I wanted to shoot a grunge story for a long time. It was a period I lived through, but wasn't entirely cognizant of, and it inspires me the most from a fashion standpoint. I wanted to differentiate it from other similarly themed editorials by making it a satire of teen femininity, and giving it a sense of sarcasm and deadpan humor. I basically just wanted it to come off like Daria was behind the camera, shooting an editorial.

2. What do you find to be the most difficult when bringing a team of artists together to create a cohesive look? How do you pick the right team?

Like a lot of people, I most often try to work with those who I’m familiar with, who I already know that I work well with and can depend on. The only sometimes unpredictable component of a shoot, I feel, is the model(s) and their capabilities. We lucked out in this case, and were able to work with a model (Lea) who channeled everything we envisioned so effortlessly and intuitively.

3.As an editorial artist, what do you feel is one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make?

Focusing on fashion for the sake of fashion, and not using one’s head. Great garments and smart styling are for sure an important part of a good story, but as far as I’m concerned, fashion editorial is less about fashion, and more about feeling. Have something interesting to communicate.

4.How would you describe your artistic style?

Pessimistic and weird, and very story driven. It’s difficult for me to shoot without some kind of pre-imagined back-story, or a solid concept or idea as my base.

5.Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

Behind, of course. Unless I’m with non-photographer or fashion friends. In that case, in front of it, because I know I can out-pose all of them!

6.What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?

Location vs. studio. I enjoy shooting on location, and an interesting spot can inspire a whole story, but I still sometimes feel a slight sense of intimidation that comes from a lack of total control while on location. My greatest strength is my mind, my ability to conceptualize, and to take ideas and twist and shape them to fit my voice.

7.What misconceptions do you think outsiders have about fashion and beauty editorials?

That modeling is the simplest job ever, when in fact it takes a good amount of charisma, imagination and improvisational skill to create truly special pictures. And that fashion photographers are outlandish and bombastic and constantly screaming “WORK WITH ME GURL!!!”

8.What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following your passion?

Be emotionally resilient. Learn to cope with rejection and remain relatively unfazed by it, but at the same time take criticism to heart and use it to your benefit. Also stay humble, and constantly willing to listen and learn.

9.Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing while you are shooting?

Making personalized playlists is my possibly my favorite part of every shoot, other than actually shooting. Music is a huge part of my process and helps me to form ideas. The soundtrack of this story was a blend of old and new, and loaded with a lot of outspoken, unapologetic female artists. Garbage, Hole, Fiona Apple, Bikini Kill, Peaches, Sneaker Pimps, etc, etc.

10.Words to live by?

“If you can’t laugh at yourself, life’s gonna seem a whole lot longer than you’d like.” -(Oscar winning) Natalie Portman, in Garden State.