How did growing up in Portland affect your style of photography?
In Portland I grew up around trees and lakes and flowers all the time. My friends and I would always travel around in my shitty car to find beautiful wide open spaces. We were always outside even when it was raining.
Where did the idea for Kids in Love come from?
It wasn’t really an idea that I had. It was more like I just naturally captured all the kids in my life who I loved. The complete story of Kids in Love came later when it was apparent that I had all these patterns in the way I shot my friends. With respect and romanticism and love.
When did you first fall in love?
This boy who is still really close to me, when I was 12. Not sure it happened right then but over the time we became closer.
Do you believe in love at first site?
Actually yes. Or at least romantic obsession.
Are you in love now?
With the world, man.
Have you ever been heartbroken?
God yeah.
What were you like as a teenager?
The same as I am now; really obsessed and romantic and hyper aware and way too sensitive.
What’s was the best thing about being a teenager?
You feel everything.
And the worst?
You feel everything.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Take more pictures.
What’s it like living in New York?
Crazy. There’s too much to do and it’s shitty but also so amazing.
Who would be your dream person to shoot?
Elvis, Lupita, Lana del Rey. But mostly my friends. That’s the best.
What guests would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Same as above.
Which photographers do you think are changing the way we see the world in 2014?
Erica Segovia, Ren Huang, Synchrodogs.
What’s your favourite image from the exhibition and why?
“Max jumped off a train” probably. It’s like 7 feet wide. It’s my little brother after he jumped off a train (go figure) and it just sums up how much I love my brother. He’s amazing and crazy.
Kids in Love is open until 27th July 2014.
Credits
Text Felicity Kinsella
Photography Olivia Bee