We are so excited to welcome the amazingly talented Lena Mirisola to the Blog! Take a moment to learn more about her beautiful lifestyle and portrait photography, and be sure to visit her website at Lena Mirisola Photography. Thank you so much Lena for taking the time to share your work with us today!
Where did your inspiration for photography begin?
I took thousands of photos of my friends with a point and shoot. I started setting up shoots, experimenting, even faking sick from school when I got a new idea. Although they were truly terrible photos, my camera was on my hand at all times and it was truly beneficial.
How would you describe your photography style?
Authentic. Full of life. A little wild. Colorful!
Did you study photography in school or are you self taught?
Self taught – I’m technically at MassArt for photography right now, but I’m shooting B&W large format 4×5 and B&W medium format as well. All analog darkroom work – all my knowledge of photography and the commercial industry was developed years before I came to school. I also am fortunate enough to have an amazing mentor, Barbara Peacock, who has elevated me to places I could have never imagined.
What brand/model camera do you shoot, and what is your favorite lens?
CANON! I shoot with the 5D Mark III, and my favorite is definitely the 50mm f/1.2.
Do you have any tips for photographers on how to find the light?
See with your eyes first. Light is everywhere! Master backlighting, #harshlightdoneright, delicious flare… pick up your camera and photograph a subject from all different angles and all different types of light, adjust your settings through trial and error, and PRACTICE! The more you do it, the better you will be at looking at a place and knowing exactly where to put your model for the type of shot you’re going for.
What is your favorite subject to photograph?
People – young women especially.
What is a good lesson you have learned this year in photography or in your business?
Get gear insurance NOW. Right now. Reply to brides within 24 hours. Don’t hold back using smiley faces and exclamation points in emails… be yourself and be real, not just “businessey”. Experiment with different lighting. Be organized – calendars, reminders and to-do lists are your friends!
If you could encourage a new photographer in one area, what would it be?
Learning how to work with models to help them be natural in front of the camera and how to have FUN on a shoot!
What do you love most about being a photographer?
Everything. I can’t imagine life without my photography wired mind. Photographers see the world differently, no cliche intended – we have a deep love of light, and form, and beauty in hidden places. I just love being passionate about something so wonderful.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living in NYC or LA, as a freelance photographer shooting advertising campaigns, maybe doing some art directing at an agency, but definitely with a fantastically decorated apartment.
About the Artist: With a precocious eye and a love for people & light, Lena Mirisola turned her passion into a wedding & portrait business at the ripe age of fifteen in 2010. Currently studying at Massachusetts College of Art & Design, her commercial client list includes The New York Times, The Boston Globe, AOL, Citibank, The New Yorker, Microsoft, and more. For her personal body of work, she shoots 35mm color, black & white medium format & 4×5 large format, hand developing her film and printing analog in the darkroom. That is, of course, when she isn’t sipping tea in Chinatown.
Visit Lena at her WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER pages
GUYS!!!! I didn’t find this until last night!!!! <3 Thank you so much, it was so great to be featured! XOX