Feb 9 12:52 PM
Comment: A big fan! 
Hello Joshua,
My name is Jenna Lambert and I am currently in my final year of university studying Graphic Art and Design. Your horror photography has inspired me for my own project ‘Horror-Tales’, which also looks into the psychological fears within children and adults. I have been very fond of your photography work for a while now, I admire your focus on the practical effects within your imagery rather than an all digital format, the results are much more interesting. I would really appreciate it if you could answer a few questions in relation to your work and mine. I understand you are extremely busy, but if you are unable to answer them all, even just a few would be fantastic. Thanks again.
Feb 9 1:12 PM
I love movies. I was interested in going to film school as a graduate student. Circumstances didn’t allow for it. I began taking pictures instead. First with a polaroid camera, but soon with an SLR camera, processing film and making prints in a dark room. My interest in movies and film making was eventually channeled into my work as a mature photographer.
. You’ve worked along side Nick Vedros, who is involved in commercial and advertising photography, would you say this opportunity helped you grow as a photographer?
Better than photography school.
. My Idea for my ‘Horror-Tales’ project came from my love for theatrical make up and horror films, what inspired you to create your projects?
Many things: horror movies, a love for special effects, my interest in psychology, fairy tales, a desire to do something with my children, etc.
. In an interview with Guardian UK in 2013, you stated, ‘My role as a horror photographer is to show people what they don’t want to see’. Can you elaborate on this?
Horror as an art form is about attraction/repulsion. I’m not the viewer’s friend. I’m not taking requests. I did not come to soothe them. In the end, I’m out to get them.
I don’t know how to do it digitally. I’m a photographer.
. How long do you spend creating the set, costume and props?
Months.
. Your photography shows a wide selection of fears, fear of dark, monsters, the unknown. How do you keep this interesting for the audience?
By keeping it interesting for me.
. I have a fascination with horror, I love being scared! What are you scared of?
Nearly everything.
. You use family and friends in your work, how do they feel about the process, do they take their role seriously?
I treat the work seriously, so they do too.
. My favourite image of yours is ‘Bed’, the props used were amazing! How did you construct the monster hands?
Hands from a Creature Reacher costume purchased 1/2 price the day after Halloween.
. Talking about fears, I’m terrified of zombies, how would you recommend I incorporate this into my own work?
Your choice. In staged photography, decision is the art.
Like yourself, I am self taught and still learning. Do you have any advice as a photographer?
Assist or intern with a commercial studio if possible. Shoot weddings. Weddings are like photography bootcamp. There are no shortcuts. Experience is simply clocking in the man-hours. Push yourself constantly. It’s the only way you’ll get better.
Best of luck on your project, Jenna!
Joshua
