This week’s post is a little bit different than my normal posts. I’m currently a high school ambassador for the collegiate website Her Campus, and one of our assignments was to conduct an interview as if you are writing an editorial piece. I thought I’d share the profile piece I wrote with you all since I’m pretty proud of it. It has a more serious tone than what I usually write on my blog, but I hope you enjoy it!
Name: Christian Manion
Age: 17
Passion: Photography
Website: Kuriasoul.com
Instagram: @kuriasoul
Behind the relaxed, mature, and aesthetically pleasing photos, is a seventeen-year-old high school student, who goes by the persona of KuriaSoul. With a mission to capture and portray everyday details in a refreshing and unique way, this young photographer is making his way to the top, while inspiring everyone to view life through a different lens.
When did you first become interested in photography?
Photography became an interest of mine when I was 15. It began as a hobby, where I would take photos on my Iphone, edit them, and then post them on my Instagram. Over time, I noticed I was receiving a lot of positive feedback, which made me realize this could be more than just a hobby, it could be something I’m good at.
Can you explain your thought process behind the name KuriaSoul?
I was struggling to come up with a name, but I thought about my English name in Japanese, which was “Kurisu” (ku-ree-su). When I had it translated, I mistook the pronunciation for “KuriaSoul”. They sounded pretty similar to me. Of course, I found out I was wrong, but KuriaSoul seemed so… spiritual to me. So I stuck with it.
Is there a meaning behind every photo you take or a message you are trying to convey?
Every photo is tied to an emotion. When I do freeform photo shoots, they’re usually sporadic and based on mood. But, taking the photo is only a part of the process. When I edit the photos I can truly express what I felt in the moment.
What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer?
Definitely interaction. I feel like photography is something that brings people closer to the world around them. When you’re looking through a camera lens, the world becomes more stable. It opens your eyes to new angles and aspects of things you never noticed before.
Do you feel as though you’re at an advantage or disadvantage in the photography industry since you are only a teenager?
I see my age as an advantage and disadvantage. When clients find out that I’m 17, it suddenly changes how they feel about working with me. Either they’re excited to be working with someone who is so young and determined about their craft or they aren’t thrilled about working with a teenager. It shows me who is more interested in my art vs who’s just interested.
Where do you see your photography career in the future?
I wouldn’t mind being a concert photographer. One of the things I currently love about street photography is capturing people in motion, since you’re capturing their everyday actions and details in a more unique way. So capturing an artist in their natural habitat, on stage, glowing in front of a crowd of thousands… That’s something I think would be amazing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“If it doesn’t touch you spiritually, don’t proceed.” After being told that, I started seeing and thinking things in a more personal way. If something doesn’t feel right eternally, especially in my career, I stop dealing with it. Ever since then, my life and art has slowly been improving and I feel great.
Xoxo,
Eliz