Fuckthatnoise: The Photographer Everyone Should Hear About
I gravitate towards people who demonstrate a genuine sense of care for the photo industry. I warm to photographers that find the right balance between self promotion and uplifting others in the community. When I stumbled across a photographer that produces exceptional portraiture and who is evidently a good human, jackpot signs sprung up in front of my eyes. Folks, allow me to introduce you to Fuckthatnoise.
There were several factors that attracted me to the photography of Fuckthatnoise. One, her work is full of eccentric subjects, posed in a thoughtful and creative manner, often situated in enticing environments. Two, she shoots film and openly states that she doesn’t use digital editing tools, I’m all about that. And finally, she seems like a kind-hearted soul who genuinely wants to help keep the photo industry healthy and prosperous for everyone.
My perception of the type of person Fuckthatnoise is came from bitesize tweets, which isn’t the best way to build a picture of someone. So, I asked if she would be up for doing an interview with Them Frames, I’m glad to say she was.
And upon reading the long-form interview, I learned that everything I thought about Fuckthatnoise was true. She’s one of the real ones, and I’m certain her positive and selfless mentally contributes to her magnificent portraiture. To photograph humans well, you need to have a deep understanding of humanity. This rockstar photographer certainly does.
That’s enough noise from me, let’s learn more about a talent that has the whole photography world ahead of her; it’s time to hear from Fuckthatnoise.
Them Frames: I love aliases and I’m always interested in how they’re born; Please, tell us about the motivation for the name Fuckthatnoise…
Fuckthatnoise: Before I created this account and alias I took a two year break from all social media platforms. Before this break I used my name and my image together to express myself, and after years and years of doing so, I wanted to do the opposite. I was feeling (a bit prematurely) tired of social media, the smoke and mirrors, so I decided to go with a name that rejected the idea. I tried "fuckthisshit," "fuckeverything" etc, but then Make Me Proud by Drake started playing and I tried "fuckthatnoise" and much to my surprise it was available! I am deeply grateful because I love it.
The only downside is when I speak negatively about my experience as an artist using social media, I always here "fuck that noise!" And it makes me kind of smile and realize I shouldn't even be complaining, at all.
Them Frames: You shoot film, so I imagine you value the physical photograph. When NFT photography started to grow, what was your initial reaction, and how was the transition for you in terms of selling digital assets?
Fuckthatnoise: At first I was like what the hell is this shit. I felt really inadequate for a long time in regards to NFT photography. I have had a few different men in the space really let me down with their lack of leadership and maturity, so I felt deeply discouraged to try after those experiences, but I'm so thankful I have chosen to take the leap. I love selling prints. Nothing beats it.
I finally made my own website and no longer use Darkroom to fulfill my orders. I do them myself right now and hope it always is that way until I need assistance to do so. It really is a special thing when someone cherishes my art enough to want to look at it longer than the passing seconds on their phone. I have plans to do more tangible pieces with my art and it brings me a lot of happiness to think about.
Them Frames: Film photography still remains popular. But with the price of film getting insane what advice do you have for photographers that are worried they won’t be able to afford to practice the medium?
Fuckthatnoise: It is hard to say what my advice is because I honestly am lucky to shoot it at all. To love it as much as I do, I really feel so thankful. I don't shoot as much as I would love to, but I try not to let it depress me too much. I am worried too. It really shouldn't be a cash grab opportunity like it has become. The darkness of capitalism is all-consuming.
Them Frames: You openly state you don’t use LR or PH. Does that ever cause challenges between you and your subjects, and how do you reassure them they’re great in their natural form?
Fuckthatnoise: I love this question. The biggest obstacle for me is communicating my process to my subjects. They see the work I make with others, and then once I state that I do not use editing processing, they may feel hesitation and fear of how things will turn out, but I assure them that to really give it a go, and it is something I take very seriously to only release images that I have consent to release from the subject. After all, the images are of the subject.
I know what it's like to not be asked what my thoughts are on a set of photos of myself before they are released to millions if not billions of people to easily consume. It is really healing for both the subject and myself to create these natural images. This industry is a cancer to the minds of young people everywhere. To be able to combat that with film portraiture feels like I'm taking a thousand steps in the right direction, even if just one person, one frame, at a time.
Them Frames: You are no stranger to being in front of the camera. How do you feel when you are having your photo taken or taking a self-portrait?
Fuckthatnoise: Well I started being in front of the camera, as I thought it was my only option for a long time. Photography seemed like something that "just wasn't for me." (Because I decided it wasn't). It may be annoying to say but I found photography accidently. I had no idea I would be able to transform my knowledge of portraiture of myself and apply it to others so seamlessly, but looking back, it does make sense.
It's about treating people with respect and creating beautiful portraits together, executing a vision. Portraiture feels like helping someone paint the inner musings of their heart. When I model I feel like I am painting. When I compose and direct portraits I feel like I am helping someone paint their painting, safely.
Them Frames: Back in April, you posted some dope YouTube content. How do you feel about those videos and do you plan to pick them back up?
Fuckthatnoise: I enjoyed disciplining myself and stepping outside of my usual portrait sessions and solely shooting in black and white, focusing on lines and shadows. It was honestly kind of mindblowing and I want to do it again. The video aspect was really cool! I want to do more of them.
Them Frames: In terms of the experience, what would be a successful portrait shoot for you?
Fuckthatnoise: The person I am modeling for or photographing leaves with a warm heart full of happy energy. The photos come out crisp, beautiful. The energy between us is pure and almost makes you want to cry of gratitude.
Them Frames: What’s your biggest challenge when shooting portraits, how do you overcome it?
Fuckthatnoise: I would have to say I am my biggest challenge. I do amazing work, I love portraiture with all my heart and soul, but I'm my biggest critic. A mental battle for sure that most artists experience. Doubt, imposter syndrome, guilt, these bastards sneak in even during the most "successful" and busiest moments of my life.
Them Frames: Something I really admire about you is that you only mint portraits with consent and you have a 50/50 split with the subject. Why was it important for you to have this type of agreement in place, when, like many other photographers, you could take the money for yourself?
Fuckthatnoise: I am in a really unique position in that I was very overlooked and undervalued as a model from North Carolina with no agent and solely relying on the artists, friends and peers in my community. And now I do film photography full time, I’m seen in a completely different light. I deserved the same amount of compensation then that I do now. Only difference is how the world perceives what I'm doing.
These models deserve to be paid just as much as I do. Without them, none of these portraits would exist. It doesn't diminish the work I put in to make the portrait possible, but anyone who believes models should not receive half should maybe just raise their prices so it's doable.
What is damaging is sending the message that models are not valuable. That is what I want to change in Web3. So many models turn into directors and social media managers because everyone knows the money is not in the modeling, and it's wrong. So I am doing everything I can to change that.
Them Frames: What piece of music do you feel best combines with your photographs?
Fuckthatnoise: If my work makes people feel how Still Woozy makes me feel, my work here is done.
Them Frames: Please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Fuckthatnoise: There are so many beating hearts I need to share the love of oneself and one's own life with, frame by frame.
You can learn more about Fuckthatnoise by visiting her website, Instagram and Twitter. You can also check her NFT photography on Foundation.
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