Sharlotte Fondeur-Casas, an up-and-coming photographer from New York, was uncertain about her professional future. Today, Sharlotte has made up her mind and has every intention of taking the photography scene by storm. Read on and learn how Sharlotte discovered her true passion, as well as her inspirational tips for success for ambitious teens!
iaam: While you were still enrolled at Hofstra University, you declared Psychology as your major. Why did you choose Psychology?
Sharlotte: I was taking an A.P. Psychology course my senior year of high school and I got really interested in the entire field back then. I always found, and still do now, the human mind so fascinating. If the career path for psychology wasn't so extensive I would have probably finished pursuing it. I guess I just didn't have the drive!
iaam: Why did you transfer?
Sharlotte: My reason for transferring had nothing to do with my major program. It was a combination of commuting expenses (and time) and financial aid.
iaam: What prompted your decision to switch your major?
Sharlotte: I always wanted to be photography minor at the least. I sometimes thought about making it my major but always had a doubt in the back of my mind. That was until I met with my new advisor at Hofstra University, Allison. I told her my major was psychology and she paused for a minute, looked at me, and said "you have fine arts written all over you." So I explained to her how I wanted to be a photo minor because I really love the arts, and she said "Go for it! Always do what you want to, take a chance at least. If you love it, you'll be happy." So I definitely owe her one for that final push.
iaam: Are your parents supportive?
Sharlotte: My parents are always supportive with any decision I make, academically, as long as its sound. Their advice to me is always "if it makes you happy, then just do it." So, yes they were very supportive and I'm always thankful for that.
iaam: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Sharlotte: I wanted to be a whole bunch of things! You know how kids are. I'm the type of person that gets easily bored studying one subject, so I'm surprised I haven't changed my major again from photography. When I was growing up I wanted to be an actress, singer, teacher, and psychologist.
iaam: What do you think are the positive and negatives about choosing Photography as your major?
Sharlotte: I think the positive is that people will always need photographs. With today's abundance of technology, people are documenting their lives with more ease than a few decades ago. There will always be weddings, and birthdays. One way to keep these memories is to photograph them. So as long as these traditions are kept, photographers will always have a job. As for negatives, I feel the rapid advancement in technology can be a little hard to keep up with, especially with all the new equipment and software available to photographers now. It can be a positive, but at the same time it can be a little difficult to adjust to.
iaam: How have your college classes shaped you or improved your photography skills?
Sharlotte: Without them I don’t think I would have improved as much! My professors always offer great advice, especially when it comes to days which we critique each other’s work. Critiques are so essential to helping you grow as an artist.
iaam: When did you first start building up your portfolio?
Sharlotte: I'm actually building my portfolio now! I'm a semester behind in my major program at St. John's since I transferred.
iaam: Since the job market is so competitive, do you ever feel pressured to change your career choice or discouraged? If so, how do you deal?
Sharlotte: Definitely not. It is a competitive field in the sense that your portfolio should be top notch if applying to the better photography or visual arts schools. But I feel this competition can be positive because it pushes me to improve and critique my art even more. You should always be trying to improve in your art, no matter how much experience you have.
iaam: Who inspires you and why?
Sharlotte: Aspiring photographers my age actually inspire me more than well known photographers. I feel they are more passionate about their art because they are still striving to reach their ultimate career goal. As for someone that's close to me, my best friend Chelsea always inspires me. She is always very supportive about my art and I think even more excited about it than I am! Even if she doesn't know it, she always pushes me to keep going. I always appreciate her support.
iaam: What do you like to shoot?
Sharlotte: I love portraits. I'm looking to go into fashion photography.
iaam: Who is your fashion icon? Why?
Sharlotte: I'm so happy you asked this question! My favorite icon has to be Edie Sedgwick. Ever since watching the movie Factory Girl and going online and doing research on her I fell in love. Even though Edie was a drug addict, there was a certain poise that she carried out even while being in this state of mind. As others described her, she was definitely the "it" girl of the 60's. She symbolizes what the silver sixties were in New York. Her personality will always intrigue me; no matter how many years go by she will never bore me. There's a mystery about her that keeps you wanting to know more even 40 years after her death.
iaam: Who would you like to work with?
Sharlotte: Claus Wickrath or Lara Jade: two of my favorite fashion photographers.
iaam: Why would you like to work with Claus Wickrath and Lara Jade?
Sharlotte: Well, there's no doubt that their portfolios are one of the main reason why I'm such a fan, and would love to work alongside them someday. However, how both artists handled their career is something very inspiring to me. Wickrath's consistency in his success can be something I can learn from and Lara Jade's passion and perseverance (I believe she launched her career at 17) pushes me to do the same. Both can be really great mentors.
iaam: How long does a photo shoot usually take?
Sharlotte: Depending on the set-up, whether it’s outdoors or in a studio, timing varies. It all depends on outside factors, like location, your model, equipment and more.
iaam: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Sharlotte: Hopefully with an established name in the photography world, and living in NYC!
iaam: What is your immediate goal? Future goal?
Sharlotte: My immediate goal is just to build my portfolio and expose myself to other photographers’ work. I always want to have an internship by the end of this year. My future goal is to graduate with a job secured for me somewhere in the city in a photography studio or magazine firm.
iaam: If someone was interested in pursuing a career in Photography, what would you advise them to do first?
Sharlotte: Always be passionate about it. If it's something that feels like a drag then change your career. Always be willing to learn from your professors, they have great advice to offer on how to improve your photography style. Never be pompous about your work, ever. Lastly, start building your portfolio as soon as possible, even if you’re still in high school. That was something I regret not doing!
iaam: Is there anything you'd like to say to readers about choosing a career in general?
Sharlotte: Always, always, be passionate about it.
Check out Sharlotte’s blog http://littleworldshaker.blogspot.com/
