Behind The Lens With Photographer Victoria Miritello

Prior to my duties as Editor in Chief of Tuc Magazine, I use to run a monthly segment called Behind The Seams. Behind The Seams was an interview concept that I came up with to not only interview designers on their upcoming collections or just to recap their career, but to go over the thought process as to why they love to create garments, and what inspires them at that exact moment of sketching and designing. Behind The Lens will be a similar concept in which I will gauge the thought process of photographers and what they look for in the given shot.  For the inaugural 2016 addition of Behind The Lens, I caught up with NYC photographer Victoria Miritello. Victoria offered us insight on her photo concepts as well as the moment when it all clicked for her to pursue her dream.

Ladale The Fashionisto: Your photography mostly consist of black and white images, what was the origin behind that concept ?

Victoria Miritello: I’ve gravitated towards black and white photography since my passion began.  There is something dark, yet beautiful about the contrast of the two colors.  It is a powerful combination that is extremely expressive for me.  It creates drama and allows me to express my gritty side 

LTF: In your bio, you mention that you “hope to spark conversation by creating pieces that elicit unique reactions and emotions” what have been some of your favorite creations and what emotion do you hope to garner from others in your creations?

Victoria : My favorite photographs are the pieces that do not look like the actual subject.  I want people to feel captivated and also a little perplexed.  Watching people as they question what the subject matter entails is when I know I took a good photograph.  I have a weakness for abstract art.  A garage door, can in fact, be intriguing!  It is cliché, and I am guilty of saying it too often, but…inspiration really is everywhere. 

LTF: How did your interest in photography and oil painting come about? Is there a photographer or artist that has inspired your style of work?

Victoria: Art was always consistently in my life, but I never considered it a passion until I failed at every sport imaginable.  Art was what I came back to, and fostering great relationships with my art teachers was a huge influence as well.  Richard Avedon, and Hedi Slimane are big inspirations of mine.  When I was 15 I did a project on Richard Avedon, subconsciously, I think that is why I gravitate toward black and white photography.  It really was my first taste of it.  Hedi Slimane is just a genius creative director and photographer.

LTF: You are clearly a versatile talent, you’re a photographer, painter, and blogger, how do you go about managing your time to handle all three? And which one do you enjoy the most?

Victoria: Why, thank you!  Since my art is really based off of a feeling and emotion, I usually go back and forth between photography and painting.  Painting is where I express everything and anything, and photography is where I put my spin and interpretation of the world.  My photographs can be bewildering at times; blogging is a way I can let my viewers know where the intention was with certain series. 

LTF: In your PSA blog post you mentioned that your art was “deeply personal”, and not “something that you shared with a lot of people”, when did it click for you that it was time to start putting yourself out there?

Victoria: Honestly, when I finally gained the confidence to do so.  You have to own your art, or else what are you really saying?  It took someone close to me, to believe in me and encourage me to just go for it.  Having supportive people around you is key.

LTF: If you weren’t a photographer/artist, what would you be doing today?

Victoria: I would be, without a doubt, working in corporate fashion.  I quit my full time job where I was working in fashion merchandising to pursue my art full time.  The riskiest and best decision I have made thus far. 

LTF: What advice do you have for those that are aspiring artist but perhaps lack the confidence to put themselves out there?

Victoria: Confidence is the key of life!  I would say to take some time to self reflect to ask yourself what you are scared of.  Yes, putting yourself out there is scary, but you can’t live your life in fear.  It will paralyze you from doing anything worthwhile.   

LTF: Where can people that enjoy your work go to purchase pieces from your collection ?

Victoria: Head to my website, www.victoriamiritello.com, to purchase my photographs.  And check out my Instagram and Facebook page for exclusive deals and behind-the-scene images.

 

Instagram: @victoriamiritellophotography

Facebook: @victoriamiritello