When I first found Rekha Garton Flickr Account, I seriously went page by page excited to see what was next and all the while having a hard time moving of the current page. Her Images have this complete feel to them that’s very hard to explain. But here it goes; I’ve been looking seriously at photographs for almost 9 years now. With each photograph I look at I always see something that I would change or do a little differently, not on purpose but because I’m a photographer myself. I’m almost never happy with my own results and always chasing perfection. However with Rekhan and her photos, I don’t. This is where the complete feeling comes from. Her photos have a perfection to them that I can’t see anything I would change. I’m pleased to bring you my interview with Rekha Garton.

Photos

So you are currently studying at Norwich School Of Art And Design; Tell us about the school and why you decided to go there?

Yeah I’m at NUCA, they changed their name to Norwich University Of The Arts, I have no idea why but whatever. My school is brilliant, but I somtimes wished I had looked into university’s more because it was the only one i applied for after finishing my a-levels. I wanted to stay in Norwich, but I think that’s more to do with the fact I still live with my parents which is cool I love it, and it means I don’t have to take out a student loan, yay no debt for me when i graduate!

In the past year who as been the most influential person in helping you discover your photography style

In the past year?! Nobody really to be honest. If anyone if would be Hedi Slimane, but I only recently deiscovered him because someone mentioned my work was a lot like his lately. I don’t know when i directly get influenced by someone, i don’t think, I knwo I am often influenced by lyrics from bands, or just music in general. I listen to music all the time, like I mean all the time! So music more than anything i guess!

What are you currently shooting with and what do you hope to be shooting with in 2 years?

I’m currently shooting with my Nikon D200, but also using my Yashica Mat-124G on the side with 120 film, just never scanned any results! Also using a 35mm SLR canon as well. Erm in two years A D3X would be very nice haha, I can’t imagine it happeneing atm though!

In your flickr profile you mentioned that people like to send you pictures of their naughty bits… Does, this happen a lot?

Yeah I dunno why but some random people on flickr seem to think I would love to see their bits or ranodm, ergh, makes me shudder thinking about it! It’s well inappropriate as well, cause sometimes im at collage in a huge room full of people and voila, i get porn on my screen, its not a good look! Haha.

Do you have anyway for people to purchase your photographs online?

Yeah I use redbubble.com so people can purchase work but i dont have all of it on there, so people can request if they wish.

I noticed you have one or two photographs that have nudity in them, How did your parents react to those photographs?

Yeah it took such a lont time for me to decide whether to post the nudity ones, but i went for it because to me its not about nudity its about the vunerablilty and essence of the photograph. My mum doesn’t mind at all, she’s up for anything i do, she does think i’m insane though, haha, especially last night when i photographed my nose bleed… hehe.

If you can photograph anyone living or dead who would you photograph?

Oooo I would photograph Jeff Buckley, without a doubt. I’m in love with him.

Do you do the make-up in all your photographs or do you have others help you?

Yeah i’ve done all the make-up in my photos, i havent had any training but i think it looks okay so meh! Sometimes in the middle of the night you can’t rely on people getting to you to help out with an idea for make-up purposes lol. But I have recently been in touch with a couple of makle-up artists interesting in collaberating on location shoot. so yay!

When you first started getting noticed by the flickr community how did you react to all the attention you were getting with every new photo?

I was really suprised at first, it was very ego boosting and this attention and critism i get strectched me further than my school did and does, so it’s been a brilliant process to go through.

What is one impression you hope the viewer takes away from your photographs?

I hope that people feel maybe a little inspired or thoughtful after seeing my work. All my work expresses a part of me, something much deeper than i’d be ever able to explain properly. So I hope people will either subconciously or conciously pick up on that.