Hello, all you lovely people! With so many of us being stuck at home right now MoMo and I thought it would be a great idea to bring a new artist to the studio! We are proud to be able to feature the works of Raven (Rayvenous Resident). I had the pleasure of sitting down with her recently, here's how it went...
I am so excited to have the opportunity to interview such an amazing artist! So first question… How did you hear about Second Life, and what got you started?
Raven: I first heard of Second Life from a friend. I tried it for a few weeks and didn’t see the big hype but then I found photography and therefore my passion.
What are some of the things that you love about Second Life? What keeps you coming back?
Raven: I love meeting people from all around the globe. I love being able to be myself freely, without judgment. My love for my friends and photography definitely keeps me coming back.
I love your work. What got you started in photography?
Raven: I met a friend when I first arrived in SL. He was a photographer himself so he introduced me to the lifestyle. After that, it was just an adventure finding my niche.
I have always said photography is a journey; it is not about being the best, but about where you are going. Why do you take photos? Are you trying to say something to the world?
Raven: My photos are usually a pictation of the mood I am in at that moment. It’s a way of expressing myself and hopefully helping others that may be struggling with the same emotions.
When you decide you want to do a new photo what is your creative process like from start to finish?
Raven: Ha. I’m not sure I have a “process”. It starts with an emotion. Am I sad, happy, feeling sexy, or just in a melancholy state of mind. Then it’s the outfit, the outfit definitely sets the whole scene in motion. Then it’s either shopping through my inventory for decor, backdrops, anything I can find to create the perfect scene (or spending linden which I do way too often lol). Once the scene is set, the moment is captured, I then set out to find the perfect mood-setting song and the title flows from that. Pretty basic, nothing too elaborate, it just starts and ends with emotion. I think we can all relate to that.
Yes, I think we all can! What advice would you give to new photographers in Second Life?
Raven: Do what you feel in the moment. Do not worry if others will like it or not. It’s not a journey to be stressed over, it’s a journey of fun, learning, and expressing oneself.
I love that! Do you have any photography inspirations in either Second Life or Real Life?
Raven: My first inspiration was Mark Steiner, he got me started and taught me so much and I’m forever thankful to him for that. There’s also Abyss Spires, who is a great person and teacher, willing to share any knowledge he has. Others are Dusty Pedroia, Terr Jedda, Lou Shadow and many many others. There are really so many great photographers that inspire me to do better.
So how about we talk about the hud that brought us together, LUMIPro! How did you hear about LUMIPro, and what made you decide to take the plunge and get the HUD?
Raven: I heard about LUMIPro from Mark Steiner. The ease of use and tools available on one HUD sold me. It was a little bit of a learning curve at first but now I can’t imagine doing my photography without it. The ability to store poses, lighting adjustments, GOBOs (my favorite), and the fact you can use it without having to rez a pose stand (though that’s absolutely an option as well).
I am glad you love it! Do you have a favorite LUMIPro feature?
Raven: GOBOs and the projector are my favorite features by far.
TexasRob did a great job with the GOBOs. If you could pick a new LUMIPro feature what would it be?
Raven: Maybe an impossible task, but the ability to save couple poses, that would be a wonderful feature
So tell me something else… Maybe share something our readers won’t know. What makes you who you are?
Raven: The main thing that makes me who I am is that I am true to myself. I don’t try to be anyone else. I love who I am and I want to share that with the world. I never meet a stranger and I am a friend to the end.
Last but not least what are your hopes for your future in Second Life?
Raven: To continue on my journey of photography. To learn and grow as not only a photographer but as a person as well. I want to experience life in ways I am constricted to in Real Life. After all, that is what Second Life is about, right? It’s a gateway to so many opportunities one may not be able to achieve, for countless reasons, in Real Life.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to let me shine. To show the world of Second Life my journey and hopefully join me on the path of endless possibilities.
I had a wonderful time hanging out with Raven! I am excited to have her work featured in LUMIPro's Gallery. DJ 4-Play will be keeping the party going for us! I hope to see you all there!
