Spotlight on Talent: Simon Filip

I’m so impressed by the stunning portfolio of the ultra talented Simon Filip. It must be the combination of technique and creativity that make this 18-year old self-taught photographer from Sacramento stand out among the crowd. I’m mesmerized by his dreamlike fantasy-like photographs, and I think you will be too.

I got the chance to have quite an informal interview with Simon to get to know a little more about him, and how he began his journey.

1. How did you become interested in photography?

I became interested in photography in January of 2009. My uncle just gave me one of his old DSLR cameras, and I used it to photograph things like water drops and plants. I didn’t take it seriously, and I didn’t really learn much from that. I had never really thought about photographing people, or taking photography seriously until September of that year, when I bought a new camera. As of now I am getting into fashion photography, and experimenting with set design.

2. You just recently started taking photographs, in September 2009. How did you teach yourself?

I started by experimenting a lot with light by myself. I try to think of something new to do with editing every time I take some photos. There’s not really much I can say, other than saying I practiced and experimented a lot on my own. I don’t think taking photography classes is necessary if you have the eye for it.

3. Who is your biggest influence?

I’d say my biggest influence is Tim Walker. I don’t know of any famous photographers other than him, but I really love his ideas and set design.

Simon says that he tries to go for a fairy tale style when creating his photos, that are frequently described as dreamy and whimsical. He keeps his photographs fresh and exciting by finding new locations for every shoot he does, maintaining a sense of familiarity and consistency through the main recurring model in his photos, his sister Becky Filip.

4. What is the thing you most enjoy about photography?

What I love about photography is you can create your own fairytale, you can create such a story with just a photograph. I do not have the resources to create images as wondrous as i’d like to, with a lot of props and set design, but I hope to be able to some day.

5. What is the message you want people to get from you and your work?

I don’t necessarily want people to get a message from viewing my work. Though I love when people create their own story using my photographs.

6. What motivates you the most?

What motivates me, or inspires me the most is music and movies. Listening to music at night, and going to see a movie really gets ideas flowing in my head.

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or photographers?

All I can really say is go out and do it. If you love photography and have the eye for it, I believe you’ll get far.. just don’t stop.

Thank you so much Simon for your interview and great advice!

I hope you enjoyed this little insight into Simon’s work, and got something out of it, whether it’s inspiration, motivation to do what you love, or if it just made your day a little brighter.

(images: simon filip)