Laura Ferreira is a young artist belonging to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She is a perfectionist when it comes to digital works and as I said, 'one-of-a-kind' photographer. She specializes in portraiture photography. Laura brings life to her photographs by using amazing lights and effects. Look at one of the photographs taken by her on left and you'll understand. Having a huge fan base, Laura's work is often described as flawless, extraordinary and even phenomenal.
Laura is a model of true inspiration. She took up the job of a graphic artist at the age of 18 and since then, there was no looking back. She has not taken any training or course to learn photography; rather she has been creating art since the age of 12. She also describes herself as a 'photoshop girl'.
I am sure Laura has much more interesting things about herself to share. It is a great pleasure to have her as 'Artist of the Week' on our blog. Catch her exclusive interview with us below:
Laura, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.
Hello! My name is Laura and I have been working as a freelance photographer for almost 5 years now. I have lived in Trinidad and Tobago all of my life.
What influences the artist within you?
I love looking at paintings online, the colors really inspire me. Of course, music is always a huge factor for brain nudging.
Prior to being a full time photographer, you were into web designing. How was the transition?
The thing that remained constant was the use of Photoshop. I think that in the beginning I relied more on that program as I built my knowledge of photography. Now, I spend a lot less time on post-work.
Let's have a rapid fire:
Camera you're using currently?
Canon 5D (she’s old, but she does the job)
One camera accessory you can't do without?
My 50mm lens, I can do without everything else.
One photographer you look up to?
Annie Leibovitz, love her lighting. Whoever retouches her work is a boss.
5 things you can't live without?
Music , movies , seafood , bed , color? I would put my son on this list, but he may not appreciate being referred to as “thing”.
One line/phrase/word you often use?
“We’re good to go” I realize I say it all the time when I’m finished a shoot. I’ve tried to stop, but it’s better than “OK EVERYBODY GET OUT”.
I know it must be difficult for you to pick but we would love to know your favorite creation by you.
This has always been my favorite. I love the lighting, the balance, the tones, and that the horse didn’t run me over.
What fascinates you most about the photography? Which is your favorite form of photography?
I have a deep love for portraiture. I love the challenge of getting that expression out of someone. Fashion work is even more of a challenge because it’s a wider eye-full to perfect. We can boil it down to “planned out people photography”.
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
I can’t think of one particular compliment, but when I get it from someone who I think would be the last person on earth to know/appreciate my work, it feels good.
What has been your fondest memory throughout this journey?
The first time I traveled for work I thought to myself “woah, this is really happening” it was so exciting, and it was my first time in NYC.
Do you have any dream project(s)?
I would love to work on some shows on HBO, or Showtime, do some promo material. If I did that then I would be the coolest person I know, because that’s the stuff I love. However, I go with the flow, I don’t know what opportunity each day will bring. I’m happy for all of it.
What are the other things that interests you? What do you like to do in your free time?
Well I like quiet things like building puzzles and gardening. I’m the youngest 80 year old alive. I just enjoy peace and reflection, or just switching my brain off and focusing on something with my hands. I love my job so working is part of this category...most times.
You have a huge fan base! What message do you have for your fans?
YO yo yo fans, check out my album “Laura and the Plebs” dropping this June!
No seriously, thanks for the support. Every email and message is much appreciated, and you guys encourage me to do better.
Many other artists would look up to you for inspiration. What message do you have for them?
My advice is always, to practice constantly. When you look at another’s work, don’t just look at the idea -- look at the lighting the photographer / artist used, the colors, the composition. Figure out why you like that piece. Dissect what your eyes see. Knowledge of lighting, to me, is the greatest power in photography. Also, don’t take yourself too seriously. Many photographers have a reputation for being tools. Don’t be a tool.
Laura is a model of true inspiration. She took up the job of a graphic artist at the age of 18 and since then, there was no looking back. She has not taken any training or course to learn photography; rather she has been creating art since the age of 12. She also describes herself as a 'photoshop girl'.
I am sure Laura has much more interesting things about herself to share. It is a great pleasure to have her as 'Artist of the Week' on our blog. Catch her exclusive interview with us below:
Laura, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.
Hello! My name is Laura and I have been working as a freelance photographer for almost 5 years now. I have lived in Trinidad and Tobago all of my life.
What influences the artist within you?
I love looking at paintings online, the colors really inspire me. Of course, music is always a huge factor for brain nudging.
Prior to being a full time photographer, you were into web designing. How was the transition?
The thing that remained constant was the use of Photoshop. I think that in the beginning I relied more on that program as I built my knowledge of photography. Now, I spend a lot less time on post-work.
Let's have a rapid fire:
Camera you're using currently?
Canon 5D (she’s old, but she does the job)
One camera accessory you can't do without?
My 50mm lens, I can do without everything else.
One photographer you look up to?
Annie Leibovitz, love her lighting. Whoever retouches her work is a boss.
5 things you can't live without?
Music , movies , seafood , bed , color? I would put my son on this list, but he may not appreciate being referred to as “thing”.
One line/phrase/word you often use?
“We’re good to go” I realize I say it all the time when I’m finished a shoot. I’ve tried to stop, but it’s better than “OK EVERYBODY GET OUT”.
I know it must be difficult for you to pick but we would love to know your favorite creation by you.
This has always been my favorite. I love the lighting, the balance, the tones, and that the horse didn’t run me over.
What fascinates you most about the photography? Which is your favorite form of photography?
I have a deep love for portraiture. I love the challenge of getting that expression out of someone. Fashion work is even more of a challenge because it’s a wider eye-full to perfect. We can boil it down to “planned out people photography”.
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
I can’t think of one particular compliment, but when I get it from someone who I think would be the last person on earth to know/appreciate my work, it feels good.
What has been your fondest memory throughout this journey?
The first time I traveled for work I thought to myself “woah, this is really happening” it was so exciting, and it was my first time in NYC.
I would love to work on some shows on HBO, or Showtime, do some promo material. If I did that then I would be the coolest person I know, because that’s the stuff I love. However, I go with the flow, I don’t know what opportunity each day will bring. I’m happy for all of it.
What are the other things that interests you? What do you like to do in your free time?
Well I like quiet things like building puzzles and gardening. I’m the youngest 80 year old alive. I just enjoy peace and reflection, or just switching my brain off and focusing on something with my hands. I love my job so working is part of this category...most times.
You have a huge fan base! What message do you have for your fans?
YO yo yo fans, check out my album “Laura and the Plebs” dropping this June!
No seriously, thanks for the support. Every email and message is much appreciated, and you guys encourage me to do better.
Many other artists would look up to you for inspiration. What message do you have for them?
My advice is always, to practice constantly. When you look at another’s work, don’t just look at the idea -- look at the lighting the photographer / artist used, the colors, the composition. Figure out why you like that piece. Dissect what your eyes see. Knowledge of lighting, to me, is the greatest power in photography. Also, don’t take yourself too seriously. Many photographers have a reputation for being tools. Don’t be a tool.
Laura, thank you for sparing time to talk to us and making this interview happen. You're an exceptional artist. With that, E-junkie wishes you all the best for whatever comes your way. Thanks again!
You can follow Laura Ferreira on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Beautiful pictures
I am an artist also and is truly inspired by your photography also.
Good Interview Laura. And your skill is amazing and more so that you taught yourself!
You can find loads of these kinds of hipster crap on DeviantArt
Laura is very talented but she has to work on her people skills. She is very moody, not consistent and has a huge ego always delivering work late and this has held her back from exploding.
what exactly is your motivation to post something like that on a light interview, Trini Insider? Show some tact, and maybe stop hiding behind a pseudonym like all cowards on the internet do.
Thank you for your comments guys and your appreciation towards Laurie's work.
After reading some of the comments, we think it is imperative to mention that we've featured Laurie solely on the basis of her talent and her artwork. We are very thankful to her for taking the time for this interview, and we are sure that many aspiring artists will gain inspiration from her. Also, we do not agree that she's not a people's person, we've worked with her on this interview, and not only did she take the time from her busy schedule to answer our questions, she did so in the most humble manner. Kudos to Laurie!