THE IMAGE INTERVIEWER, INTERVIEWED
Story by Odessa Paloma Parker
Photos provided by Joel Yum
When I first met Joel Yum, he came to the apartment I live in and work from to shoot a feature for his amazing website, The Image Interview. I found the project very interesting, and definitely in tune with what Plaid’s all about – promoting the work of the talented, unique and driven people of Toronto. The folks he’s featured run from writers and bookmakers, to designers and makeup artists. After spending a bit of time with him, I found I had to know more, and luckily the interviewer became interviewee for us.
When did you first become interested in photography?
Photography originally started off as a hobby for me in 2008 when my friends “convinced” me to buy a DSLR (they know I love my tech!). It really took off from there and I haven’t looked back since.
Did you study photography in school?
I am currently enrolled in the part-time Ryerson Photography Studies program but I am mostly self-taught. As with everything in life for me I love and have to learn everything the hard way.
What was the first photo you ever took?
That’s a hard question! I guess in the context of taking my photography to the next level it would have to be when I sold all my digital gear and shot everything on film. Aindrea Skelly (artist) was the first shoot I decided to use film for my interviews. There was some digital during the shoot but it was mostly done using 35mm Kodak Portra film. I really wanted to learn to make every shot a thoughtful one and with digital it’s so easy to snap away. I am back to shooting digitally though because of the time and cost of film but given the opportunity I would shoot every interview on film.
What’s your favourite thing to photograph?
It’s all about people. They add character to the street, personality to style, and mood to any setting. You can shoot an abandoned warehouse in any light, from any angle, and it will still have the same empty feeling. Add a model and all of a sudden you have a fashion shoot.
Why and when did you start The Image Interview?
I originally started The Image Interview a year-and-a-half ago as a portrait project to promote the idea that we are all beautiful because of our individual personality and style. I wanted to shoot quirky, silly, funny people being quirky, silly, and funny. There wasn’t a lot of opportunity for me to shoot these people but the more I kept on, it naturally progressed into a focus on creative people. Creativity to me is an extension of someone’s personality through their art, music, performance, writing etc… so it was a natural progression.
How do you find the people you interview?
I post online calls through forums, and am always surfing the web for anything arts, media and culture-related. I’ve always got an eye and ear open whenever I’m out too. I’ve found a few features on a casual weekend out with friends. I try to go out to as many events as possible but my day job doesn’t allow me to do that as much as I would like.
Do you find it takes time for most people to loosen up for their interviews?
Not really, actually! I normally sit down and talk with my features first so we can get a sense of what we’re both about. I really try to make it a point that The Image Interview is about my passion for photography and to help promote creative people by capturing their personality and still life. Shooting in a familiar location definitely helps though.
What do you find the most interesting about your interviewee’s living/work space?
Absolutely everything!
What’s the funniest thing/your favourite thing anyone’s revealed in their Image Interview?
My absolute favourite is when people get comfortable and open up to me. I originally met artist and designer Florian Holzinger when I interviewed his wife Barbara Quinn as a stylist and design feature. Upon first meeting him I would have never expected him to be as goofy and silly as he was during our shoot. He had so much personality I couldn’t shoot him fast enough! People will always surprise you if you give them the chance.
What other projects do you have on the go?
Right now I’m in the planning stages of a portrait business with Courtney-Lee Yip. She’s a really talented music photographer and was my first photography feature. bsidestories.com is a spinoff of The Image Interview, targeted toward couples/engagements/weddings [and] incorporating the handwritten comments. We’re almost set to launch and we’re real excited about it!
Where would you eventually like to take your photography/The Image Interview?
I really just want to expand my portraiture as far as I can. As much as I love portrait, street, and documentary photography, it’s an independent endeavor. I would love to experience the culture of fashion photography and collaborating with a creative team. It’s amazing what can happen when creative minds come together. The Image Interview is my passion project and is constantly evolving so I’m happy to do it as long as I can to help promote really cool and creative people. I have thought of a yearly event and/or book but I don’t have a plan for it yet. The thought of something fashion-related incorporating emerging designers with my features as models using their creative crafts as themes has been floating around in my head lately though.
Why do you think doing The Image Interview is important?
In any pursuit we all have to support each other to learn and grow. I like to believe that I’m bringing a human element to the interview format. As a creative person you’re basically selling yourself. And when you see someone in their own real life you can’t help but be curious and attracted to them that much more.
What kind of feedback do you get from your fans?
I love hearing feedback from readers/viewers that connect with the comments my features write. I did originally start with a complementing question and answer interview but since replacing it with “comments” I’ve found that it provokes more thought. Advice, jokes, experiences, what their creative work is about, I simply tell my features to write whatever they want and that it’s all up to them. Seeing an image, then a hand-written comment definitely adds personality to the interview and it’s different every time!
How do you think support for creative people in Toronto can be elevated?
I’ve always believed word of mouth is huge. Everyone has their thing so when my movie buff friend talks about a movie he just watched or when my hip-hop head friend talks about a new album I can’t help but listen. If something has sparked your interest, talk about it. You can love it or hate it as along as you’re constructive.
What are your favourite things to do in Toronto in your spare time?
Nothing beats good food, good music, and a dark beer on a patio in the summertime.
