Interview with Veronica Lounge
Please introduce yourself
My name is Veronica Lounge and I was born in Russia, Saint Petersburg. Currently I am working and living in Finland and I also travel abroad occasionally for shoots.
How did you get interested in photography?
It all started by chance. It happened when I went to study professional photography in 2009 in attempt to try something interesting and new. Since the very first day of being introduced to photography I seriously fell in love with it and now I believe, – just like my friend Erik Bont says: it was my second Birthday.
Do you have an artistic/photographic background?
I was always very creative as a child. At home I sketched, wrote stories and poetry, attended music school where I took piano lessons. However, I never photographed. When I started to shoot, I was often told I have an eye and constantly being asked whether I took any painting lessons. My grandfather whom I don’t remember was a painter – maybe it has something to do with that.
Which artist/photographer inspired your art?
I was never really into trying to copy anyone, not even the masters. I wanted to do it my way. But I was very much influenced from the beginning by the culture of my home city and its architecture and its aesthetics. Still, there are several photographers I admire – Camilla Åkrans, Tim Walker, Paolo Roversi just to name a few.
How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph?
Regardless of what and whom I shoot, I take it very seriously. I start to prepare already when I first get contacted about a possible shoot. I start to think about ideas, styling, location, lighting and even retouch, – all because I usually have a ready vision of an image in my head. Often it’s just a visual glance of emotion I want to bring into the photo. But I also like to improvise:)
Could you please tell us something about your technique and creating process? (post-processing, equipment (digital/traditional), printing, favourite paper, etc…)
I shoot digital because of the current world we live in (it is much faster). And what comes to the equipment and other techniques, I strongly believe that lighting is the most important thing in photography, as much as photographic vision, while others are just tools to reach the best possible result I am always trying to create. So depending on a shoot, I focus on what I can do with the tools I have at that moment, whether it’s in a studio or with only sunlight and a model and do my best. I also enjoy retouching by myself, but I try to put it altogether to the minimum.
What do you do in your life besides photography?
As an entrepreneur somehow my life always runs around photography, often daily. I can work on weekends and holidays, too and it’s ok, as it’s my passion. And, sometimes, even if I don’t retouch or shoot, I still think about how can I improve, so I watch lighting workshops, read industry related literature and attend some quality shows and art exhibitions. And when I have time, I meet with my friends and just try to relax.
What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
This year I am planning to produce a book of my photographs. It will be available either/or on Amazon and Blurb (you can stay tuned for information about it on my Facebook page). I also wish to shoot fashion editorial and cover for some established and reputable magazine. My other plans are to combine work and personal life more fluently and travel to Greece, Santorini for vacation/shoot.
Website: www.veronicalounge.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/veronicaloungestudio