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2011
Q&A with JOEL LEE
The Photography work of Joel Lee (35 Combos), March 2011 Vhcle Magazine Issue 5, Photography
001
How would you describe your style of photography?
Raw, honest and vulnerable. I shoot candidly as possible. Or at least attempt to get something unusual out of the subject. I tend to focus on a narrative or emotional moment — telling a story by compositing two photos into one. Pop culture is a huge influence as I pull references into the vernacular for my subject titles.
002
What is the meaning behind your website 35 Combos?
The meaning behind 35 Combos is very generic. It was a lot more memorable and easy to tell people when they asked where they could see my photographs. It’s also the way I position my photographs; I shoot with 35mm film and occasionally stack them together.
003
What is the inspiration behind the photo stories Bright Lights and Brooklyn Girl?
The inspirations for these shoots are similar: New York City. These are an on-going series I'm currently working on.
004
Tell us about one of your most memorable photo shoots.
The one for the MTV 2010 spots, directed by the multi-talented Anthony Scott Burns (http://vimeo.com/user2573115/videos). It was memorable because of everything that was happening at the time. I was candidly documenting the set in a photojournalistic way – as loose as possible. Even though there were staged moments during the video shoot, in contrast, I was photographing moments that were sincere. I think during the time I realized that vulnerability could be found anywhere. In general, I think each shoot is as significant or memorable to the next.
005
What's your favorite drink?
Canadian Dry ginger ale in a glass, without a straw.
At this precise moment, Joel Lee is candidly documenting life and capturing the contrast between honesty and vulnerability. By using references of pop culture vernacular, he distinctively narrates a visual dialogue – leaving his audience with a raw sensation. With the utility of Facebook becoming his primary domain and possibly framing your next profile photo, Joel has worked with clients such as: MTV, Universal Records, The Alchemy, Kae Sun, Styrofoam Ones, Tokimonsta (Brainfeeder), Gingy (Turbo Recordings) CC Diaries, and Truth.Explosion.Magazine. Joel currently works, eats, lives, and never sleeps in New York City.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORK OF
JOEL LEE
2011: The Photography Work of Joel Lee
PHOTOGRAPHY/
35 COMBOS
