by Yvette Depaepe

Carla DLM's contribution and involvement in the 1x community is bringing us a renovating and refreshing breeze. Her most artistic vision on photography is unique. She developed successfully her very own style.  She considers her images as a personal diary and beside, she loves to read but also to write about photography.  I like to express my personal appreciation for her excellent work as a  member of the Editorial Team.  She is always full of energy and good ideas, she provides gorgeous and interesting articles.  I'm proud to present you this interview today.  Discover her skills, talent and her charming, dynamic personality.

Briefly tell us about yourself, Carla?
Photography it is not my original career, but through the years I have discovered it is my passion. It is an important part of my life and it has given me many satisfactions. One of them was becoming part of the Editorial Team of 1X this year.

Since moving with my family to the New York City area in 2014, the city has become a central subject in my photography. Moved by its incredible architecture, I started exploring new photographic techniques. I am amazed by this beautiful place and the countless opportunities for creating unique shots. This city and its environment truly changed the way I see photography. 

Which are your most important experiences that has influenced your art?
I am extremely passionate about the art of creating. I initially wanted to become an architect, but  for different reasons I decided to study engineering. I don't regret any of my decisions. Every single one has given me the experience and platform for becoming who I am right now. I believe many things converged in my life at the right time. My two beautiful kids and my lovely husband are fundamental in my life, they always encourage and motivate me.

What first attracted you to photography?
Curiously, I don't have a good answer to this question. I believe I’ve had this love inside me my whole life, but it came to life with my first camera. Photography was simply a hobby at the beginning. However, by the end of 2013 this “love” got serious. Since then, I am deeply involved in the photography world.

I am passionate about surreal and abstracts environments. I love to add my style to all my works. I am very perseverant and meticulous. I consider these are key conditions for succeeding in photography, although I don't take it for granted. I am permanently learning and educating myself as much as I can. Life is an open book ready to be explored every day.

Describe your overall photographic vision.
In my pictures, I love to work with Surreal, Abstract and Motion. I also work carefully in details. There is some contradiction in asking for details when the image involves movement, but I work hard to make this possible. 

I try to see things from my own perspective. I love to add a certain style to every single shot. All my images are somehow different. Each of them has their own personality, and that’s my motivation. I normally don't like to follow rules, but I know them very well. When I need to use them, I certainly do, but I prefer to create novel ones according to my vision. Sometimes my views are strange and weird even to me, but at the end they just reflect who I am.

Luckily photography has given me many satisfactions and I believe this will continue in the future.

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?
As I mentioned before, my images are more about moods and feelings. Without the motivation I can’t work on anything. Sometimes it takes me several days to finish a single image. Other times it takes me only a day. It always depends of my feelings and mood.
I like to think about my images as a personal diary, but they are not locked and certainly they don't contain words.

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
Not really, but I normally prepare the right equipment when I know where I am going to be. For the city, for example, the time of the day is a very important factor. Light is crucial for most of my images. Shadows, sunsets and clouds can interplay and create unique effects in certain situations. Using the right lens and equipment can make a big difference in every single capture.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
I normally carry my Lowepro backpack. There I can carry my two cameras: Canon EOS 6D and Canon 5D Mark III. I always have to decide which lens I should carry for an specific place. Normally I use these combinations: EF 17-40mm f/4L plus EF 70-300 mm, and EF 24-70mm f/2,8L II plus EF 70-300 mm.  I also carry an ND filter, a remote shutter release, a small tripod and cleaning products.

What software do you use to process your images?
For post-processing, Photoshop CC 2015 and Adobe Lightroom CC 2015 are my main programs. Sometimes I also use Macphun products. For panoramas I use Kolor - Autopano Pro. Their combination is giving me really good results. I am not a big fan of presets, or actions. I learned how to create my own, and that gives me the chance to add my personal touch to my images.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
I try to work as much in camera as I can. My priority is in the details. Knowing your camera and lens is a must. I normally take many images of the same spot, using different techniques. I don't know what will be useful later, but I like to have the right amount of images. When I get all the images I need, I export the files using Lightroom. I like how this program lets you see the images in order, and also allows you to create collections. I find this very useful!  When I finally have all the files, I select the ones I will work with, and then I use Photoshop CC. There I clean every image, and just start playing with my imagination and mood. This process can take few hours or days. Sometimes when I come back and see what I have been doing, I just erase everything. Sometimes, however, what I see surprises me and I keep working on it.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Artsy, Mood or Creative Edit Photography and how do you get started?
For me, the most important part in photography is to have a vision of what you want to do. Second, and equally important, is to know the equipment you have and take advantage of every single of its functions. The camera won’t create anything alone, it needs you.

Is there any specific photo taken by another photographer that has inspired you a big deal and why?
I admire many photographers. Everyone I like has a personal style. I respect and admire when I see that in a photographer. The environment and everything that surrounds us will always be a source of inspiration, but using this inspiration properly with our own style, can make a difference.

There is a particular photo by Loïc Remy that will always be my favorite. I can’t say it is an inspiration for my own work regarding technique, but it has many features that I like a picture to possess.

An image should call the attention of the person that sees it and hopefully make us wonder more about it. I think this is the most difficult thing to achieve.

Describe your favorite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?

The Chrysler Building was designed by architect William Van Alen. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the world and is an one of the most iconic buildings of New York City. When you walk around this building you are not able to capture all of its splendor, and this is the main reason I love this image so much because I was able to capture all.

Working on this image took me around a week. The light was perfect that day, and fortunately it let me obtain many details of the structure of the building also of the street. The traffic and people give a special touch to this capture. Working on this was really a pleasure. The original file is 8256x9546 pixels, and I can confirm that it looks as beautifully printed as on a computer.

Is there anything else you wish to add  and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?
Being part of the 1X community is very gratifying. When I first joined 1X I hesitated about my decision. So many good works! I was afraid of not getting noticed at all. I feel really proud every time I have a publication. I know how hard it is, and that has pushed me to keep working hard. 1X is unique among online photography sites. It is the place where you can find the best quality and taste. Thanks to 1X, I’ve been contacted by editors of magazines that want to publish my work. I’ve slowly gained the respect from other photographers that I admire and will continue admiring. This is a great community of hard working people from different parts of the world. I am very proud and thankful to be part of it.