about: LAURA FERREIRA
I’m 24 years old and I’ve got a soon-to-be-3 year old son. My weakness is pepper shrimp.
Where are you located?
Trinidad and Tobago (island in the Caribbean) People tend to think it’s in Jamaica for some reason.
A great photographer is…..
For me, someone who can keep my interest with every photo that they expose to the world. Someone who makes me feel absolutely inspired by their imagery , not just the visual side of it, but the technical know-how of the process from beginning to end…. I learn so much from just looking at their work.
What drove you to become a photographer?
It was never my intention to be one. I was an artist from very young, I was a graphic designer from 12 yrs. old , and in my late teens I was a website designer/ builder.
Photography happened by chance. I was pregnant with my son Kaiden and when my boss insisted I finally take maternity leave (I was 8 months into it at that point) I started taking self-portraits at home for a creative outlet, I was on the verge of 22 when this happened. . 2.5 years later I’m here.
Tell us about your unique photography style and the creative process behind it?
I have this dark undertone in my work that I think is just a part of me seeping into my imagery quite unintentionally, I’m told I have a “style” but it’s not something I’m aware of when I’m working, it just…happens. The creative process normally starts with me staring at my desk for a while while my brain sifts through images…things from dreams, something a song can spark, a funny idea that came from a personal experience….an awesome movie that left me with something….anything -.it’s a very quiet time. Then I usually sketch out the idea into something that most times I can’t understand later (epileptic stickmen) and make some phone calls to get a team together.
If you were not a photographer, what would be the alternative career path you choose?
Music. I used to write a lot of instrumental pieces, but music was always something I hid from people. I was always deathly shy to show anyone. I think now that I’ve grown I wouldn’t mind sharing it with the world. I like getting attention on my work, who doesn’t, but I hate the attention on myself….this path that I’ve taken is the right one for me, I can shoot with a few people, edit in my own time, and send the finished product off quietly. And I can do it all in pajamas.
Or maybe I’d still be a web designer 
who knows.
How do you promote yourself?
I market myself a lot online. I’m active in different photography and art websites and just network with other artists. I’ve been fortunate to have some influential people stumble upon my work. It’s also word of mouth. I am constantly pumping out new imagery so there’s always something to look out for. I work hard and it pays off, it will with anyone who does the same.
What do you think about the Internet and how it is affecting the visual communication business?
It’s the biggest impact on visual communication business ever! The amount of photographers and artists I would have never even heard of if it wasn’t for the sites I’m on. I’ve said before, it’s like a never-ending exhibition of work. There’s so much knowledge out there that’s easily accessible….it could also piss off a lot of ppl who went through the trials of school to learn all this, and now everyone’s got it for free.
Could you share any insight for people just entering the profession?
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that the fancier the camera the better your work will look. It’s all about understanding light, and shapes…tones….got to sacrifice a lot of time in understanding and learning post-editing programs. Get it right in-camera, and take it to the next level with the post-work. It’s a 50-50 job between the two, at least that’s how I work.
Who is the person that you look up to in the photography world? Why so?
There are many, but my answer will always be Philip Warner. Simply because his work sparked my interest first. I’ve always admired his lighting style (I’m a lighting freak who will always notice that first in a photo). He may not be as well known as the tops in the game, but he was my inspiration.
What music are you listening lately?
Whatever my boyfriend throws on my laptop. I’ve been very busy organizing my first exhibition so it’s been up to him to find me new music but right now, a lot of Muse, some old Perfect Circle, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Sounds, VAST (I always get inspired by his music), Metric, Imogen Heap’s new stuff…and just one-off songs from random bands….. I was recently annoying the bf in the car with Prodigy on repeat.
Name 3 your favorite books.
The Belgariad series (there’s about 5 in the first set and I haven’t finished The Mallorean) , Harry Potter (I’m not ashamed, I cried while reading book 3…at least I think it was 3) and I love autobiographies…last one I read was Russell Brand’s.
What do you like the smell of?
First thing that came to my mind was curry means I’m about to be fed. …… and Johnson’s baby cologne, that’s my son’s scent.
If you have online portfolio (website/awards/credits/client’s showcase), what is the URL?
http://lauraferreira.com is my main site, and I’ve got a facebook page: (http://www.facebook.com/lauraferreiraphotography) that links to allllllll the other sites I’m on. Look under ‘info’ .
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