Hot Spot : Gizelle Marie

Si Gizelle Marie o mas kilala bilang Mirage ay isa sa mga naging close ko sa mundo ng social media at syempre pati na rin sa photography. Naging magkaibigan kami dahil sa isang blogger group kung saan nagpapalitan kami ng kaming mga kuro-kuro tungkol sa aming mga ginawang mga blogpost at di lamang yun dahil parehas kami ng hobbies ay mas lalong naging swak ang aming kuro-kuro.

At di lamang yun gusto-gusto ko ang ilan sa mga shoot niya lalong-lalo sa mga banat niya sa landscape.

Tara kilalanin pa natin lalo si Marie sa aking munting interview.

Name / Alias: Gizelle Marie/Mirage
Website: http://viennadailyfotos.com, http://www.gmirage.com
http://mariekhan.com
Location: Vienna, Austria
Age: 32
Education: AB Journalism
Genre of Photography: Candid, Drive By, Landscape, Portrait, Street, Travel, Food, Still Life, Night, Macro-photography

Tell me about yourself that people don't know:
I sound arrogant, I won’t contradict that. Lol. That could be a defensive mechanism…but those who know me well says I’m the friendliest person around. 

How did you get started in photography? and what camera did you use? 
I was a writer of UST’s publication when I found my Dad’s Canon T60 lying around the house. I tried out for a slot (2000) when we went short of photographers covering news functions, art exhibits, sports events and it all started then. Shoots, film developing and photo printing in the darkroom were part of the experience. The Canon T60 was with me through it all, it’s still alive and is 22-years-old now.

How would you characterize the style of your photography?
I’m more of a shoot at the moment type and would identify myself mostly as a mamarazzi and I sneak around people’s back to take a shot. ^_^ I dig minimalism a lot too.

Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?
My editors back then and an artist friend, who is now a famous director, talked me into photography. My kids and the ever-supportive husband push me to do better.

How did you become a photographer? And when did your career start as a professional photographer?
I’m no professional photographer but photography is the one thing that I know and do well. It’s fulfilling if you get compensated for doing something you truly love. You know it’s true what they say, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Why did you make photography your career? 
Again, it’s the one thing I know and do well but no, it’s not really my career…yet. 

How did you go about selling your first photograph?
Back in the days, I get a monthly salary from the University publication but the first photo I sold is that of my kids to a parenting magazine. I would then take shots related to the articles for the magazine.

What makes a good photographer in your opinion? 
Photographers vary widely and depending on the genre…what makes a good wedding photographer is different from what makes a good sports photographer. Though good photographers make use of light – both natural and artificial – to their advantage. They manipulate light to make the most stunning photographs.

Do You Have A Favorite Walk Around Lens...If yes, what is it? 
Canon 50 mm. I don’t use flash much and I love the nifty-fifty for being a fast lens that can shoot well even in the dark.

Which one item or equipment would you say is the most important to you?
One lang? :D For the 7d, I’m good with the 50mm lens; for the 5d, I’m good with the 17-55mm lens.

What is the most rewarding part of photography? 
Aside from the comments uploaded photos get, it’s the private messages sent by those who saw my  photos asking for advice on what camera to buy or  how to get better with photography.  It’s like they were inspired to venture into photography and they trust my experience and judgment when it comes to choosing gears.

What is your most embarrassing experience as a photographer?
It was when I was a participant in a photo contest and at a Matinee where the guests were Austria’s president, Vienna’s mayor and colleagues...I ran out of batteries. :/ I had to run to the nearest shop to buy new ones…

How did photography change your life?
I always look for the beauty of a scene, whether when I wake up and I look out of the window, when I’m just walking in the streets or when I am goofing off with my son…I aim to capture a part of reality through a photo.

I know you have been working with some of the famous and influential people in the country but may I ask whom do you wish/dream to work with. And why?
No, not really. The most famous I might have worked with is…my husband. Kidding!

Not really to work with but I would love to meet Terry Richardson and ask him how he does it with a point and shoot. I would also love to meet Hiroshi Sugimoto, the guy’s simply awesome!

What tips can you give to someone aspiring to be a professional photographer?
There are many photographers already ahead of you but if you feel that you have the “eye” then don’t let my previous statement destroy your urge to learn and just do it.

What are the best tools for a beginner to learn on (besides the camera)?
Aside from the basic rules of photography (is this a tool? lol), which you can bend after adhering to them…develop your eye and learn the etiquette that entails a photographer.

Here some of the photos of Gizelle Marie

Flower Shop, Vienna

Pantheon, Rome

Chain Bridge, Budapes

Piazza Michelangelo, Florence

Big Ferris Wheel, Vienna

What are the pros and cons of being a photographer? Please be specific.
Pro: As a blogger, you get good photos to post along with your articles. As a mom, you get to capture precious moments of your kids and they can be sure that their entire childhood is covered…

Con: I call the gears neck-breakers and shoulder-breakers. :/

I know you like traveling for shoot or even for chill-out, can you tell me where is the best place to be to do some shoot? and why there?
Personally, I find the most picturesque corner when I (or hubby and I) get lost in the streets of an unfamiliar city. But the view from atop a mountain, tower or a castle is priceless too…especially in spring when the colors of nature is most intense. Dawn or daybreak also makes for stunning photos.

What goal are you working towards your photography and when will you know you have reached it?
If my photos get published, a coffee table book would be nice.

If you weren't a photographer or a multimedia artist, what would you want to be? Why?
An author. Writing is my first love, photography was accidental.

How do you see yourself 20 or 30 yrs from now?
Hmm…Photography-related, I might still be clicking the shutter button by then.

What Kind of Legacy Do You Want to Leave?
I want my kids to remember me as the “mom who was always there to capture our memories”...I would be happy when one day they’d be grateful that they don’t only remember those precious childhood moments just like that, I have proofs of those pieces of reality for them via my photographs.

Any final message? Its your time to shine..
Photography is wonderful and it’s meant to be shared to others. You’re taking a chunk of reality and through your photos, you write your own history. It is always best to develop your eye, practice and stick with the rules before bending them. You and your camera/s (and lenses too) works together, none of you is better than the other….Natural light is always the best, but a reflector won’t hurt either.