Interview with Ena Hallett, Photographer
It is so nice to spend an afternoon with such incredible talent in Orange County, CA.
We are sitting by the beach, watching the waves as our interview begins…
Would you introduce yourself to our readers?
I'm Ena Hallett from Los Angeles, California.
When did you become a photographer? What do you love about it?
I started out as an artist and writer before I became a photographer. Now I carry my camera with me wherever I go. You never know when a moment or, a story will present itself to you: a particular face in the crowd saturated with emotion - a story only you can see. It's a certain kind of magic, photography. You are freezing a moment in time, transcribing a story, and catching a soul and illuminating it.
How would you describe your style(s) of photography? Do you have a signature style?
I don't go for the perfectly focused, perfectly composed photograph: I shoot for the emotion. I love to take candid portraits. When people don't realize they are being photographed, they are more themselves: they evoke more truth.
What are some of your favorite types of shoots? And why?
I do really enjoy shooting cosplayers. The creativity that they bring to the shoots and, the hard work they put into their costumes and characters is amazing.
Is photography your business or your hobby?
Photography is mainly my hobby at this point, but I would love to make it my business at some point. I just fear that I would lose some of the creativity along that route.
What inspires you to create?
My imagination is constantly flowing, and photography allows me to channel it in a quicker way than writing or art does. I will often go back to a photo I have taken and expand on it by writing a story or poem to accompany it.
“I try to step out of my comfort zone and shoot conservative images because with my imagination my photography does tend to be rather dark.”
What do you do to improve your skills?
Practice, practice, practice: isn’t that what they say for improving one's skills? Trying new techniques. I try to step out of my comfort zone and shoot conservative images because with my imagination my photography does tend to be rather dark. I show the darker side of life a lot in my personal work.
Who is your biggest supporter?
I've been lucky in that I have made a core group of friends that support me. They are photographers, models, and artists from all walks of life who see me as who I am and accept me without judgment. I believe we all need that in order to thrive and grow: support, not judgment.
What would you like to say to people who want to become photographers?
The one thing I would tell any beginning photographer is to lead with your own eye. Trust in your own heart, your own style, and watch your magic bloom.
Photo by Justin Robinson
@cat_daddy_j
Photographer: Ena Hallett
@quiverandquillphotography