TEST Interview: N Rulff Photography

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 77th in our series and is with Nicole Rulff from NRulffPhotography.

What made you get into photography, and if applicable, what did you do before photography; what made you want to leave it behind?

Photography is one of my many passions and hobbies, but it is the one pursuit that I have been dedicated to in study and practice consistently for the past 15 years. It was through my father that I first entered into the world of photography. He taught me all about shutter speed, aperture, light metres etc., and gave me access to his library of photography and art books. It was here that I was introduced to the work of photographer and writer Freeman Patterson, who became the next big influence in my photography.  Officially (through education and employment), I am a mathematician, a teacher, and a park naturalist, but, like most people, these definitions fall short, and so I just like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. 

I really like how I see a lot of play with soft billowing tones of colours and textures in your photography, a lot of the time it's nature related, is there a story behind the organic look of your work?

"Soft" and "billowing" are apt descriptions for my photography :: ) ! I found that, even early on in my photography, I was not drawn to take pictures of any "thing" in particular, but rather, of those combinations of light that create a feeling of comfort in me. I am not sure how to explain this, even to myself. I think part of what draws me to a particular picture is a desire to simplify and rationalize the chaotic world around me. To create reason and beauty in places that would seek to overwhelm. In this way is photography something of an escape for me. When I shoot, I think only of the moment, of what I see, feel, hear, and smell.  I also am an introvert, and am easily overwhelmed by being around people for too long. Being by myself (especially in nature), brings me a peace that I find easy to lose in the day-to-day stresses of life.


Check out the other items available from Nicole in her NRulffPhotography Etsy Shop!  You can also find her at:
www.nrulff.com
www.flickr.com/photos/shebot/



Interviewed by Karoliina of RowanStudios, April 30, 2015, in Toronto.