JONATHAN CHERRY: What gets you up in the morning?

AMANDA LOPEZ: As cliche as it sounds, photography gets me up in the morning. Everyday, it’s what keep me going and inspired.

JC: Are there any emerging photographers inspiring you at the moment?

AL: I am inspired by so many things. Especially the work of other photographers. At the moment it’s my peers in San Francisco that keep me inspired. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a lot of great creative people like Matthew Reamer, John Coyne, Trevor Traynor and Robyn Twomey.

JC: What is your current project all about?

AL: I am currently working on a few consecutive bodies of work. I am working on a portrait series inspired by the Mexican tradition, Dia de los Muertos as well as my Vans shoe series, called True Story. Both projects are up on my site.

JC: What draws you to making portraits?

AL: I love portraiture! I got into photography after seeing the great portrait work of Estevan Oriol and Annie Leibovitz. Both of them have an uncanny ability to get exactly what they want from their subjects. Esetvan’s portraits in particular and so beautiful because they have the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability. Its amazing. I think another reason I am drawn to portraiture is because of the connection that you have to have with the person you are working with. If you don’t connect with your subject then the picture is lost.

JC: How do you find juggling personal & commercial work?

AL: It can be difficulty but its necessarily. I have to shoot commercially so that I can help fund my person projects.

JC: Any advice to recent photography graduates?

AL: To keep shooting, keep looking, stay excited, stay true to your vision and have confidence in your work.

JC: Favourite tree?

AL: Palm Tree