Kensey Crane

Kensey Crane is a real gem of a gal, and I'm pleased to say, one of my friend-crush success stories (after many months of mutual admiration and one mistaken identity). Whether she's photographing nature, the creatures and characters of her neighborhood, or her own pretty face, the results are always a treat because Kensey's wit, impeccable style, and heart are always bursting through. 
  
You can check out more of Kensey's photography on her flickr and buy a print of her work (only $5 for perfection!) OR a copy of Tilde Journal featuring her work in our Etsy store. 

Where do you draw your inspiration for your photography? Are there any artists, illustrators, or films in particular that have influenced your work?

I have a big fascination with architecture, people's mannerisms, and nature. Depending on where I`m living - whether it be city or the small town I grew up in, I tend to gravitate to those things. Right now being in Montreal, I've become infatuated with the old buildings and churches, as well as the interesting characters that inhabit the different neighbourhoods (you get to know them after a while, its almost comforting.)

I also get a lot of inspiration from films. I have a couple of friends who have introduced me to some directors that have moved me and changed me and made me want to capture images in a certain way. Ingmar Bergman was probably the first one who I really connected with. He just has this way of translating human nature in a way that makes you feel both awful and wonderful. Every time I watch something by him I get this restless feeling, like I have to make something.  I recently found out about this lovely female street photographer named Vivian Maier. From the 1950s onwards, she took all these incredible candid photos of people, none of which were discovered until recently when someone stumbled upon them in an antique auction. Boxes and boxes of amazing works, some of them not even developed. Since seeing them I've gained the courage to start photographing strangers on the street. Sometimes I ask permission and sometimes I'm sneaky.

 Your photographs always have a very distinct feel. Can you tell us about your favorite type of equipment to use and your processes?

When I started taking photos a few years ago I was using this little Canon digital camera. Nothing too fancy, but it allowed me to take thousands of photos and understand how to use a camera as a vessel to express an idea. Recently I`ve sort of felt detached from digital, feeling that it made me lazy and careless, and have been using a Pentax film camera my father bought me as a Christmas gift. There is just something when using film that can`t be mimicked. It's more of a process, more effort and thought are put in to each picture. Nostalgia is one of the feelings I always try to portray, and film makes this very easy to do.  I get so excited about getting film developed, almost an anxious nauseous feeling - but a good one! I'ts definitely not the most affordable medium, but I feel like its worth it.

 What are your dream collaborations or projects, however ridiculous or unlikely they may be? 

I would actually love to work with some of my friends. Matt Feyld is one of my favourite photographers/illustrators (name drop: http://matthewfeyldphoto.blogspot.com/), I`d love to collaborate with him on some photography ideas and perhaps some doodles too. I like the way he sees the world.

I also think it would be fun to make some sort of uncomfortable, ugly movie with Harmony Korine. Starring Jeff Goldbum as my lover.  

What direction do you see yourself taking your work in the future?  Do you have any upcoming projects planned?

I want to start developing my own film. My friend has a makeshift darkroom that I`ll hopefully have a chance to play around in some day soon.

And more and more I find that I want to make movies. That is my ultimate goal. It just feels like the next step from photography. I do plan on buying a VHS camera soon and starting there, seeing what sort of things I can do with that. 

Putting images in motion with some music, writing scripts and maybe forcing my friends to participate in front of the camera.

Oh and if you`re reading this Mr. Goldblum, feel free to contact me about acting opportunities.

Thanks, Kensey!