For the next two weeks we’ll be changing the schedule around with holiday musings and giveaways. Be sure to check back daily to see what holiday gift is up for grabs!
I’m thrilled to be starting off this year’s giveaways by introducing you through a special Conversation to a globe-trotting, multi-talented friend of mine who also happens to have just published a book (we did mention giveaways, hint, hint)! Originally from Brazil, Alessandra Cave is a photographer, workshop leader, and writer who is currently based in San Francisco. Her book Shooting with Soul: 44 Photography Exercises Exploring Life, Beauty and Self-Expression was just published this month by Quarry Books. I hope you’ll love her work and vision as much as I do, and be inspired by her story telling and photographic view on life.
How did you get started with Photography?
I picked up a camera for the first time when I took my first trip overseas at 17-years old. Then in my college years I took photography classes and learned how to develop and print film. Later I got a job as a trainee in Kodak’s professional imaging headquarters in Brazil. This was in the early 90s, an exciting time for photographers and graphic artists, with the launch of Photoshop and the Photo CD, etc. So I had the chance to experience training in digital photography from leading industry professionals, right when that field of work was exploding for the first time. From then on I became obsessed with that sweet spot where art and technology intersect to produce stunning imagery.
I went on to get a Master’s degree in Arts, and worked for over 15 years in the film industry, producing groundbreaking visual effects for major feature films. Although that career was exciting, I craved my own expression and I really wanted to produce work that represented my own voice. That’s when I found my way back to photography. I started assisting local photographers, I read a lot on the subject, and I took pictures all the time. It did not take very long on that path for me to know that I wanted to do photography for the rest of my life. So after 5 years or so into it, I quit my job to dedicate myself to photography full time.
How would you describe your style?
My style is vibrant and at the same time soulful. I tend to catch the moments “in between”, where there is a quiet pose and expression, but I also like to play with color and design. In my personal work, my message is in how I see the world and a particular scene. This view is usually poetic and at times, a bit melancholic, with a yearning of sorts.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by beauty, quiet moments, color, spirituality, and poetry.
You’re a multiple formats shooter: digital, mobile and film. Any favorites? Do you treat your shooting process differently based on the camera?
The technicalities of my shooting process are definitely different depending on what camera I am using, given that each medium has its own characteristics. But the core of my shooting process doesn’t change at all. It is always about being really present and seeing with the eyes of my soul.
You recently published a book, Shooting with Soul. Tell us about it. What does shooting with soul mean?
As I mentioned above, there came a time in my life where I craved personal expression. I was producing movies and helping some incredible directors and artists fulfill their vision. But on the other hand, I wondered: What about me? What do I have to say? How would this picture look like if I was making it my way? So I began a process to find my own soul and voice, which led me to the happy creative place where I am today.
What I share in my book is the proven and tested approach I developed and followed, in order to unleash my own soul and photographic style. There is a whole chapter dedicated to getting started in photography, with information about equipment and my secret methods for capturing images that everyone will connect to and love. Then there are 44 photography exercises packed with ideas and my signature “soulful approach” for creating successful images.
My hope is that by working with the methods and exercises I suggest in the book, others can also find their souls and create images that truly represent who they are.
Any special projects your working on right now?
Right now I am working of a myriad of projects that range from magazine and book features, a fashion catalogue, and upcoming online photography classes. I am also planning a book tour, and working as fast as I can to launch my new website that will host my professional work as well as my book Shooting with Soul, under one shiny new roof.
What would your superpower be?
I am grateful for my super resilient spirit. It seems that I can endure storm after storm after storm… It is a helpful superpower to have because it takes tremendous dedication to find your soul and life’s path, but once you find it, it takes lots of resilience and devotion to stick to it despite life’s twists and turns.
If you’re interested in buying a copy of Alessandra’s new book, you can find it in major and local bookstores, although you may need to request it in your neighborhood shop. It is also available online in the Quarry Books shop and on Amazon.com.
Thank you Alex for musing with us today! You can follow Alessandra’s adventures in photography and life at at her website www.alessandracave.com.You can also find on her in the web at facebook, Google+, Instagram and on twitter.
As I mentioned above, today kicks off this year’s Festive Musing with our Annual Holiday Giveaways. I am thrilled to tell you that Alessandra will be giving away a copy of her new book for today’s drawing! For your chance to win Shooting with Soul, just leave a comment below. The winner will be selected at random and announced on Sunday, December 29th. Over the next two weeks, each muse will have a unique giveaway, so be sure to keep on commenting for additional chances to win. (One comment per giveaway per person.) Happy Holidays Everyone!
Holly ~ Soupatraveler
I so enjoyed this post! I feel so overwhelmed because I have so much inside- I’m also resilient and have suffered and survived much- but I don’t know how to make that expression reflected in my photography! I’m disabled and live on disability income so classes and such aren’t an option. I would be ecstatic to win this book!
What great insights. Love hearing about other’s photography journeys.
Would love a copy of Alessandra’s book! 🙂
a lovely read. thanks for introducing us to alessandra. I’m looking forward to checking out more of her work.
Thanks for this interview! I love reading these kinds of things.
Yay book!
a great interview! To win the book would be awesome!!!
Yes, the old question, what do I have to say?
Shooting with soul, isn’t that what it’s all about? Great post and the book sounds like a wonderful read
So lovely to see all you’ve been up to — I enjoyed checking things out at your blog. 🙂
Would love some help to really find my “soul”
I have recently started trying to “shoot from soul” It is a dimension that has been missing in my work. Alessandra’s book sounds like magic between the pages.
Would love the book! Need to find some inspiration outside of just shooting my kids.
what a great interview.. I’m craving personal expression as well at the moment and would love to see how this book can help me to (re)-gain my voice.
I love the soulful shooting approach idea. I’d love to read more! Thanks for sharing!
I would love to sit down with Alessandra’s book! Great interview.
Oh,so nice to get to know Alessandra a bit more. And her book looks wonderful. Thanks for the give away!
i am so interested in her viewpoint and i think i must have that book — shooting from the soul, to me, would be the only way to shoot!!! and, i must say, i am super psyched for mortal muses’s annual giveaway!!! wheeeeee!!! thanks to all of you for making the holidays a little more merry!!! xxxooo
Yay! I have this book on my wishlist and have been anxiously awaiting the tour dates to come out. 🙂 Beautiful!
What a great article and talented lady!! Would love a copy of her book!
Alex oozes soul …can’t wait to get my hands on this soul-full book! thanks for sharing 🙂 xx
So fun to read this interview and the book looks fabulous! I’d love to own a copy 🙂
Gorgeous photographs! The book sounds wonderful – I’m definitely adding it to my wish list!
Sounds like a wonderful book! Great interview and great giveaway!
Oh this sounds like a book I could really use!
This sounds like a wonderful book.
This book is on my Santa list. Looks amazing!
Would love some Soul in my life !
So often my life is full of “have tos” and this book and photographer are encouraging taking hold of the “want to because my soul craves it” way of thinking. I need this.
soul love! <3
I took a peek over on Amazon and am so tempted! I love the sense of peace and dreaminess of the photos. Would love to win a copy!
The title says it all! Thanks for this great read. Looking forward to the book.
Look forward to seeing Alex’s book.
Jodi
Beautiful images, and I appreciate reading about the path you have taken in photography. Congratulations on your book!
Looks like a wonderful book. And the images are lovely.
I loved learning more about you and what a beautiful book! Congratulations!
Thank you for the chance to win this beautiful book. ♡
Ooops- I commented on the Facebook post Instead of here. Let me share that thought and my question…
This type of photography speaks to my heart, the kind of art that makes you think about your own life or yearn for the moment that is captured. Could a newbie like me learn to shoot like this?
What a great interview. This book sounds exactly like what I need to get out of my creative rut!
What a beautiful post and interview. I will definitely look into the book 🙂 thanks for the giveaways.
I loved this interview with Alessandra, those moments in the photos shared here speak volumes to me. Pieces of a life. I’d love a copy of her book, not only do I connect with her work on a visual level I’m so connected on that internal level. I’ve worked as a producer in the film industry for almost 20 years supporting the creative vision of other amazing people. Photography has been my way to share how I see the world. How I compose it in a daily way. Thanks for sharing her work here.
What beautiful images…
Enjoyed this interview, Holly! Alessandra’s book looks wonderful (love Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature). Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Great inspiration !
Great interview and Alessandra’s new book seem very interesting I can’t wait to have this book in my hands.
It’s on my wish list! Lovely article.
This would be AWESOME!!!!
Think this is a really inspiring book! Would love to win it…
I just found A and her work – would LOVE a copy of her book!!!