Pink Lemonz Interview

.::INTERVIEW WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ANH KAO DOLBE::.

AGE : October 28th, 1970 - you do the math :)
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN : Saigon, Viet Nam
OCCUPATION : Ophthalmic Photographer

ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY AND YOURSELF

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself ?

I am a Vietnamese adoptee to Greek and German parents who grew up in the Middle East. Got shipped off to an all girls British boarding school during my formative years and then came back to the USA for college. Currently I am working as an ophthalmic photographer, scanning pathologies of the eye.

2. Tell us a little bit about your childhood and how it has influence your work and what you are now?

Since I have had the good fortune of being a global nomad, my interest of taking pictures stemmed from being obsessive about documenting my life. Because of it, I have met so many people from around the world and made a name for myself in the communities that I am involved in here in Boston, Massachusetts.

3. How long have you been a photographer?

Ever since my parents gave me my first Kodak 110 camera which was at the tender age of seven. I guess I was struggling to make friends as a child, so they thought this would be a cure me from my being an only child syndrome. Can I say that it worked too well and now that I have an overabundance of friendships?!?

4. How/when did you start taking pictures ?

Again, at the age of seven.

5. What/who is your greatest influence ?

I actually don't have a mentor when it comes to great photography.

6. What is the most unforgettable moment in your career?

Probably my first publication in Bay Windows, which is a well known local gay/lesbian/transgender newpaper. That and my first cover on another local inspiration called TurnMagazine.

7. There's a lot of emotions in your photographs. Is it because you feel emotionally connected to the subject ?

One model once stated that all the shots I have used in my series are contemplative poses, which made me smile crookedly, because that is so me, a thinker, a philospher, a wanderer of this world, so by accident it almost seems, that a big part of myself is portrayed in others.

8. How do you feel about photographing strangers?

I prefer it because for me the greatest challenge is capturing the essence of that person on paper as they see themselves and not just through my eyes. Besides what a great way to meet people?

9. What makes a great photographer?

Like anything in life, it's all about attitude!

10. What does it takes for a woman photographer to succeed in this industry?

Meeting the right people, being sure in yourself, and having a lot of patience with those who challenge you.

11. What would be your 'dream shoot' to work on?

A calender on queer Asian womyn from all over the world in their native countries.

12. How do you compare yourself to other women photographers?

I don't. I am unique and don't think I can be compared to others. Maybe because I choose to have my own signature.

13. Career Highlights ?

When I finally publish my ongoing portrait series titled "These Girlfriends Of Mine" in to a book.

14. What inspire you ?

A beautiful womyn walking by and seeing the way she smiles.

15. How many camera do you own ? And which one are you using now ?

I own three right now and lots of body parts. I use my Nikon FM2 for my portrait series and freelancing work and my Olympus Stylus for all other times which I carry on me everywhere I go, but I am replacing that with the new Canon S110 that I just purchased, a digital camera. As much as I love printing photographs the old fashioned way, I am sooo loving this one step processing!

16. Who's your favourite photographer ?

Oh that's a tough one...Right now, Thuy Nguyen, a local artist from San Francisco.

PERSONAL LIFE

1. Are you single or attached?

Currently very single, though warming up to the idea of swinging again.

2. If the government decided to legalize gay marriage, would you marry your girlfriend (if you're attached)?

I think if marriages where legalize, it might have been easier for my ex-wife to not have strayed, but who knows for sure. Either way, I would like to fall in love again and find that special person to grow old with...Any takers?

3. Favourite pick-up line?

Nice shoes, want to f***?

4. How do you define beauty?

Something that comes from within.

5. What is 'love' ?

It's that amazing feeling when you have this sh*t eating grin on your face and intense butterflies in your stomach; that feeling of wanting to pass out at the mere thought of her or gasping for breathe because you are left so speechless...Damn I miss that feeling!

View Anh Kao Dolbe's Photographs @
http://www.thesegirlfriendsofmine.com