Interview : Amanda Merten

6/1/2011 - Interview : Amanda Merten

Making a name for herself with her contribution to Anne Taylors’ The Smartest Thing She Ever Said, and her range of portraiture, she’s on the up and up of the competetive world of photography. We’ve known Amanda for some time now, from bro-tastic cookouts, to random run-ins along the East Coast, so we thought we would catch up with the trans-coastal talent to chat a bit about everything, from growing up in Las Vegas, her biggest creative influences, and life after college. Click below to read the full interview.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where you from?

Born and raised in the city of sin. VIVA LAS VEGAS!

What was the strangest part about growing up in Las Vegas?

Oh man. It was all strange and all normal to me at the same time.. it’s a very dulling place. I feel so jaded about some things… takes a lot to shock me. I went to an arts high school downtown in old Vegas (The Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts- try saying that 5 times fast) so my my favorite conscious memories of “Las Vegas” being strange consist of early morning drives to school with my mom and I talking/giggling about the hookers outfits during their 6:45am walks of shame. There were some real gnarly gems, as im sure you can imagine.

When and why did you move to NY?

I hated Vegas, I absolutely adore it now being so far removed from it, but at the time I had to get out.. it was a black hole that I had to get far away from. I moved to NYC the summer I graduated high school to attend Parsons School of Design. I had never been here; didn’t know a single soul, but knew this is where I wanted and needed to be. I would like to try making another courageous move like that somewhere else someday. We’ll see.

When did you get your first camera?

I always had various point and shoot cameras growing up. Was always taking weird pictures of how well I placed my dolls on my bed or other random little girl shit like that. I have always, and still continue to take snapshots of everything. I need solid memories because my brain doesn’t retain anything. I need a visuals to bring me back to things or else wherever I was, whoever I was with, whatever I was doing- no matter how much I loved it or hated it- is just lost in space and gone forever.

When did you fall in love photography?

My sophmore year of high school I took photography classes and my dad gave me his pentax k1000 which is what I learned to take a real photos on.. how to read light, composition, all that jazz. I was in love. The next year I changed my major from French language and culture to photography, and it’s been history ever since.

Who are some of your biggest influences these days? ( photo or non related)

Joseph Szabo, Sally Mann, Sophie Calle, Hedi Slimane, my friends, traveling, youth culture, Wayne’s World, etc. This list could go on forever… I wouldn’t say I’m easily influenced, but in a lot of ways I’m easily inspired.

What have you been working on lately?

Mostly just getting back into the swing of taking photos and loving doing it. I went on a hiatus for almost 2 years after college because taking a “photo” just felt like such a task. I was really bummed when the magic of it went away for me.. But its back! And in a bigger and better way than ever.

Your a bit of a double edged sword aren’t you? Not only a photographer, but an experienced model. You ever think of getting a little Cindy Sherman behind the lense?

Haha “experienced model” get outta here with that! I’ve always been more interested in Nikki S. Lee’s way of putting herself in her photos. So raw and real but so fake. She duped everyone! But nah, I’ve never really been much of a self portrait kinda gal. Never say never though- maybe I’ll fall in love with myself and only want to see me. HAHA JUUUST KIDDIN.

Have you ever considered shooting motion imagery?

Yea, I’ve totally considered it. I love good cinematography. Movie lighting can be so complex and amazingly beautiful and awe inspiring. I played around with moving images on the most basic level in college trying to learn how to edit, but it was all weirdo bananas hyper active stuff, will revisit it someday when I get my shit straight.

So I’d say you’re kidna known for your glasses, how bad is your eyesight anyways?

Yea my glasses really have become a staple. They’re my safetly blanket. My eyesight is mostly just annoying as fuck. Can’t see anything clearly past like 3 feet in front of my face. I feel invisible when I take them off so if you see me around without them on just pretend like you cant see me.

Have you always worn glasses? ( insert picture as infant in glasses)

Started wearing them in 3rd or 4th grade. Damn, I wish I had a picture. Im sure it was so awkward since I went through an awkward phase.. well.. probably will be going through “awkward” forever.

Have you ever heard of Garth Merenghi’s Dark Place?

haha yes of course. shits and giggles all around.

That shit is hilarious!

Ok bones round…

Favorite disney character to have painted on your nails?

ooo.. Disney? Thats rough. I always love to hate, but love the evil villains so probably CRUELLA DE VIL.

Your name in a different life as a chola / juggalo?

~~*LiL bAsHfuL*~~

Glasses brand of choice?

My red ones just say “made in the usa” and are from the 60’s. They’re my favorite.

Mandarin or Mandolin?

Mango sticky rice