Sep
17
2013Super duper excited to introduce the amazing Emma G from the band Static Era who has written the most fantastic blog post for us all this week. Keep reading for more on wardrobe malfunctions, pokemon and housecats!! Thanks so much Emma for taking the time to write this for us!! Be sure to check them out as they head out on tour this October!! <3
You can find Static Era online here or on Facebook here.
A few weeks ago, Linda asked me to write a blog, and – truth be told – I’ve been kind of putting it off. Not just because I’ve never written a blog before (well, not really), but also because I have absolutely NO idea what to write about! So I put out a call on my Facebook page, and asked what people wanted to know about me. I was posed with several questions, but before I get into those, let me tell you a bit about myself…
When I was seven years old, my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I decided I wanted to do four things with my life: 1. Sing 2. Teach 3. Counsel (my mom is a counsellor) and 4. Be a mother. Seventeen years later, and it seems all I need to do now is have children, and my bucket list is pretty much done, though success is a funny – and often fickle – thing.
I often ask myself what it is that makes people content. Craving fame and fortune as a motive for doing music, while it would be nice, is actually not why I do it. The whole reason why I got into music in the first place is because, believe it or not, I love to sing! It’s one of the few things I can do in life that truly makes me feel heard – makes me feel important – and gives me an opportunity to be completely REAL. Which is also why I got into writing music – not to necessarily write a “hit song” filled with vapid lyrics about Friday nights or what it’s like to be one of the “beautiful people”, but to connect with people through music. One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received was after this quiet solo gig in Wellington – at a place called The Garden Club. I’d just finished a two hour set, and as I walked off the stage, this woman came up to me with tears in her eyes and thanked me – saying she really felt she knew who I was, and how I had pretty much sang her life story. That was awesome. To connect with someone that strongly through lyrics and melody – priceless. So if I were to crave any “fame and glory”, it would be for that kind of feeling. That, and perhaps to encourage people to grow a brain, educate themselves, and help make the world a better place. 
Anyway, I digress… My bucket list. As far as music goes – it’s an ongoing journey, such as life, I guess. I now sing in a hard rock band called “Static Era”, and we’re doing pretty well, I think! Radio and television play – which is also an interesting one. To have friends tell you that you’re on their telly screen, or to hear a radio announcer introduce your song… it’s kind of surreal. As a band, it’s hard to really pinpoint what “success” is – is it a number one hit? Is it touring the world and having no time off? Is it having airplay? Is it having your name splashed across the tabloids? I actually have no idea – but I guess it’s that whole “enjoy the journey, not the destination” thing really… which I like. Life is rad – it’s a rollercoaster, but I definitely enjoy it.
As for the rest of my bucket list, I also teach music and singing (both at Te Wananga o Aotearoa and Claire Baxter School of Dance), and work as a youth coordinator too! It’s awesome – being able to give back to the community, and (hopefully – if I’m doing my job right), helping to shape a positive future. Not many people know, but I was actually born with a condition called hydrocephalus (which literally means “water on the brain”), and have had 23 operations as a result. I think this actually made me want to do more with my life – because I was (if you want to get all spiritual on it) literally given a second chance… and third and fourth haha. So it means a lot to me to be able to put these second chances to good use! And actually HELP PEOPLE, cos feck knows I’ve received a shit load of help myself. I’m a big fan of the pay it forward concept, so if I can save the world one person at a time, that’s more than okay by me.
I’m really not sure what else to write in a blog. I was told to just write something inspiring, but I don’t really see myself as inspiring… so have no idea how I can be inspirational, without stealing some sort of cheesy Hallmark quote. Man, I’m cheesy enough on my Facebook and Twitter… hahaha! So, I shall revert to my good old question and answer technique…
Q. If you had to be an animal, what would you be and why?
A. Hands down, I would be a housecat. I currently have a REALLY bad case of wanting to do everything all at once. As my friends Anna and Vipal would say; “I want to do ALL the things”. I want to teach music, teach singing, save the children, go to the gym, have a band, go for walks, do solo gigs, do duo gigs, have a social life, read all the books…. I’m terrible at NOT doing stuff. Which cats are really good at. I’m not going to lie, I’m slightly jealous of my cat.
Q. What’s your favourite Pokemon?
A. Pikachu. Because he’s the only one I know. 
Q. Which singers inspire you?
A. My first REAL inspiration was Gwen Stefani actually!! And she totally still is. She’s RAD!!! Her song “Just A Girl” – my first taste of feminism, I guess… haha. I even tried to write a song like her “Just a Girl” about how stupid it is that women are supposed to be feminine, and what that means. I think I was 8. And I think I still remember most of the lyrics… Haha. I was also really into the Spice Girls (decided I was going to be just like Scary Spice and – what do you know? I’m loud, black with curly hair, and a pierced tongue… you could say I’m scary! These days, my idols also include Pink (she’s just amazing), Beyonce (one of the most successful musicians – and she actually has a message to her music, which I love. The worst (for me) is the idea of being an influential chick who spouts on about men all the time. Especially about bending over backwards for them – seriously woman. You’re gonna hurt yourself. Learn to walk straight and beside a man, not behind him!!!) Also LOVE Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) and Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil).
Q. What was your first professional gig?
A. Would have been in 2000 I think at Hamilton’s “Carols by Candlelight”. I had written and released a song called “Look Around” on a Waikato and Bay of Plenty compilation album. It was an RnB / hip hop track about how we need to wake up and see what we’re doing to the world – and MAKE A CHANGE!!! – and featured Marcus from the Native Sons. I remember I wore a pink boob tube and a long black skirt with splits up the side and big stomping boots. Haha. Such an awesome gig.
Q. When was the time you did your best ever?
A. I actually have no idea! I like to think that each gig I do, I get better and better. I think one of my most enjoyable gigs was at the Auckland Council’s
“Music in Parks” gig last year (2012) with I Am Giant and Rival State. I made the mistake of having a V before the show (thanks to The Rock roadies! Hahaha) and was literally bouncing on stage. Such an awesome day!
Q. The one thing that went wrong while live but you kept going
A. Losing my voice!!! I had been sick for a few weeks, and my voice was really dodgy. Halfway through a gig, I started losing my voice, and was FREAKING out!! But with the right diaphragmatic technique, pineapple juice (which is AMAZING for the voice, by the way), and a shot of jager…. I managed to last the night!
Q. What do you want to teach others?
A. To be themselves – and be proud of it. Embrace your awesomeness and embrace your suckiness! That’s who you are and it’s AWESOME!!! I also want to encourage people to challenge themselves – step outside their comfort zone and experience the new, the weird, and the scary. I always find that’s where the cool shit happens. Oh! And to think!! Don’t regurgitate information – read between the lies – I mean, lines – and do your research, think for yourself – be your own person!
Q. Ever had wardrobe malfunctions?
A. Just once!! Thank God. And it was only a bit of boob. Which is ok – cos boobs are cool. But it was mega embarrassing at the time!
Q. Where do you draw your strength from?
A. These days? Music. If I’m having a shit day, there’s nothing better than cranking up some of my favourite tunes and losing myself in positivity, in inspiration and in other peoples strength. Also, never underestimate the awesomeness of people. Just the other week, I was having a self-doubting day, and one of my students out of the blue opened up to me and thanked me for being his strength. That helped me a lot. The appreciation, and the reminder that I’m strong. I’m also a very spiritual person, and have always had a firm belief that I’m here for a reason – so remembering that gives me a great sense of strength. And definitely my mom, my best friend and my boyfriend. They are, without a doubt, my rocks J
Q. If you feel fear how do you deal with it?
A. Stare evil in the eyes and kick its balls. That’s a Krav Maga quote – and I LOVE it!!! There’s no other way to live. If I’m scared, I take a deep breath, have faith that the universe will guide me, and jump.
Q. Who has been a significant role model you have looked up to in your life?
A. I find role models a strange concept. I have heaps, but for different reasons. I guess the main one would be my mother - an incredibly strong, resilient, intelligent and talented woman. Musically? Pink / Gwen Stefani / Cristina Scabbia / Lzzy Hale. Outlook on life-wise? Helen Clark. That woman is bad ass.
Q. What are your setbacks and breakthroughs?
A. My setbacks are kind of the same as my breakthroughs. I like that whole “take the road less travelled” approach. Being of darker complexion, I’ve always been pigeonholed into being a jazz, blues or RnB singer, and, granted, while I started off that way, I found homage in rock music. This does mean, however, that people find it weird, but I like that. I like to bite back at stereotypes. Kind of a “fuck you, I’ma do what I like, cos I can – and you’re wrong” thing… it works for me. Haha. Another interesting judgement was getting told I’ll never make it because I’m not blonde and size 2. Again; watch me.
Q. What are you most proud of?
A. My life. I’m here. I’m breathing. I’ve got great friends and an amazing family. I have (several) worthwhile and well-respected jobs that are helping the community. And I’m happy! The only possible thing at the moment that could be missing is a Dodge Charger, or Charger… but even that would get dirty after a couple of weeks.
So that’s it from me! I hope you enjoyed this scintillating piece of literature! If you want to know more, or have any more questions, hit me up on www.facebook.com/staticera or ask the lovely Linda to get in touch!
Peace!
Sep
05
2013I wrote an article for UnknownPhotographer.net sometime last year, but the website and project has since disappeared from the internet, so I thought it would be fun to share an excerpt from the article here on my blog, as I think there are lots of important things that we (myself included) could all do with being reminded of. So here are the top 10 lessons that I took away from my largest project to date, Exit Through the Thrift Shop.
1. If you are just starting out with photography, it’s really important to try to shoot everyday. Henri Cartier-Bresson said ‘your first 10,000 photographs are your worst’ and he was absolutely right. Work through your bad patch as quickly as you can so you can start producing your great work. The other important thing to start doing straight away is sharing your work. The point of creating anything is to share it with others. If you make a habit of sharing your work from the very beginning, you will have fewer mental barriers standing in the way of your creativity later on. Both of these things were instrumental to the speed at which I was able to progress and improve my photography.
2. Use your initiative. Don’t be lazy, everything you need is available to you right now via the internet. 99% of what I know about photography I learnt from Zack Arias and I have never even met the guy. If you need a particular type of experience or skill, weave your needs into your personal work; that’s what it’s there for. You don’t need to wait for a client or lecturer to swoop into your life and spoon-feed you an assignment brief. You can give these opportunities to yourself, they are available to you right now. “A lot of people never use their initiative because no one told them to” - Banksy.
Some of the notebooks and folders I keep all my notes in from the various tutorials and workshops I have watched and learned from…
3. Incorporating something you enjoy or are passionate about into your photography work is the sure-fire way of a) sticking with it when you run into obstacles, b) having the desire to produce work that is to the very best of your ability, c) having the energy and motivation to keep working on it day after day until it’s finished, d) give you an eye for all the tiny little details that will set your work apart from anyone else doing anything similar. Your passion for the subject matter will spill-over into the photographs you produce and you will (hopefully) produce something really special.
4. Just because you don’t feel ‘ready’ to start on a challenging idea you have right now, doesn’t mean you should write it off altogether. Give your yourself some time and headspace and let the idea just settle in your mind. Test the water a bit and make some initial inquiries about things until you are satisfied that the logistics of the project can be managed. Don’t commit to anything unless you feel 100% ready for it because if you have any real doubts, it will eat away into your enthusiasm and you will procrastinate and never get it done. I can’t really explain the science behind it, but I think the well-worn Henry Ford quote ‘whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right’ is absolutely correct. The belief that you can do it is essential, and it if you haven’t got it right now, you just need to be patient, and let your mind work through the potential issues until it is satisfied that there aren’t any insurmountable obstacles left standing in the way.
5. Try not to become overwhelmed with all the little details and just work through the issues one at a time. All the pieces will fall together throughout the duration of the project and you will get what you need when you need it. Figure out a way to do the hardest bits first and then work through the rest as you go along. You don’t need to know how you are going to do every single little thing before you can even get started.
6. Focus. If there is something you really want to achieve, and it requires a lot of work, be prepared to cut just about everything else out of your life while you work on it. You can do something, but you can’t do everything. I spent every second I could working on this project, hit the pause button on everything else I was working on and I still had to take some unpaid leave off work just to get everything done in time.
7. Keep it simple, realistic and manageable. Don’t plan on shooting with a million lights, if you only really know how to work with one. Don’t make things so complicated and difficult for yourself that it will become a barrier for you and you won’t even make a start on it. ‘The smallest action is better than the greatest intention’.
Most of the images in this project were lit using just one light, and in order to replicate the implied lighting in the stencils, I had to be creative at times to achieve that look.
London Calling (c)2011 Linda Radosinska. All Rights Reserved.
8. It’s going to get messy. Working on anything challenging is really going to take it out of you. You will inevitably find yourself under a lot of stress, and at times it will get the best of you. There will be moments when you will hold your head in your hands and wonder what the effing crap you were thinking and times when you have to squint your eyes just to see your monitor through the haze of your uncontrollable sobbing. The key is to get it out of your system, so you can pull yourself together and get back to work. Things will get messy, but the only thing that matters is that you finish. No one cares about how you got there, just that you got there in the end.
One of my models having to paint the peace sign up on the wall on the day of the shoot, after the artist who was meant to do it flaked out at the last minute.
9. “Comparison is the thief of joy” - Teddy Roosevelt. I think it’s a really bad idea to spend an unhealthy amount of time obsessing over other people’s work. Sure it’s great to admire other photographers, maybe even get a bit of inspiration from them, but not at the expense of the confidence you need to go after your own goals. A good indicator that you need to step away from the computer is that you spend so much time looking at other people’s work that you start to lose faith in your own ability to create great work yourself.
10. Get help. You simply can’t do this sort of thing on your own. Call in any favours you are owed and don’t be afraid to ask everyone you know to help you. When the time comes, you will be grateful for every little piece of the puzzle they will bring to the project. I was surprised and truly humbled by the amount of generosity and support I received from the people around me.
Five people helped to create this image, and countless more to make the whole project come to life- check out the ‘Thanks’ page to see how many!
Umbrella Girl - Behind the Scenes Outtake ©2011 Linda Radosinska. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Sep
03
2013Just as I was starting to get into photography I had joined a photography page on Facebook.. it was kind of a mean page, but a famous photographer I really liked had joined it so I thought I’d be in good company if I did the same. Someone in the group shared the video above and I was so inspired by this 9 minute video, that I tried to learn as much as I could from the photographer who made it. I owe a lot to Zack, for teaching me so much about photography and light, which gave me the ability to get to where I am today.
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