Kathy Linford
Creators are more than just skilled visual artists. They push boundaries, experiment, take risks, follow their passions, and look for different ways of expressing themselves. Our Creator of the Week series shines a spotlight on the creatives behind the camera, as well as the amazing work they produce.
This week's featured creator is Kathy Linford, a macro and nature photographer living in Spokane, WA. She's inspired by the details, both large and small, in the world around her - and finding beauty in ordinary things.
When did you discover your passion for visual creation?
Honestly, I discovered my passion when I got my first Lensbaby. That was the Sweet 35. The second I put that lens on and started creating I fell in love with photography. I put my daughter out on the dock and started playing with the focus and just loved the blur surrounding the spot of focus. I have never looked back. Since then I have added the Edge, the Circular Fisheye, the Burnside 35, the Velvet 56, the Trio 28 and the Sol 45 and I love them all for different reasons.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
I love trying different perspectives to see how I can make an image more interesting. If I am shooting macro I move my body all around the object and shoot from above, from below, from the side and at eye level to see what works the best. If I am shooting a tree or a building I love to stand underneath it and shoot straight upwards. I like throwing the lens in and out of focus to see what effect I like the best. Never let myself get caught in a rut!
What do you think about the concept of perfection in regards to creative output?
When I started in photography a few years ago I was in several photography groups on Facebook and every single criticism of images shared had to do with the focus. All the discussion was about focus and perfectly sharp images. I struggled so much with that and never really loved any of my images. Then I discovered Lensbaby and it was like I had come home. Perfection is in the eye of the beholder. If I love what I do it shows to the outside world.
Where do you find inspiration and motivation for your work?
I find most of my inspiration in nature. I shoot a lot of macro and nature images. I am very drawn to scenes with beautiful light as well as a lot of contrast, lines and texture. I love colors and shapes. I usually notice the color and texture first, and then try to find a way showcase my favorite part of the scene.
How has Lensbaby changed your photography?
Lensbaby has completely changed my photography. My style has morphed over the last year or so into a more abstract style I would say. While I still love beautiful sharp landscapes and macro in a traditional sense, my heart really sings when I see an image that has a lot of blur and bokeh. I love seeing an image where I know I am looking at a tree, but it is completely out of focus and the branches and leaves are just color, lines and shape.
Check out more of Kathy's work on her website and Instagram.