Photo taken by Denise Andrade, October 20, 2007, Santa Monica, CA 

Presenting my first in a series of interviews entitled Sparkling Stories, all created especially for Sparkletopia.  I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Boho Girl herself, Denise Andrade, in August 2007 at a creative retreat in Berkeley, and then spent an extraordinary weekend with her again a few months later.  I can't wait to see what adventures await us in 2008, and I am honored to share this interview with her.  Here's where to find her words, her work and her incredible vision:

Bohemian Girl Designs Blog

Boho Photography

DeniseAndrade.com

Bohemian Girl Designs Boutique

 January 3, 2008 Interview:

Hello Doll...How are you right now?
You know…I am surprisingly calm after our long holiday trip to see my family and friends in Northern California.  I think the simple act of removing yourself from your every day environment can be so healing at times.  It seems by the time December comes around, we can all get so far into our heads when reflecting on the past year.  Getting away helped me focus on people and places that are important to me but are not with me each day.  It also rekindled a fire within in so many areas of my life:  my marriage, friendships, family relationships, my writing ideas and my art.  So, as much as I am spilling over with ideas, I also feel a calm and appreciation for all that lead me here.  

Tell everyone who is fortunate enough to be reading this interview with you about the beautiful work you do.
Oh Swirly…I am humbled by your kind words.  At this time in my life I am really nurturing the photography side of my business.  It has taken me time but I feel I am finally coming to a place where I am able to create a style that I hope people will be able to recognize and resonate with.  I am really jazzed about the connections that deepen during my photo sessions.  When I first started my company Bohemian Girl Designs, I was selling jewelry and my pastel art only.  Photography was something I was passionate about but it eventually evolved into a way of life for me.  I still sell my jewelry, a few pastels pieces and photography prints on my Etsy because they were my first love and I want that loving energy to be out in the Universe for others to enjoy.

When you are preparing for a photo shoot, what is going through your mind?
To be honest, I get a bit nervous right before a shoot.  Something that I have learned from other photographers I admire is completely normal.  I imagine it is similar to what an actor feels before going on stage.  Nerves are healthy.  It means your art is so very important to you.  I actually need at least a few hours of meditation before a photo session.  Sometimes I am fortunate enough to do this in my home.  If I am on location, I take time in my car or walking on the beach when waiting for them to arrive.  I want to be in a peaceful, Zen place so that I can help my clients to feel equally calm and connected to self.  It is important for me to spend my time giving to them in a way that creates a safe, free-flowing environment.

What was one of your favorite photo sessions and why?
This might sound silly because you’re the one interviewing me but in all truth, it was the one I had with you.  I was honored that you chose me to celebrate a new phase in your journey.  I felt really inspired and immediately imagined the vibe, the backgrounds and the essence I wanted to explore with you.  I kept envisioning lots of trees, grassy hills for you to walk up and a forest nymph type of vibe.  I was amazed that we discovered a place like this in the middle of Los Angeles and created exactly what we had envisioned together.  It was other worldly to watch so many beautiful parts of you unfold during that session.  It also was nourishing for our friendship.

List three words to describe how you feel when you are working (maybe these words are different for the photo sessions versus the editing and formatting.  If so, share all of your lists!)
Photo Sessions:
Inspired
Sexy
Gentle

Editing and Formatting:
Inspired
Focused
Playful
 
What is your deepest mission as an artist and photographer?
Well, the whole idea behind my brand name is what the definition of “Bohemian” is:  “Unconventional, unorthodox, avant-garde, off-beat, artistic.”  I am not a traditional photographer.  I prefer to capture moments that are unrehearsed. Those times when my clients have no idea I am capturing a special moment.  I have a deep desire to connect with each of my clients on a level that will help me draw out their roar, their sexy, their pure joy, romantic love of self and others… and their juicy~ness.  If I know that a client walks away feeling completely alive, present and beautiful…then mission accomplished.

I also want to present to them a portrait that they wouldn’t expect as far as my style and design.  Adding depth and texture is something I feel can bring out a funky side to them and the moment where they can look at it and feel like a rock star.

If you could go anywhere in the world for your next photo shoot, where would it be?
Hmmm…loaded question because there are so many places.  I would have to say Paris, France because romance really inspires me and I know I could discover it there quite easily.  I am not just talking about romance between couples.  I also mean romance with self.  I love to capture this when photographing a person alone.  I have heard most people find themselves in Paris.  Perhaps I could be part of that process for them.

Name three people - living or deceased - you would love to have a photo session with.
Stephanie Dosen
Imogen Heap
Sabrina Ward Harrison
I have a special place in my heart for musicians and visual artists.  I would love to work with more.  These three women embody a mystical, feminine, bohemian, faerie vibe that I am so attracted to.

Any advice for budding photographers out there?
Play.

With photography, it is easy to be overwhelmed or to feel intimidated. There is a huge technical part of it that if you allow it to, can feel paralyzing. I've never been the type of artist that goes from A to Z or read manuals front to back. Trust me...I've tried and I've always felt the creativity pulled from underneath me. For me it’s always been freedom and playfulness and sometimes I'll get to a place and not remember how I got there when people ask me what I did. That's how I work. There are a lot of brilliant photographers out there that are very keen on the technical bits, which I think is amazing and a gift. Perhaps this is also they way you work, which is beautiful.  I suppose I want to encourage those souls that are similar to me to just play, read manuals or tutorials when necessary but play first.  This playfulness will be key when it comes to finding your own voice.

I have also learned that fabulous lenses help.  ; )

Thank you so much my dear.  I really appreciate you taking the time to let me pester you with questions.
Thank YOU, my friend.  This was such a treat and has inspired me to remember all the reasons why I love my job so fiercely.