Digger: Please tell us
something of your background and the background to Flying
Inside and your retro photo shoots.
Cara-Lee: I was brought up on the Isle of Lewis which is an
island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The island has one
college and no photography course. As soon as I was 18, I
moved to Northampton in England to live with an aunt and study
photography. My dad wasn't surprised as I cost him a fortune
on throw-away cameras as a child! I got the odd jobs after
college doing photo-processing and even worked as a studio
photographer for a while. I created Flying Inside Pictures
after moving to Liverpool in 2009. I call Liverpool my
"spiritual home" as I have never lived anywhere that has
inspired me so much. "Flying inside" is an expression I use
when I'm happy and is also lyrics from a song. I thought this
was fitting with my work as I'm heavily inspired visually by
music. Music from The Doors, The Beatles, Oasis etc inspire me
with my work. I forever dream of shooting 60's style icons
like Liam Gallagher. My retro shoots came naturally to me. A
successful published photographer and friend encouraged me
with Flying Inside after my unique style was recognised by
him.
Digger: Can you tell us what can people expect on your shoots?
Cara-Lee: They can expect their shoots to be taken
passionately from an artistic perspective. I don't have a
studio so do my shoots on location. I like it like this as I
love finding places with atmosphere, character or something
about it. The world is my studio.
Digger: Please tell us more about your fascination for and
involvement with retro?
Cara-Lee: I'm a nostalgic person and my work reflects who I
am quite a lot.
Digger: Why do you think that more generally retro, vintage
and nostalgia is so increasingly popular with so many people
these days?
Cara-Lee: I'm not much of a fashion follower so can't
pretend to answer that! Maybe people like a bit of
individuality. The good thing about buying a vintage dress is
that it's usually a one-off that you're not going to find
anywhere else. Therefore I believe you treasure it more. I can
compare Flying Inside Pictures as a one-off photography
service.
Digger: What do the fifties and sixties mean to you?
Cara-Lee: I adore the 50's and 60's. It's in my music
collection, in my wardrobe and definitely in my photography
style.
Digger: Who are your ‘typical’ customers, where are they
coming from and what customer feedback/comments do you get?
Cara-Lee: My typical customers like something a bit quirky,
retro, artistic.. I've shot all sorts from prestigious
clients, bands, weddings, models.. Feedback always surprises
me as it's been unbelievably kind and encouraging.
Digger: What would you say is special about the Flying Inside
experience?
Cara-Lee: It's special because it's unique and created out
of passion and passion alone. It's a bit off the wall.
Digger: What do people need to do to prepare for/before
booking one of your shoots?
Cara-Lee: I will have an in depth conversation with anyone
I'm booking a shoot with. I not only use my professional
digital camera but I also use a 1960's 120 film camera. I like
to mix things up.
Digger: What are the best and most enjoyable aspects of
running Flying Inside and doing the shoots?
Cara-Lee: I lose all sense of time on photo-shoots. Lots of
people don't do what they love and I say "do it". I am proud
of creating something by myself and not neglecting my
imagination.
Digger: What are your plans for Flying Inside in the future?
Cara-Lee: I have a lot of big dreams for Flying Inside
Pictures. My retro photography far exceeds others who merely
offer it as a by-service. The distinct style and look is
something I hope "my kinda people" come to for their
photography! Pictures live forever!
