S H I R L E Y C R O S S
Interviewed by Sequoyah
8/20/01
Your photos touch the child in all of us...How have you managed , as an adult , to maintain the pristine innocence of youth so clearly with your lens?
I'm not sure, except that my head has always been in the clouds a bit. My teachers told my parents that I had great potential, but I daydreamed too much.
Of course, my family are romantics. I was raised with the classics of both literature and music. (I loved myths and fairy tales.)
My father was a musician and poet and my mother wrote poetry and loved to sing, so did my grandparents. My aunt was a painter.
Much of my time was spent dreaming and making up poetry and songs, or drawing and painting. I flitted around pretending I was a wood nymph, having no real idea what that meant, except that I would be beautiful and out in beautiful nature. I guess I retained some of that youthful optimism, even though life has taught me to be somewhat cynical.
The photographs and resulting art are a happy retreat from the harsh realities of our world.What a great amount of talent lies stored in your inherited genes.. AND, you certainly use them! Now, about fantasy...which character represents you..if any ...and if not...why not?
I suppose I project myself into all of these fantasies as the beautiful woman figures, although I never consciously thought about it 'til you asked.
Do you have a special time allotted for photographing or is it an "urge fulfilled"...a moment of inspiration?
It is definitely an "urge fulfilled", although I do have to schedule appointments with my models. Ideas come to me constantly. Sometimes the most unlikely things will inspire me to start a project. Since my husband and I are retired, I have more freedom to work on those "urges".
Aha! Now for the "photographers info"... What programs do you use on PC to get the Shirley Cross effects ?
I take mostly slides, which I scan into the computer with my Nikon LS-2000 film scanner. I have four software programs, but have only mastered the two "simple" ones. Microsoft Picture It is the easiest and the one I use most; MGI Photosuite III is the other I use quite often. I also have ULead Photo Impact and Adobe Photoshop 5.5, which I have yet to learn.
Shirley, Do you have any hobbies such as art shows etc?
Actually, I do participate in some small art shows locally. Mainly, photography and creating works of art from my photos is my hobby and passion. I also enjoy reading, many kinds of music and sci fi shows and movies.
Great!, what a well rounded gal you are!
What advice would you have for a novice just starting out?First of all, do not be discouraged. If this is what you love to do, do it. My husband taught me the basic mechanics of the camera, but I learned so much by reading everything I could and by trial and error. Remember, everyone starts at the beginning. Just as with playing sports or playing an instrument, practice makes perfect. It helps if you have a passion for what you are trying to do.
Shirley, this has been a delightful interview ...you are as charming as your lil photo-fairies ! I will see you on PixiPort.
E-Mail: Shirley Cross
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