Yvette Marie

THE INTERVIEW

Where do you call home?

For now, its California. I have grown into this wild
city and appreciate its energy and constant.
Opportunities, nature and energy.

Are you self taught or schooled?

Self taught. My Mother was an Artist so I think
I got it from her. I always was creating as a kid.
Making my own clothes, painting, taking pictures
it was all normal for me to do all or it least
it felt that way.

When did you start painting?

I started painting as a kid. I remember me
and my siblings would all win Art Contests
in school every year. I just kept to it
and it grew beyond anything I ever imagined.
In 2015 Saatchi Art Reached out to me and
wanted to feature me as an Artist on their site.
I was honored. I was featured several years in a row.
I also sold my Joker painting to the Director.
His film really inspired me to paint and he
now owns that painting and its hanging up in
his office, I love when Art comes full circle
like that.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My Inso comes from so many elements.
It comes from watching a documentary about
a famous singer to standing on the beach
feeling the breeze and sun.
It can come from hard times and experiences
to great times in my life.
I am this person who creates on multiple levels.
Its an odd thing really.

What kind of colors and techniques are you using?

Right now in my Art I really perfected this
layering technique. I incorporate pictures
I like of a person and I sketch it out and
then layer the canvas to achieve this sort
of Photo quality, this aged film to my Art.

How did you get into photography?

I just started shooting. But I can tell you
I am a Marketing queen in the best way I know.
I have many who surpass me in Marketing but
I learned to just let people into your story.
So once I showed myself painting for shooting,
people came. They love to share it with you.

How long have you been a photographer?

Professionally for at least 13 years.
I shot for a few companies in Chicago
all the way through to LA.

As you look through the viewfinder,
what is the most critical moment
in the capture of your image?

I believe its the moment the energy between
the Photographer and the subject meet.
I am all about energy with people.
Once they let you in, its magic.

How would you describe your style?

My Photography style is a bit raw, edgy
and its full of strength. Its hard to say
its a specific style to me I am sure others
describe it a certain way but I can’t
say I would label it.

What do you think makes a truly memorable photo?

So many things… The lighting, the subject,
the mood the composition. When all of the
elements come together the end result it magic.
I love the voyeuristic shots as well.
I love to be a fly on the wall.
The gift of getting to be in that shared
moment is so great.

We know that each of us has someone or something,
which inspires our life and work.
Can you tell us the true basis of your inspiration?

I almost can’t fight it, its the way I see
things and experience them. I am inspired
daily because I feel like the gift I have
in me, how I see things and the way I take
moments and add my own personal color or style,
thats the inspiration for me.
Everyday is a gift just knowing that and
being able to create in it,
thats what inspires me.

What does fashion mean to you?

Everything! I use to buy clothes and cut
them up and make it into something I liked.
I had a whole backless dress idea going
at age 15. I love to look good fashion
can really pull together the simplest of things.

What’s the craziest/funniest thing
that ever happened in one of your shoots?

I have been known to break into private property
and shoots. If I have a vision I want to get it.
I did once break into an empty mall that had
the ceiling blown out and me and the model
broke in.

We slid under the fence in the dirt and
started to crawl on our bellies, floor
by floor as the security guy

Drove around patrolling the mall.
It was empty but the thought of getting
that shot in a roofless mall

With a model in a outfit, was priceless.

What photographers from the past or present
have influenced you the most?

I saw a book by Sante Dorazio when I was
younger it was this perfect coffee table
book that inspired me greatly.
I love Helmet Newton and Annie Leibovitz.
Whats funny is when I lived in NYC,
I worked for Annie and met Sante.

What has been your favorite photo location or session?

I loved shooting in nature. I loved shooting
in a rock park but was chased by security
for shooting nude. Once they found me
I denied it, but that was once of my favorites.
Shooting in nature is always a favorite.
I just connect to it so much.

What type of cameras do you shoot with?

I shoot with a Canon 5d

If you had to choose one lens
which one would it be and why?

My lens now is pretty good but I always
want more or bigger, better.
My favorite lens is yet to be found
because I want it to do it all.

What is your favorite photography accessory,
other than your camera?

The person I am going to shoot.
They are essential for me to create
and I consider them a big part of it.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

Not much… I know I need to use it but
I really enjoy getting to capture things
as they are. I do like to soften images
or smooth a tiny as this is not a world
that is photoshopless as we all know.
But I try to keep it real.

How important is a website
and social media for your business?

Social Media to me is everything.
If it wasn’t for Facebook I may not
have my Art Internationally.
Its my business card and a private
invitation to my work.
Its like entering in my studio.
I hate to play the game honestly of Likes
and Followers its not my jam but I realize
the importance to it.
I am working on a book due to client demand,
but its really made me a name in my field.

Do you play music whilst shooting?
If so, what are you playing right now?

Oh I love music and its part of what I do.
I always have music on when I paint
not when I shoot. When I shoot its usually
outside but the reason I don’t is because
the subject usually feels something from
each song and eventually the song ends.
They tap into the mood the song creates
for me and at times it can ruin my flow
so I leave it out. As for painting,
I love listening to music and I can tell you

Every song I had on with each painting
I have done. I listen to DMYK which
is this collection of amazing music.
Its my fav.

What advice do you have for somebody
who wants to pursue photography?

Big question… I would say never compromise
or don’t do it on a grand scale.
Always stay true to you

Even at times you feel empty about it.
Keep moving and creating even when no one
is watching. Don’t pay attention to others
and what they do, do you.
Use social media and marketing yourself.
Don’t get a big head. ever.

What lies ahead for you?

A book hopefully I woulds love it and
its in the works right now or shooting
for a big Magazine. Eventually doing
videos as I have started now very small.
Creating content with videos,
telling grander stories with my work.