Chelsea Muller is 20 years old and living in Sarasota, Florida. She was born in Connecticut and grew up in Englewood, Florida. She is currently studying photography at Ringling College of Art and Design. Chelsea’s photography is a direct representation of her life and the people in it. She shoots mostly with a 6×7 rangefinder and 35mm point and shoot cameras. She is never without a camera.
When did you start to think about photography?2
I guess it’s always been in my mind, I’ve always been fascinated with photography. I think it was the first time that I wanted to get a moment back but couldn’t physically… I had to relive it somehow.
What does photography mean to you? and which kind of photography do you like more?
Moments in time that, for some reason, I wanted to keep. It’s been drilled into my head while in school that photography, very literally, means painting with light. I try to capture light and circumstances as they appear to me. I favor film because it captures light and color the best and you control much more of the process.
When you take a portrait, what is important for you?
Conveying the relationship between my subject and I.
Do you think it’s important to follow a school to learn how to shoot?
It depends, I think that going to a school is a great opportunity because you are surrounded by people who are passionate about what they’re doing and people that inspire you. You are constantly getting feedback-you don’t get that after college. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about a lot of different cameras and different processes, I’ve saved a lot of money by “trying it before buying it” as far as cameras go.
On the other hand, I know plenty of self-taught photographers that do incredible work. One of my closest friends is completely self-taught and she takes some of the most beautiful, honest portraits I have ever seen.
What’s the photo you want to take and you never did?
There are so many…. I don’t even want to think about it. I really like shapes made by light, anytime I see interesting light somewhere I try to make a mental note to go back there with a friend (the key word being “try”).
What’s your photo-mission?
Lately I just keep saying that I want to be able to live while taking the photos that I want to take. I want to be able to make a living while being happy with what I produce. I have always wanted to document everyone I care about, if I can’t make money at least I can do that.
