I met this girl a couple of years ago, and was glad to have made this connection. Her photography skills are sick and she is an LA girl, born and raised. Below you will find an INTERVIEW WITH ERIN WESLEY!

• Photo subject list includes: Theophilus London, Semi Precious Weapons, Ne-Yo, Peaches Geldof, Jamie Foxx, Jeremy Scott, Akon, Flo-Rida, Eva Pigford, Mark Salling and more.
• Work has been published in September 2009 Issue of Ebony Magazine, on UrbanOutfitters.com and Lorena Belcher’s Fly Girl! A Journey from Darkness to Daybreak

When did you start photography?

My parents bought my first toy camera (a Polaroid i-zone) Christmas of ’97 and I’ve been toying around with disposables, Lomography cams, my dad’s cameras and all sorts of cameras ever since, but I didn’t realize that photography was what I was BORN to do until around 2007. When I was just a toddler, my parents gave me the neatest toy doctor kit EVER and I guess that began my whole “I want to be a doctor when I grow up” phase. That PHASE lasted me until sophomore year, second semester of college (FISK University). I loved the concept of being a doctor/surgeon/helping others and I loved the information I was being taught in Biology and Chemistry courses, but the information just wouldn’t click no matter how hard I tried and no matter how many all-nighters I pulled.

During Winter break of sophomore year, I did some soul searching (with help from my lovely roommate, Aki… THANK YOU!). I made a list of favorite hobbies and associated a few professions with each… and of course photography and film were at the top of my list, so I went forward with it, decided I would establish and own a photography/film production company.

What drew you to the art of photography?

My love for storytelling drew me to the art of photography. I also love the raw factor involved in photography – it’s great at exposing absolute truth (photoshop can ONLY do so much). I shake like a stripper whilst speaking in front of crowds larger than 20, but I love sharing my experiences and knowledge with others to promote positive change. A total oxymoron, right? Well I’ve learned this: Each individual has been placed on this universe to somehow impact it. Not all billions of people are born to spread their message(s) verbally. That’s why God, Buddha, or whatever higher being you may or may not believe in provided each of us with talents.  I was chosen to change the world by telling stories through my lens.

What projects have you done lately?

Although I ‘m most excited about photojournalism, lately, I’ve developed a niche for photographing events. My most recent projects include the BBM Lounge 2010 VMA Pre Party, Diesel/Mad Decent Block Party and Cobrasnake’s Endless Birthday. There goes the raw factor again – these party goers aren’t there in hoping to get their photos taken by little ol’ me, they’re there to have a great time and PARTY HARD! The photos are honest – i’m not walking around telling Willow to whip her hair back and forth while she dances, I’m not telling Matt to go paint his face and throw on a wild t-shirt – it’s REAL! it’s RAW! I’m capturing TRUE EXCITEMENT!

Who or what inspires you?

Everything beneath the sun inspires me: Good music, Joe walking down the street, patterns/prints, vivid colors, my mom, dad, friends, but most of all, my stories. I’ve experienced joy, triumphs, love, heartbreak, breakdowns, fear, etc. All of these experiences (and more) have inspired and contributed largely to the photographs I’ve created. Artists that inspire my work range from world renown photographers Andy Warhol, Sally Mann and Ansel Adams to modern photographers Terry Richardson and Kesh. Film directors Spike Lee, Melina Matsoukas and Vashtie are also big influences.

Are you into fashion? If so, who are your favorite designers?

Yes and no. No in the sense that I can’t exactly rap off a list of designers that were prominent in the recent NY Fashion Week. Nor can I see a style and instantly name the designer. Actually, I’m more likely to pull a fashion faux pas like wearing all white in November (not really… I actually hate all white anything)… Point is, I don’t look to designer trends to determine what my wardrobe will consist of for the following season, I like what I like… and that’s that! I’m into prints (tribal, animal… whatever!), vintage finds, sequins, mesh, lace, studs, spandex… pretty much anything designed with dancing in mind. If it has restrictions and I have to tuck or pull something every 5 minutes, count me out! If it gives me space to vigorously shake my heiny, it was practically made for me! Oh! And If I absolutely MUST choose, Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Scott, Isabel Marant and Sam Edelman are designers I’m most drawn to… mainly because they have no borders… and when there are, they color outside of them.

What music do you listen to most? Off the top of your head, name some music artists.

With my musical taste, I’m kind of all over the place. I enjoy Hip-Hop, Jazz, New Wave, R&B, Alternative, FUNK, Electro, Dubstep, Pop… pretty much ANY and everything! My oh-so random cloud of favorite artists consists of Theophilus London, Kid Cudi, Kenny G, Tupac, M.I.A., Erykah Badu, Maluca, Amanda Blank, Discovery, Grizzly Bear, Jay-Z, Kanye, MGMT, Phoenix, Ratatat, Wale, The XX and Bootsy Collins. (Sorry! I couldn’t stop myself! I love music!)

THANK YOU ERIN FOR THIS INTERVIEW!!!

Below you will find some of Erin’s work that caught my eye

Contact Erin by sending an email to lovesthelens@gmail.com

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