Rapid Fire Spotlight: Interview with Vanessa Solis and Vade Photography

Rapid Fire Spotlight:  Interview with Vanessa Solis and Vade Photography

By Kirk Harrington, Duran Duran Worldwide

About Vanessa, from her website:

"I was born and raised in Concord, CA and I have called Oakland home for nearly 7 years. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, back in 2010. A few months after graduating, I became a photo assistant at the Clorox Company. Within a year, I became one of the in-house photographers there. With the occasional hand modeling here and there. And after being at Clorox for close to 7 years, I left and am now trying my hand at being a freelance photographer.

I still love shooting with film when I can. 35mm, 120mm, alternative processes. Eventually I'd like to give 4x5 a try.

- Vanessa Solis

*Fun fact: I have two cats, Diego and Kahlo. Weaknesses: cocktails, pizza, and Duran Duran.*"

Kirk:  Hi Vanessa.  Thanks for interviewing with me and Duran Duran Worldwide. As you may be aware, one of our missions is to highlight how Duran Duran has inspired the creations of artists and professionals in their art and work.  When I posted something about this, you had spoken up and said you were inspired by them.  I'd also read you worked in the corporate world before (for Clorox) and now you are freelancing.  How has the change been for you?

Vanessa: Freelancing and being in the corporate world are two different beasts. I was fortunate to start working there right after college and actually put my degree into use, which is almost rare. Though I had stability, I was missing out on what was going on in the freelance world. With that being said, I'm enjoying freelancing immensely. It's allowing me the freedom that I always needed, when it comes to work. The creative freedom is what I really never had when I was in corporate. I felt trapped. Though freelancing comes with its frustrations, it's allowing me to breath again. Kirk: This is great Vanessa.  I’m sure it took courage to do this.  Please tell us about some of your favorite freelance projects you’ve had so far. Vanessa: As I am still trying to grow as a freelance photographer, I don't think I've had any projects that have stand out for me quite yet. I can tell you a couple of goals that I hit: 1. Being published in Food & Wine Magazine 2. Getting to photograph Duran Duran. Kirk, DDWW:  You hit on two things I myself have a passion for.  Food...and Duran Duran.  LOL How long have been been a fan of the band and what inspires you about them? Alternatively, I’d like to ask...how do you think this inspiration affects your work? Vanessa: Right??? I've been a Duranie for 23 years now, but my first introduction to the band was "A View To A Kill". I grew up watching James Bond and that one was always my favorite. What inspires me about them, obviously, is the music, but they've always been a very visual band. Always having been a visual person and someone that's very much into music, I couldn't help but be drawn to them. I always need music on. Whether working, studying, exercising, etc, I always need music or I feel like something is just missing. I feel almost off. I walk a lot so while I have my music playing, it allows me to really get lost in my thoughts and that's where some of my ideas come up. Music has always played a huge influence on me. My music is almost always on 'Shuffle' and DD always pops up. I hope that answers the last question

Kirk: I was just listening to a View to a Kill yesterday.  My daughter downloaded it to her iPhone.  She says it’s one of her favorites. Music is amazing...isn’t it?  I find a lot of comfort in music myself.  And there’s something about Duran Duran’s music that has a nice flow...a nice rhythm.  I also enjoy how much work they’ve put into creating a work of art with each song...not just something to put out there that is ear candy.

I think they elevate music to the level it’s supposed to be.  And they inspire good things in creative people wanting to do the same. Ok...let’s see...question 4. You said that music plays a part in your creative process.  Is there anything else you do to get your ideas flowing? Vanessa: Very cool! DD is definitely a great band to share with younger generations. I definitely agree with you about not just putting music out there just as ear candy. Reading for sure. Whether it's a book or a magazine. I've been meditating for the past year and a half, or so, and I feel that's changed a lot of things and not just creatively. Movies also play a huge role. I grew up watching lots of different films. Kirk: Ok.  I am making a question 4.5...LOL.  What is your favorite movie (and genre) and why? Vanessa, Vade: There are so many movies that I just love, but usually my answer to this question is almost always Legend from Ridley Scott. It was a movie I watched a lot when I was a kid and still love it to this day. I love all types of genres, though I've never been big on Westerns though there are some that I really do enjoy. But if I had to choose, it would be between Horror and Comedy. They are both on different ends of the spectrum, usually. One can really scare the hell out of you and the other can make your stomach hurt from laughing so much. Kirk: You just picked my two favorite genres!  And...I am a huge Ridley Scott fan. Nacho Libre is my favorite comedy and I really liked the Alien movies...especially the newer ones. What do you have exciting coming up in your work that you wouldn’t mind sharing with us? Vanessa: Awesome! I saw Nacho Libre like a month ago. I don't remember that last time it was that I had seen it. It's still a great movie. I'm also a fan of the Alien films! The only projects that I have coming up that are worth talking about are just some personal projects. It's just more of experimenting with light and film. I have really been thinking about making a photo book, but the subject matter is yet to be determined. And on almost the same subject, I'll be collaborating with a friend on a totally different book.

Thanks so much for the questions! It was fun  

Please check out Vanessa's work at: 

https://www.facebook.com/vadephotography/ 

https://www.vadephotography.com

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