Interview with Phryneas

Time to get to know a bit more about Phryneas. You've seen the work, let's hear a little something about the person.

Give us a short introduction about you.
I am a seventeen-years old photo-fanatic. My nickname, Phryneas is some kind of joke - just try to find out who/was phryne is - I like people calling me Phryneas without knowing what it means - even if it's not really nice

Where did you grow up? Tell us a little story about the young you.
Well, I grew up where I actually live - at home
I live in a small village next to a lake that was created to stop the every-year high water we had in the winter and now is a tourist attraction for people who don't like the sea or the mountains. Have I mentioned that I sometimes really hate tourists? They are everywhere in summer, sometimes even camping in nature reserves...

What aspect of yourself really stands out? Any peculiar habits or odd fascinations?
I'm fanatic on everything I get hooked to. With eight years, I was hooked to my PC and Programming, now I got hooked to photography.
Nonetheless, I will study informatics when I'm done with school, not photography

What is that common every day thing that can really make your day?
Cappuchino, Latte Macciato, Espresso, everything containing coffein. I have a low blood pressure and circulatory disturbances so this often enough really rescues my day.

Visual artists and music is like cookies and milk, does music do anything for you?
Music contains feelings. Art contains feelings. Music is some kind of art. Of course, they are connected and of course the music I hear influences what I do. The music I listen to goes to the direction of Jazz/Blues/Swing, what means Katie Malue, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and Dido just to mention the most famous of them.
If you know any more good music in that direction, I'd be happy about a PM

Which artists really influence you?
Well, I don't know many artists outside of GFXartist, so just have a look at my favourite artists list

How would you describe your style?
Phew... I'm not even sure if I have already found one. Well, I oversharpen most of my pics - that may be a first sign of style... But I'm not sure

Is there something specific that sparked your creative side?
Well, there was that sunset on 08/19/2004 - I ran out with the camera I had used sometimes to take dog photos but nothing more - and kept shooting. I posted the photos to GFXartist and became good responses. So I just kept shooting

What's your opinion about traditional media? Is it an advantage to have experience with real pencils, paint or conventional camera?
Real pencils? Well, I like to use them but I don't like what comes out in the end... I have to train that someday
And a conventional camera? Well, I fear I'm not good enough to make effective use of one, but someday I'll sure try as it's a great possibility to take photos that last much longer

Do you strive to be as versatile as possible or do you stick to one thing?
Within photography, I've done already many things and will try out many more in the future. With other medias, I haven't done many things as I am unfortunately not THAT talented. But when i have enough time I'm gonna try to improve

How do you work? Describe the process you go through.
1. Go out of the door.
2. Check if i got my memory card and batteries.
3. Take photos.
4. Post-process in GIMP

I think that's all

What equipment do you use to create your work?
I use a Nikon D70 (a really really really great camera ) with a Nikkor 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5 lens and a Tamron 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 lens
For post-processing, I use the GIMP, a free Photoshop equivalent

Wich programs do you use and what do you use them for?
I use GIMP as I already stated - I just want to say a second time: it's GREAT

How do you work on improving yourself? Any secrets you'd like to share?
Experiment experiment experiment ... and look for some tutorials in the internet

Describe your dream job. Where would you love to let loose your creativity?
Creating a computer game. I think it's the perfect balance between art and programming

Any final words for the readers?
Wow, you really read through all this? Please leave a comment