photo credit: Elliott Munoz

I got to know Andrea when she and I worked together (not only shared an office but actually sat across a conference table from each other) at a small web design shop. I’ll never forget the day she called me and said, I have an idea for something and want you on board, meet me for coffee? From the couch upstairs at Murray Street Coffee Shop, photopol.us was born. I’m thrilled to feature the lovely and oh so talented Andrea as our ArtStar on this Friday, and hope you are too. She’s a peach and a valuable asset to our creative community. I just love her. Enjoy….

Andrea loves photography from the bottom of her heart, and decided to team up with Ange and create photopol.us. Her day job is managing events at SMU, and in her spare time she hangs out with her cute family, organizes events, plays bass in the Happy Bullets and rides her bike. All the while snapping her way through the lens.

When and how did you become interested in Photography?

The sad truth is, I was inspired to study photography by Photographer Ace Evans on the show, The Love Boat when I was a kid. Yes, I do realize that I just dated myself, AND exposed my dorkiness.

What gear do you mainly shoot with?

Nikon D90, Holga, Lomo Fisheye, and Polaroid

What is your #1 source of inspiration?

as silly as it sounds, I think birds and old buildings inspire me the most. When I see a large flock of birds on a streetlight or roof line, it catapults me right into photographer mode. I suddenly see potential for a great shot all around me. Abandoned buildings (as my dear friend Cari Weinberg likes to call “ultimate fixer uppers”) have the same effect on me.

Many times photographers find themselves with a full schedule of paying gigs, and end up with little time for doing the work they truly love. Do you struggle with finding time for your personal work?

Photography has always been “part time” for me. I realized in college that I didn’t want to pursue it full time for the fear of not loving it as much. Publishing the blog helps me stay plugged in, and I can usually be seen with my camera every weekend. But it is true that I don’t give myself very many “photo excursions.” When those happen, it’s special.

What is your all time favorite genre to shoot (portraiture, conceptual, commercial, etc..)?

journalistic. I love to capture the unexpected moments. Architecture and landscapes are tied for a close 2nd.

Do you have any upcoming shows or events you want our readers to know about?

YES! Photopolus’ FIRST BIRTHDAY is coming up on this Tuesday, February 16th and we’re celebrating with a Party at Lemon Bar from 8-10pm. Then on March 13th, we’re having a group show at the awesome Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum, and on April 11th, we’re presenting CRAVE – a juried outdoor exhibition.

if you could photograph anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Patti Smith, because I recently finished her book “Just Kids” about photographer Robert Maplethorpe, and would love to compare his shots of her “then” with my shots of her “now.” I think I would also dig shooting David Bowie. Those cheekbones would go nicely with my lens.

what’s your dream photo field trip?

Eastern Europe. That’s only because it’s next on my travel radar. I can honestly enjoy any kind of photo field trip. Rare are the times that I get to go out somewhere and only think about the perfect shot.

what’s your post production photo process?

Lately for the benefit of my time management, I use Picasa for editing the photos that I upload to flickr and facebook.
If I use a photo for a show, or some other special something, I take it into Photoshop for one on one attention.

if you had unlimited resources to purchase any type of camera, what would it be and why?

I would invest in some great lighting, and a gazillion more lenses. I think a Hasselblad would make me feel spoiled.

who are your favorite shooters and why

Diane Arbus for her inhibitions with capturing moments from the underground, and pulling it off tastefully. And local lady, Allison V. Smith for her way of taking simplicity and making it beautiful. Those two styles are what I’m drawn to the most, and aspire to achieve.

what has been the shining moment of your career thus far?

Getting to be Publisher of photopol.us, and randomly submitting a cell pic to the New York Times Blog, LENS and seeing it published (along with hundreds of others.. but still). I was smiling all day that day.

samples of Andrea’s work:



©Andrea Roberts

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