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| Photo: Dana Boulos |
The photographer and creative director's exploration of youth culture has been featured in Oyster Magazine, Rookie Magazine and Elle Girl Japan. But, ultimately, Dana Boulos' work speaks for and to us because she's captured-- on film -- the perfect oxymoron: that Teendom is terribly beautiful. Or terribly terrible depending on who you ask.
But even the worst moments are kind of magic, even if just for pretending to be on an episode of Freaks and Geeks or seeing one of Dana Boulos' art pieces and having it speak into your soul. YOUR SOUL!!!!
After my interview with Dana, I decided to search for the wonderful in the terrible. I've also decided to complain less about gym class. And don't think I won't be holding you to the same standard. I’ll be watching you. I am the eyes and ears of this institution.
DANA: I was about 5 years old when I discovered a camera, [and I] Decided to photograph everything and anything around me.
Who are your influences?
I'm influenced by youth culture, fashion, shapes and color. I admire David Hamilton, Sarah Moon, Larry Clark, Guy Bourdin, Shirin Neshat, and Hedi Slimane.
You've been published by some really cool magazines -- online and in print. At first, did you feel nervous about putting something as personal as photography out into the world? Do you still ever feel that way now? How do you put yourself in the mind set to say "Hey, world! Look at this thing I made, I hope you like it!"
It's really important to showcase your work especially right now in the world we live in. I don't really care about what people think, I think thats extremely important when it comes to doing what you love...do what feels right to you, even when people think your work is awful.
Is there anything you do before a shoot to relax or prepare, or do you just wing it?
I usually make a mood board before a shoot that way the model or client understands what type of vibe the shoot will be like.
What has taught you to look for the moments to capture on camera?
It's not specifically something you look for, it just happens. It's hard to really explain but when something visually happens that I think looks amazing I tend to capture it so I can never forget it. It's sort of my way of freezing time.
A lot of your work centers around teenagers and being in the suburbs, what continually draws you to that subject?
Youth culture to me is something I will always be able to relate to. I feel like deep down inside I'm forever going to be 17.
I'm 17! So, you also creative direct, do you keep a mood board? Do you find that as a creative director you're drawn to something that you keep returning to?
Yes I do! I have loads of them, the only way my brain functions [is] by having visual mood boards. Growing up I ruined so many computers by saving and scanning images from books or magazines to keep on file, but nowadays you have Tumblr which honestly is the best thing ever to happen to me. [My Tumblr] is where I keep all images that inspire me.
What do you want your viewers to take from your work?
I want it to be seen more than just a photograph but as an art piece you would hang in your room or home. An image that makes you feel like you froze time but on your wall.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be an artist like you?
Never give up! Even if someone says "You're not going to make any money!" or "You're not good enough to make it". As cliche as this might sound, you have the power in being whatever you want to be-- as long as you stay positive and work hard, you'll make it.