I discovered The Blissful Maven last month through the VSCO Film Users group and have been growing increasingly fond of Candice Zugich's work with every new image. I love the complete rawness in her photographs across the whole spectrum of portraiture, from the natural beauty of women to the true and honest love between couples, and every image is laden with a story and emotion.
Candice, it's a pleasure to have you here at Looks Like Film. Can you tell us a bit about where you are in life right now?
I'm in such a great place in life right now. I'm a Mother and and I have an amazing man who supports everything I do. My photography journey is at a place where I know who I am and what I want, and I think that is so important to move forward in the right direction.
How did you fall into the world of photography?
Fell is right. I was looking for meaning and I was looking for a way to stop time after my children were born. When I first started, it was all about my children and how to capture their childhood, and still is. But after a while, I realized I could find who I was through other genres of photography. So I branched out and tried so many new things and realized that no matter what I shot, it was emotionally driven. And that's how I got here :)
Let's talk about your style - do you have a clear vision in mind when shooting or do you just go with the flow of the session?
I always have a vision. To me vision is the difference in how confident you are when you walk into a session. Sometimes my visions don't pan out, but it always gives me a base to start with and it never fails that I think of something better. To me, having confidence in who I am and what I want to accomplish is what makes a session go smoothly.
What inspires you? Do you have any major influences?
I have so many things that inspire me, but the things that inspire me most are music and books. My children inspire me as well. They have a such a sweet innocence of things, and taking on the perspective of a child when you're shooting makes things more innocent and forgiving. Right now, anything Skylar Grey does hits home to me. As for other photographers... I don't watch many for too long, I stay in a bubble. It keeps me sane. But there's one I will always love and that's Katy Tuttle...she blows my mind.
What's your mission with your art and where do you hope to be in 3 years?
Wow, my mission - I'd never thought about it like that. I always just did my own thing in hope that it moved people. I guess, for me, I just want to make a difference when someone sees me being myself. I want others to be okay with being themselves and not caring who else likes you. Some of the most amazing artists weren't liked at first. I want to help others do this for them, not anyone else... I'm still not too sure of my mission but I will know when it happens. In 3 years I hope to be creating art pieces I love and selling them in galleries. Maybe some motivational speaking, and writing a book. :)
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