Meet BeFunky SuperStar Fauxfawn!
If you spend time in the BeFunky Gallery then chances are you've seen some of Ashlei's beautiful pictures posted under Fauxfawn! But not only is she an amazing photographer, she's one of our awesome ambassadors! Here she shares with you tons of insight on her inspiration, process, and thoughts on photography. You can also find more of her work on her blog and BeFunky.
Q
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
A
I grew up in Eugene, Oregon, and have lived in either Eugene or the city of Portland most of my life. Portland is also where studied film and animation in college. Other things to know about me: I've always been obsessed with fashion and animals!
Q
How Did You Get Started Taking Pictures?
A
I've always been really into art and photography, even when I was one or two years old! I'm not sure if there was ever really a particular moment when I got started doing it. I think since we now live in an era of rapidly growing media, it almost seems inevitable that someone in a first world country is going to be interested in photography or the arts.
Q
What do you like to photograph?
A
I really like taking pictures of animals or funny things. Animals because it's a challenge--no matter how good your camera is, they're always running around or moving! You can't really force them to be still, so when I get a good photo, I'm really pleased. And funny things because I think we all like to laugh sometimes!
Q
Can you tell us a little about your process?
A
My boyfriend Josh and I tend to work in a team. When it comes to taking photographs for my fashion blog, Faltering Bird, he takes all of those photos for the most part. But I've always thought that blogs that only had straightforward photos of someone's outfit were super boring. I want to know what people do all day, what their friends look like, a photo of something interesting they saw because I feel these details gives a lot more feeling and depth to something or someone rather than just "I like clothes!" So when we're out shooting, usually throughout the day Josh and I are passing the camera back and forth, taking pictures of anything that strikes our interests.
Q
What are some of your favorite BeFunky Tools?
A
I'm really, really in love with the vintage and imitate HDR filters!! I remember looking at my parents old photos from the 60's and 70's when I was growing up, and really loving the vibe they gave off. Very nostalgic to me, even though they were from my parents youth, not my own. The vintage filters on BeFunky specifically really gets the colors just right and look really authentic!
Q
What are some of the things you've learned as a photographer over time?
A
I've never really taken formal photography class or anything, but if there's one thing I've learned it's that you need to take photos of everything you see and everything you like. And you have to be aware that not every photo you take is going to be a masterpiece. Art is about learning, and about that one moment when something beautiful intersects with your hard work and talent to produce a masterpiece--you always have to be in search of the incredible!
Q
Any tips for other photographers out there?
A
Don't ever give up! If photography is something you truly want to do, the only one that affects that decision should be you. If you want something enough, it will be yours. Even the sky isn't the limit--there's so much beyond it. Keep dreaming!
Thanks Ashlei! If you love Fauxfawn's pictures as much as we do, you can find tons more of her photos on her BeFunky page and on her blog! We can't wait to see what she posts next that's for sure!
