Taylor Anne Prewitt: When did you begin photographing and what did you first photograph?
Shayne Stroud: My first photograph was of a seagull when I was around 5 years old. My dad’s friend handed me a camera at the beach. But, I didn’t take it seriously until high school photo class.
TAP: Film or digital? Why?
SS: Mostly film, as I do not own a digital however I am borrowing a friends to play around with. I love film because no matter the camera, the image can be huge. Digital always has a short shelf-life and it is always on to the next bigger, better camera.
I like my metal framed, clunky film cameras and I like scanning.
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TAP: I liked your “Doodlings.” How are your drawings related to your photography?
SS: I have drawn far longer than I have photographed, but as they both come from me as an individual they are thus related. Humor and sadness too.
TAP: Your work is, at times, inextricable from the fashion you are shooting. How do you feel about fashion (as an art form)?
SS: I love the idea of expressing yourself externally, however I am not so crazy about selling a trend or item. But if it comes from an honest place I feel good about it, no matter what it may be selling.
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TAP: Your real name is Katy Shayne. Why the pseudonym?
SS: I always wanted to change my name to Shayne (my middle name) when I felt grown-up. I married and instead of taking on the tradition of changing my last name, I instead took on his last name for my artistic persona. But, I sometimes contemplate the confusion it must create. All well.
TAP: Could you explain the thought process behind your decision to photograph photos, particularly the vintage yearbook photos?
SS: I like using old things to make new things. They were actually portraits in a newspaper from the 50′s. The people looked sad.
TAP: Also, who are the people in the vintage yearbook photos? Relatives?
SS: Portraits from a collection of newspaper clippings my uncle collected in a large album. I love looking through it.
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TAP: Your photos sometimes involve dark subject matter, including skulls, blood and cemeteries. What attracts you to the macabre?
SS: Well, imminent death [is always] kind of looming. I try to embrace the fear and curiosity I feel towards it with art.
TAP: Who inspires you? Photography or otherwise?
SS: So many things!! Mostly these days choral music, science films, and Dutch still-life paintings.
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TAP: How often do you shoot?
SS: I shoot almost everyday lately at work, but art-wise maybe once a week or every two at least.
TAP: Tell us about flowers. You seem to use them often in your work?
SS: Yes, I love flowers. Florals reoccur [in my work] because flowers represent innocence, and the delicate balance of life, death, and fragility to me. Also my love of Dutch still-life paintings of flowers.
TAP: Any photographers in the family?
SS: Just me.
TAP: What are your side projects?
SS: Collages and more still-lifes. I will always probably love making those.
TAP: How do you feel about the ocean?
SS: Oh I LOVE it. It is mysterious and lovely and deadly.
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TAP: What do you eat for breakfast?
SS: Coffee! If I make it at home poached eggs with capers. Coffee!!!!!
TAP: What will photography be like in 20 years?
SS: I don’t really care…. different for different people. Probably some 3d, spacial interactive images, physically tangible…
TAP: What will you be like in 20 years?
SS: 46 and a lot smarter and hopefully even younger at heart. Or dead!
TAP: What is your earliest childhood memory?
SS: Burning my finger on the stove after my mother strictly told me not to touch it.
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TAP: Sometimes one gets the sense that competition beats out collaborationin the photographic community. Have you carved a niche that allows for meaningful collaboration? If so, with whom?
SS: Sure why not? I am collaborating all the time with the subject of my images, as my subjects are always working with me and bringing their own sensibility to the project. I definitely struggle with sharing my personal approach in a public atmosphere, but that is something all of these editorials have helped me with. I am a private person.
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TAP: If you had only one word to describe your photography, what would that word be?
SS: Mournful.
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Taylor Anne Prewitt is Vesper’s Assistant Photo Editor.
Check out more of Shayne’s work here.
