monika merva photography interview

Monika Merva might sound like some sort of modern-day superhero, but in reality she's a shutterbug based in Brooklyn, New York. And a pretty talented one at that: the sharp-eyed lady wields a camera like nobody's business, taking powerful snaps of everyday happenings like frolicking kids, window sills and even the slightly gruesome gutting of fish.

We threw a few questions her way, and she was kind enough to send back some answers.

What is your name and how old are you? My name is Monika Merva and I am 45 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in Providence, RI and I live in Brooklyn, NY with my husband, daughter and our pet rabbit.

When did you first know you wanted to be a photographer? When I graduated from university with a degree in philosophy and business. I had no idea what I was going to do so I went off to Florence, Italy for the summer to study photography. That's where it dawned on me that photography was always on my mind. What I mean by that is I was constantly looking at magazines like National Geographic, Vogue, Aperture and going to photography exhibitions all the time. And I can't forget to mention my love of family albums - not just my own, but anyone's.



What areas, things or people in your neighbourhood do you most like to photograph? Funny you should ask. I've had this idea to do a project on my neighbourhood for a few years but haven't really sunk my teeth into it yet. Thinking about taking pictures isn't helpful for me. I take better pictures when I just really pay attention to what I am seeing and feeling. Can I give you a follow up answer once I try again to photograph my neighbourhood?

Is there a certain camera or type of film that you wish you could own? I would love a Phase One digital back for my Contax 645 camera. I miss my medium format camera, super lens and frame ratio. And if I want to dream big it would be an 8x10 camera with Kodak Porta film; the main accessory would be to have an assistant to carry, set up and break down the camera. Is there anyone willing to make my dreams come true?



Is there a running theme to the work you create, or do you just make whatever comes to mind? I'll take pictures of whatever comes to mind and there is a running theme - ultimately it's about what concerns me, my values, people I love and wish to present with dignity, and how I want to perceive people and things. My intention is to take images that compel the viewer to reflect and deepen his or her own understanding of the world, to look intently and intimately at one's surroundings and relationships. I photograph subjects that are quiet, yet evoke an emotional intensity.

When it comes to taking photos, do you have more of a controlled/set-up or spontaneous style? It starts off as spontaneous with a dash of controlling my sitter. The direction would go something like, "please stop talking and turn your head towards the light." The direction I give myself is to set up my composition in the viewfinder, feel it, and shoot.

Do you take the same care with personal photographs as you do with commercial/artistic work? YES! Most of my assignments came about because of my personal work, it's important to stay true to that. I will also try and combine my aesthetics with the clients.



What advice can you offer on finding your personal style or aesthetic? In cultivating your style try not to look at other photographers too often. I think it only confuses you. Of course you will imitate people you admire, but then you have to turn it into your way of seeing. Follow your passions and pay attention to the way you see light, the way you compose and essentially you want your personality and values to be seen in your photographs.

What are your thoughts on the rise of mobile phone photography and Instagram? I think they are great tools, making it easy to take pictures and put them out into the world. I signed up for Instagram in July and am really having a good time with it. I like the immediacy of it and the idea of discovering someone. In turn I get excited when someone starts following me - in all honesty, isn't that why we take photographs? To share them and have others take the time to look. With that said, I deeply appreciate it when photographers treat Instagram as an extension of their personal vision, keeping the bar high.

What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a photo? A picture of my friend laying on the ground with his head inside a giant pumpkin. It's one of my funniest/dark pictures.



What other photographers do you love? Sally Mann is on top of my list! She's been leading the way. I do have to give Andre Kertesz a shout out, his photographs were the first ones that I connected with (we also share the same birthday and we both are Hungarian).

Where can we see more of your work? Of, course on my website. I'm also very much into Instagram, follow me and see. ClampArt in New York represents my body of work titled The City of Children.