Hi, I’m Angie and I’m a camera assistant/photographer currently based in Wellington. I currently work full time in the film industry under the camera department, and I love taking photos as my creative outlet on the side.
How did your love of photography come about?
About a year ago I bought myself a 35mm camera to see what the rise in film photography was all about and quickly fell in love with the process. In a world where everything is so fast-paced, I loved the idea behind the rituals with film photography and the choices you make alongside it. Before this, I was never really into photography and was more interested in movie production, but I was disinterested in the long process you had to go through in order to have creative independence in filmmaking. Photography has allowed me to execute and practice my ideas on a regular basis with only my camera as the driving force, and it’s exciting to see how I can explore and develop my creativity through this medium.
What do you document and why are you attracted to these scenes?
I enjoy shooting landscapes and capturing scenes as a fly on the wall. I’m really interested in how I can represent those specific places in time through an image without having to fabricate or glamorize reality – I find that the most striking images are those that reflect the rawness of real life. I love how documentary style photography forces us to look for a fresh perspective on our regular surroundings, and how it challenges us to capture those moments before they fleet.
How do you find the motivation to continue to go out and pursue your creative endeavours?
I think every time I get my photos back from the lab, I try to analyse them in a way to see how I can do it better for next time. Whether it’s the lighting, or if I should’ve clicked the shutter a few seconds before, or whether I should’ve approached it from a different angle on a different lens. It keeps me motivated knowing that every time I shoot, I can learn something new on how I can make a better image. I also love looking at photo books and finding inspiration through that – my current favourite is ‘Eat the Sun’ by Floria Sigismondi.
What advice would you give to any other aspiring artists?
I’d say don’t be afraid of pushing your boundaries! You will never regret giving it a shot, and whether you end up producing a good or bad image, at the end of that at least you made one.
What is your current camera setup and favourite film?
My Bronica ETRS has been my go-to camera for quite some time now because I love how versatile and customisable it is – I switch between the waist level and prism viewfinder depending on what I’m shooting, and I always opt for my 50mm f/2.8 lens. Portra 400 and Lomography 400 will always be my favourite film stocks.
Are there artists you look up to or admire?
I really like Renell Medrano and Christian Lanza’s work – I’ve been interested in doing more portraiture work and I love how bold and striking they shoot their subjects.
Do you have any upcoming projects in mind or something you are working on?
I’ve started printing my work and would love to do more of it – holding a physical image in your hand definitely beats looking at a photo through a phone screen. Watch this space for prints…
Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years time with your photography work?
Hopefully I’ll still have the same passion with photography as I do now in 5-10 years – it would be my dream to travel the world and take photographs of the scenes and people I meet along the way!
Where can we view more and keep up to date with your photography?
Instagram is the easiest way to find me – @angelucayanan. Say hi sometime!
Artist Interview – Angelu Cayanan
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, I’m Angie and I’m a camera assistant/photographer currently based in Wellington. I currently work full time in the film industry under the camera department, and I love taking photos as my creative outlet on the side.
How did your love of photography come about?
About a year ago I bought myself a 35mm camera to see what the rise in film photography was all about and quickly fell in love with the process. In a world where everything is so fast-paced, I loved the idea behind the rituals with film photography and the choices you make alongside it. Before this, I was never really into photography and was more interested in movie production, but I was disinterested in the long process you had to go through in order to have creative independence in filmmaking. Photography has allowed me to execute and practice my ideas on a regular basis with only my camera as the driving force, and it’s exciting to see how I can explore and develop my creativity through this medium.
What do you document and why are you attracted to these scenes?
I enjoy shooting landscapes and capturing scenes as a fly on the wall. I’m really interested in how I can represent those specific places in time through an image without having to fabricate or glamorize reality – I find that the most striking images are those that reflect the rawness of real life. I love how documentary style photography forces us to look for a fresh perspective on our regular surroundings, and how it challenges us to capture those moments before they fleet.
How do you find the motivation to continue to go out and pursue your creative endeavours?
I think every time I get my photos back from the lab, I try to analyse them in a way to see how I can do it better for next time. Whether it’s the lighting, or if I should’ve clicked the shutter a few seconds before, or whether I should’ve approached it from a different angle on a different lens. It keeps me motivated knowing that every time I shoot, I can learn something new on how I can make a better image. I also love looking at photo books and finding inspiration through that – my current favourite is ‘Eat the Sun’ by Floria Sigismondi.
What advice would you give to any other aspiring artists?
I’d say don’t be afraid of pushing your boundaries! You will never regret giving it a shot, and whether you end up producing a good or bad image, at the end of that at least you made one.
What is your current camera setup and favourite film?
My Bronica ETRS has been my go-to camera for quite some time now because I love how versatile and customisable it is – I switch between the waist level and prism viewfinder depending on what I’m shooting, and I always opt for my 50mm f/2.8 lens. Portra 400 and Lomography 400 will always be my favourite film stocks.
Are there artists you look up to or admire?
I really like Renell Medrano and Christian Lanza’s work – I’ve been interested in doing more portraiture work and I love how bold and striking they shoot their subjects.
Do you have any upcoming projects in mind or something you are working on?
I’ve started printing my work and would love to do more of it – holding a physical image in your hand definitely beats looking at a photo through a phone screen. Watch this space for prints…
Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years time with your photography work?
Hopefully I’ll still have the same passion with photography as I do now in 5-10 years – it would be my dream to travel the world and take photographs of the scenes and people I meet along the way!
Where can we view more and keep up to date with your photography?
Instagram is the easiest way to find me – @angelucayanan. Say hi sometime!