About ilina s / Ilina S.  

A small interview >
(It's translated in French, but below the French part there is the original in English).





Howdy! :-) My name is ILINA. Originally from Bulgaria, I now live in NYC and I do web/UI design for a living (and for joy).



I got intrigued by photography in the summer of 2006 when I took some artistic snapshots with my point-and-shoot camera and then in December 2006 I bought my Canon 30D with EF28-135mm lens. Shortly after I discovered the incredibly talented photographers on Flickr, in particular self-portrait artists such as LaraJade, KedraLynn, Quizz and Miss Aniela. I fell in love with self-portrait photography and started experimenting.

I am still experimenting. I think I have progressed a lot although I am still searching for myself artistically. My stream is very autobiographical as I got used to pouring my emotions into my pictures.

It's been truly amazing to share my journey into photography with other artists here on Flickr. Thank you all for your support and inspiration! It really pushed me.

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F.A.Q.

What equipment do you use?
As I mentioned, Canon 30D with EF28-135mm lens, and as of recently, an EF17-40mm lens. My earliest work was done with a point-and-shoot Canon, I forget the make.

Can I add you as a contact?
Sure thing, go ahead. I should mention though, that I have stopped opening my notifications because my inbox has gone way out of control :-( So I do not really check who's added me anymore. But you do not need my permission in order to make me a contact anyway. Of course it is a compliment to me if you do, so thank you!

What Photoshop filters / effects do you apply on your pictures?
Every picture is different, but I very rarely use filters. I do use gradients, color adjustments, layer blending and plenty of the dodging and burning tool. Sometimes I use more than one image to make one picture (only personal stock). When it comes to Photoshop there is no one solution to it all. Just experiment as much as you can, and online tutorials could be of great help. I cannot recommend any one in particular but if you want guidance on retouching such as "how to smooth skin" or "how to apply texture on an image" just try and google it - I have found this to be the most efficient way to learn new stuff just when you need it.

What kind of lighting do you use?
A desk lamp (which normally gives the warm glow), or a fluorescent ceiling lamp (which looks like daylight) or natural light. I have not used any studio lighting yet.
Update: Well I got a new hot lamp and a reflector as of Nov / Dec 2008 :-) Capturing movement at home is a little easier and sharper now!

www.ilinas.com
New York, NY, USA