Michael Stonis

Chloe Aftel

Michael Stonis
Chloe Aftel

Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way. Where are you from? How did you get in photography?
I grew up in Berkeley, CA and was getting an MFA from USC in film production when I got into photography.

Did you go to school for photography? If so how was it and has it helped?
I didn't go to photo school, I taught myself through trial and error.

How would you classify your photography? You seem to have quite a bit of range from lifestyle, fashion, children and even video?
I love all kinds of subject matter. If the reaction of the subject feels genuine and motivated, I'm happy.

Which of those types of photography is your favorite?
Honestly, I love any kind of assignment or personal project, it's exciting to be thrown into a place and have to figure out what shot to take.

Going through your work, you have a film base in your work. Do you shoot film or digitally?
I shoot film and digital, I've been hard at work on ways to make digital look and feel more like film in camera, but for my personal work, it's film, especially with all the incredible stuff going on with the Impossible Project.

What's your camera setup like?
I shoot with so many different cameras, I usually have one digi, one 35mm, one instant film camera and one toy camera!

Are you currently working on any projects?
Yes, I have 3 personal projects right now, one is nearly done but the other two are going to be a lot of work.

Who are some people you have worked with? Who are some of your favorites?
I've been lucky to shoot quite a few wonderful people who have their own look and allow me a lot of creative freedom. A few of my favorite shoots have been Tune-Yards, Jack White, Karen Elson, Glasser, and Florence and the Machine.

What are you most proud of in your past work?
The most important thing to me is that the images have some sort of emotional pull, be it happy, sad, thoughtful, lonely, excited; that that moment feels real.

What inspires you?
Anything new, I love seeing things I haven't seen before.

What's in the future for Chloe Aftel? 
Still photography and more music videos!

Thanks Chloe!
Thank you!

Website: www.chloeaftel.com