Fridae

Tay Kriv has worked as a photographer and photo assistant in studios, design houses and LGBT publications from San Francisco to Melbourne. She spoke to LOTL International about her work.

Above: Tay Kriv's (top of page) black and white protraits.

LOTL: When are you a 'lesbian' photographer, and when are you not?

Tay: I am always a lesbian photographer. I don't play any roles for any specific times when I'm shooting. Being a lesbian is part of me and that's who I am and that's how I identify.

LOTL: Where / how did you learn the craft?

Tay: I picked up photography when I was in high school. I started out playing around in the dark room in art classes and took up a three-year course at a photography school.

LOTL: What kind of camera / film / process do you use?

Tay: I shoot with Nikon and Canon equipment. I shoot both digital and film. With film I shoot a lot of black and white 35mm and I process and print everything myself. Then I also use Photoshop for editing.

LOTL: Why are portraits your favorite format?

Tay: Everyone has a story and with portraits you can really capture that. I like to photograph people of an intimate level and shooting portraits allows me to get to know my subjects.

LOTL: What kind of subject / person do you look for to photograph?

Tay: Anyone and everyone. I think each person has a unique look and the chance to capture that is an amazing feeling.

LOTL: Where were the Asian portraits taken?

Tay: The Asian portraits were taken at my home studio using 35 mm black and white Kodak film and a light box as the only lighting with a black backdrop. Then they were hand printed and processed.

LOTL: What is your next photographic project?

Tay: To take more portraits within the queer community but this time concentrating more on transgender people.

LOTL: Where can we see more of your work?

Tay: I don't have my web site up yet, but my prints are for sale and available in different sizes and mounts including framed or block mounted. Prices are POA. Email taykriv@hotmail.com.

This interview was first published in the January 2008 edition of LOTL International. The online magazine is accessible at http://lotl.fridae.com free of charge.