Carrie Kellenberger is a well-known name in travel writing and blogging circles. As a Canadian in Asia, she has launched several websites featuring her own travel tales, tips, and images, as well as showcasing the work of others. This week’s Photog Friday features Carrie Kellenberger: Writer, Editor, and Photographer: A woman of many talents. How does she see the world through the lens? How does she capture moments while traveling the world? Read on…
Carrie Kellenberger
Name: Carrie Kellenberger
Country of residence: Taiwan
Brief Bio:
I’m a Canadian expat living in Asia since 2003. I work as a writer and editor for a publishing company in Taipei. In my free time, I also find work as a freelance writer and occasionally, as a photographer. Although photography is a hobby for me, I’ve been lucky enough to get a few prints published.
How did you first get interested in photography?
I’ve always loved taking photos, but I didn’t really start getting serious about photography until 2006. I was traveling through Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia that year, and I captured some really great images on my little Canon point and shoot. That was the turning point for me. I bought my first DSLR, a Canon Digital Rebel 400D, in 2007 and was instantly hooked.
What do you like to shoot?
Anything and everything. A cursory look through my photo library, however, reveals my propensity for nature, landscape, and travel photography. Lately, I’ve been focusing on branching out into other areas of photography to increase my range and knowledge.
Wild Bokeh ©Carrie Kellenberger
What’s your approach to photography, your philosophy? What do you look for? How do you set-up a shot?
I like taking photos and, at the risk of sounding simple, my images make me happy. If my photos evoke a response in others as well, then they have more than served their purpose.
I look for beautiful things or things that I have an emotional response to. I don’t take a lot of time to set up my shot because I’m usually moving through that moment pretty quickly. I try to keep things as simple as possible when I’m out and about.
I’m also a project-oriented person and when I have the time, I like to set specific goals and challenges for myself. One of my goals this year was to start learning how to use speedlites to give a more dynamic and dramatic feel to my photographs.
Jaclynn ©Carrie Kellenberger
What is the best photo you have taken? Why? Background and details, please…
I don’t have a ‘favorite’ photo or a ‘best’ photo. I try my best every time I shoot, and I usually produce one or two images that I really like. The end result is no less than thrilling and I strive to break that barrier every time I go out.
What gear are you using? What else do you want to buy?
I’m still using my Canon 400D. When Canon came out with the 7D a few months ago, I was all gung ho about it being my next purchase, but I also know that I still have A LOT to learn. I’m very much aware of the fact that the gear, although nice to have, isn’t as important as the eye and mind behind the camera. I’ll upgrade when I feel that I’ve learned everything I can or when I feel that my camera is holding me back.
Right now, I’m exploring my world with two lenses at the moment. Since I am a traveler by nature, I generally don’t carry around a lot of extra equipment. I take the bare minimum when I’m backpacking: Canon EF-S 17-85, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, a Canon 430EX Speedlite, and a tripod. I can’t carry much more than that.
San-Zhr Pod Village 3 ©Carrie Kellenberger
I’ve dabbled a bit with speedlites, umbrellas, soft boxes, and reflectors. I admit, though, I have a strong desire to add Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens to my kit.
Which area of photography would you like to explore further (macro, landscapes, portraits)?
I’ve developed an interest in strobes, but I’m a bit limited with my free time and I’ve only had the opportunity to play around with them once or twice in the past month. In particular, I’d like to explore fine art, portraiture, and fashion photography.
Where do you see your photography 5 years from now?
It’s hard to say. I know I’ll be shooting and learning more, so I’m hoping that eventually I’ll be able to sell a few more images.
What is the best advice you would give to fellow photographers?
Shoot as much as you can and stop worrying about gear. I’ve found that I don’t need a lot of fancy accessories to produce nice images.
Where can we find your images?
My Several Worlds
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/globetrotteri/
Thanks very much for featuring me amongst such a talented group of photographers. It’s an honor to be included!
Love Carrie and her work. Enjoyed reading this interview.