Member Moment: Skylar Kley

Skylar Kley is a Film Club Member whose work is featured in our Member Show Seasonal Reflections: Fall. Skylar’s images are taken from interesting angles and sometimes feature engaging double exposures. We wanted to hear more from Skylar and her approach to photography so this week we interviewed her. Scroll down to see her photos and responses. 

PL: What got you interested in film photography?

SK: Very stereotypical “Found my mom’s old camera” scenario. I had already been messing around with digital photography out of high school for a bit and when I found this camera and first got to use it I fell in love. I also partially owe my jump into photography to my friend Eric - who always let me mess around with cameras I probably wouldn’t have gotten to use otherwise. That was pretty cool. 

PL: What type of camera do you shoot with and what kind of film do you usually use?

SK: I have a couple little guys now, my main being the Rebel 2000 from Canon (thanks mom) with my trusty ole Tamron 35-50 on it. I also use the Canon zoomxl for a point and shoot kinda day. I feel very drawn to expired and pre-exposed film on an experimental level but for a more predictable outcome I usually stick to Fuji 400 or Cinestill 800. 

PL: When taking pictures, what are some objects or elements or feelings within a scene that inspire you to take a photo?

SK: I definitely love sunlight and the many moods it can portray. Natural elements at various times of day all make me want to pick up my camera and snag a shot.   

PL: Several of the photos within this collection are double exposures. What do you like about creating these types of images? What is challenging about it? 

SK: I do love me a good double exposure. I think they add an element to what someone can accomplish within this analog medium. And they’re so dang fun to try! Even when they turn out as total noise, just the idea of them is exciting to me. Seeing a double exposure and comparing it to what I had initially envisioned can be really rewarding. Getting that framing and light just right though can be tricky at times.

PL: Some of your photos are taken from unique and creative angles. When photographing, what are you thinking before you click the shutter? 

SK: I like to capture things in a storybook kind of way. It gives my own memories a very dreamy label in my head. When I’m experiencing something and want to document it in a meaningful way I like to frame out what my memory is gonna look like through the lens.

PL: Out of all of these photos, which one is your favorite and why?

SK:  That’s tough! My pick is for the Hollywood & Vine photo though. I really love the way the red neon lights jump out of the moody blue tones from the early evening. It serves as a unique stamp for a lovely memory of a trip I took five years ago. 

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