Today’s conversation is with a flickrer who I’m willing to bet you already know and love. She has gathered a huge following thanks to her powerful, light filled images and amazing landscapes. I’m lucky enough to call her a dear friend, and have been awed by her enthusiasm for nature, photography, and life! Leilani, known to flickr as “heavenly~flower,” shared her answers to a few questions below.
I’ve always had a random, spur of the moment sense of style and it flows into my photography. If there is a reoccurring theme, it’s light. And it is always the most magnificent when captured on film.
What inspires you?
It takes so little to inspire me when I have a camera in my hands. For a long spell, I was inspired by this hill and the glorious cloud show it offered.
What is your favorite photographic subject?
I really don’t have a favorite subject, but I do have a favorite place. The Haskell Medicine Wheel is within walking distance from my home and I often find magic on it’s sacred grounds.
How did you find your way into photography?
Like many of us, I started with my mom’s instamatic film camera when I was a teen and bought my first Olympus Stylus 35mm in 1988. I had several point and shoot cameras before I bought my first DSLR – a Nikon D40. Now I carry a D90. My dear friend Laura George encouraged me to join Flickr and begin a 365 of self portraits, which I completed in August 2011. This is where I began to learn about photography.
I’ve also played with a few film cameras and hope to shoot more film in the future. My favorite is a toy Holga, given to me by the lovely Cara Rose. This is one of my double exposure Holga treasures:
Share with us a favorite recent photo or photos?
If I wake up and see fog out the bedroom window, I’m out the door within minutes and headed for the country. It’s almost like popping back into a dream.
Share with us one of your all time most proud photos.
‘Scene of the Birds’ happened a few years ago as I drove around the countyside searching for a selfie location. I noticed what seemed like thousands of birds in a field, grabbed my Nikon and started shooting. The sight and sound was amazing.
What would your superpower be?
I would have the power to heal others. How wonderful would it be to heal a friend with cancer or send out healing energy and mend a broken heart?
Thanks for the heartfelt interview, Leilani! We hope you go take a look at her photostream; no doubt you’ll be inspired!
Commenting on Mortal Muses posts this week will give you a chance to win. Several of my fellow muses have already announced their giveaways: Meghan is giving away some expired film, Holly is offering a place in Tammy Strobel’s Everyday Magic e-course, Lindsey has some wonderful iPhoneography gadgets for you, Kirstin and Justine each have fantastic books to give away, and Debra is offering up some new Impossible Project PX680 Gold Edition film. Happy Holidays indeed!
Today it’s my turn. Jenny and I are giving away a Photojojo gift card (in the amount of $30 (US)). So leave a comment below for your chance to win. We’ll announce all the winners on December 25th.
Happy Snapping!
Cara of CaraRosePhotos
these oh so beautiful pictures made my morning. Thank you – lovely post!
Beautiful images. Love the fog and the trees! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful images. I especially love the fog you captured with your phone. The bird picture is amazing too. Selfies are hard. Very impressive that you did a year of them!
Beautiful images from a beautiful person!! Love your talent and love you Leilani xo
That double exposure is ridiculously beautiful! There’s something otherworldly about it. Nice work!
what a great piece and so well deserved Lei is one of my idols , ive known her for the longest time on flickr. i adore her work, such great precision , and a great talent.., and a very humble being. i dont think she even knows how many people she inspires. congrat Lei. well done as always
Always such wonderful inspiration Lei. Words and shots. Always. xx
thanks for the beautiful start to my day! I know and have faved many of these images already, but a few of them, I think are new to me – the little frosty bokeh prisms on weeds – that is spectacular, Lei! and the Holga double – wow!!!
more than the images, though, it’s wonderful to see the lovely woman have a day in the sun here. xo
Such lovely images! I especially love the fog shots; there’s something so magical about them. I need to take a trip to Lawrence to see the Haskell Medicine Wheel!
So great to see you here, Leilani! Something I have appreciated about your photography is that you are not afraid of contrast and color at a time when a muted style is all the rage. I love that you are true to your beautiful, energy-filled vision.
Thanks for stopping by everyone! It’s such an honor to be here. I hope my images inspire you and make you want to pick up your camera and shoot!
Beautiful work, what a talented soul!
thank you Cara for highlighting the most fabulous Leilani!!! her vision is always moving and uplifting and, like Deirdre, i admire her for not following the trends, but following her own, true heart!!! so inspiring and joyful!!!
You have always inspired me Lei and still do. This was a wonderful piece alive with words and imagery, the essence of heavenly.
Leilani. Me likey you. Inspire you do.
Breathtaking!
Love seeing your fab work featured here, Leilani!!! Fantastic post (and prize!)!!!
wow! “The Scene of the Birds” is amazing
Really stunning images! Thanks for sharing.
Very nice piece. Always love your pictures and and the way you capture your subject. I have told you that may favorite is the “Fog Floaters” I would even be interested in purchasing a copy if that would possible. That’s may kind of place.
Beautiful photos!
Inspiring! and I LOVE that image filled with birds. What a moment!
Wow, the bird shot is amazing!
Oh Leilani, I’ve been a fan of yours forever lovely gal. You are a treasure, hope someday to meet you. That bird shot is astounding- But my fave…that holga double. In fact, I would love a print of that if it’s possible. Will message you.
Always inspired by heavenly flower! such beauty.
gorgeous images!
Gorgeous, serene and beautiful….all of them.
I’m beyond honored and humbled by your thoughts and kind messages about my photography. I’m inspired by so many of you! It’s a pure blessing to be surrounded by creative photography artists with sweet souls. thank you!!
Lei is a great light chaser and understands the use of light and the magical powers it contains. Keep chasing Lei, we want to see the next image! Also, appreciate you keeping film alive!
Just beautiful!
Oh, isn’t this just the perfect way to start the day. Thank you Cara and Leilani for sharing!
Just lovely…they feed my soul!
Such beauty and a sense of peace in your photographs I am inspired 🙂
Stunning photos!
Oh, I absolutely loved reading more about you, Lei! And I loved seeing some photos that I hadn’t seen!! You do such amazing work and you are such a master of light!!!
Por el momento solo resta desear que la marca de
la manzana haga lo suyo y disponga su próximo producto para satisfacer las expectativas de lo que se desea
con este equipo y cuando lo tengan en su mano aprovéchenlo de
verdad ya que hará falta tiempo tiempo para conocer todas
sus opciones y usos que harán su vida bastante más
productiva y dinámica.