The evolving styles of photographer Abby Greenawalt

We are pleased to introduce you to Abby Greenawalt. Abby has taken the time out of her busy schedule to talk to us, so let’s get down to it.

ephotos: Where are you based?

AG: I’m based in Washington, DC.

ephotos: When did you realize photography was your thing?

AG: No single moment made me realize photography was my thing. It’s the result of classes, internships, assisting work, and talking to a lot of people! However, I did have a college professor that really challenged me. At the beginning of the semester I couldn’t stand his class, but by the end it was the only class I wanted to get an A in. Turns out I got an A-.

ephotos: We read that you interned with Annie Leibovitz. Tell us a little about that experience.

AG: It was amazing and by far one of the most rewarding experiences. A week after I got the call I was in NY, knowing nothing about the city. I was lucky to even find the place! The internship consisted of typical intern duties, as well as the chance to witness some of the most incredible shoots. I’ll never forget the day we set-up for a shoot on the roof of the MOMA,in July. It was so hot and windy we had to hold the equipment down while our shoes melted to the roof. Not to mention the amount of equipment we had to haul to the roof, only to find out they got the shot at a different location. Ohhh, good times!

ephotos: Were there other photographers that inspired or influenced you?

AG: Absolutely, I’m very inspired by other photographer’s work. I am drawn to the creative work of Tierney Gearon, Carter Berg’s fashion work, and the lifestyle work of Martyn Thompson. I’ve always been influenced by Diane Arbus, Sally Mann, and Avedon. Recently I attended a lecture with Peter-Joel Witkin - talk about pushing the limits! The list goes on...

ephotos: What type and what style of photography do you shoot?

AG: My fine art and commercial work focuses on portraiture and lifestyle. I’m drawn to an array of styles, some traditional and some more creative. It’s constantly evolving.

ephotos: What equipment do you use?

AG: My favorite camera is a Yashica-MAT. It’s a lot of fun to use, and easy to transport. I also shoot with a Toyo-View D45A. I love the way it slows down the process of taking a portrait. Instead of shooting 50 frames, I may shoot 8. It forces me to pay attention to all the details. When I’m shooting commercially, I use a Nikon D200.

ephotos: What is the worst thing that has happened to you during a shoot?

AG: Nothing too horrible, please don’t jinx me! The truth is, things do go wrong (weather, flat tires, etc.) and you have to be ready to deal with it and make it work.

ephotos: Do you have a flash or html site?

AG: My site is flash based. It’s hosted by livebooks, which is great. There’s no middleman. www.abbygreenawalt.com .

ephotos: Do you have a rep or agent?

AG: Not at the moment, but I’m entertaining the idea of one.

ephotos: Do you travel a lot for work? Where have you been recently?

AG: Recently I traveled to the Midwest to shoot a portion of the US Army’s “Faces of Strength” campaign. I hope to do more travel work. There’s a chance I’ll be in CO soon, as well as possible international nonprofit work. My fingers are crossed!

ephotos: Do you deal with any stock agencies?

AG: Currently I’m not, but I am looking into it.

ephotos: Do you use a resource site or publication?

PDN Photoserve

ephotos: Who are Natalie, Charlotte, Gertrude, Lillian, Trude, Marie, Ann, and Jackie? How did that project/series come about?

AG: The project was inspired by my great grandmother, Lillian. In her, I see the beauty of her old age. As with the rest of the remarkable women (who are not nearly as old as my 96 year-old great grandmother), I met by chance or knew already. All in all, the project deals with aging gracefully and the relationship to symbolical artifacts.

ephotos: What are you working on now?

AG: I’m working on a portrait project of the spouses of the Ambassadors of the EU. It’s an insider’s look at the men and women who play an important role, along with their significant other in representing their respective nations. It will exhibit in the Spring of 2009. Aside from that I’m working on a portrait project with earthy material. Elements include insects, roots, etc. Yes, my friends think I’m strange. Stay tuned!

ephotos: What do you think about what we’re doing at ephotos?

AG: It’s fantastic. Keep it up!

ephotos: Is there anything else you’d like to say about yourself and your work?

AG: This interview has been a fun process, so thank you! Also, if ever in DC please check out: www.pitchforkstudio.com . It’s a rental studio in the heart of Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. It’s a cozy and rustic 700 sq. ft. studio that is convenient to the city. Hopefully I’ll see you soon!

ephotos: Thank you so much Abby! We’ve enjoyed learning more about you and how you do it. We will keep an eye on you and remember, keep the focus!