I can’t believe I joined dA three years ago. It’s insane to me where I got, who I have become. What can I say? Thank yous.

Do you want to add something?

Sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Thanks a lot for this interview.

Thank you!

Discover Felicia Simion on DeviantArt.