Megan Doherty, the Derry, Ireland based analogue photographer that portrays young, raw and alternative youth. We had a chat with the 23-year-old photographer and found out where she gets her inspiration and the challenges she faces in her field.
Sophia McFeely, Charlotte Gordon
How did you begin taking photos?
I began taking photos shortly after I left school. I had always been interested in art but unsure of which area I wanted to pursue. I would set up scenes and photograph them in order to paint from them. This was until I realized that I was in love with creating and photographing the scene more so than painting it.
How did you develop your own style of photography?
I suppose my style of photography developed naturally due to my interest in film. I would describe my work as cinematic, a lot of my photographs are inspired by films that I love, so it’s difficult for me to separate the two.
Charlotte Gordon
What is the biggest challenge working as a photographer?
For me, the biggest challenge is projecting the world I see in my head on to the landscape before me as true to my vision as I can make it, yet this is what I base my entire body of work around. It’s what drives me to make work; if you aren’t being challenged then where’s the fun in it?
Do you prefer photographing men or women, does it matter?
Hmmmm, I’m drawn to photographing women but oblivious as to why. I think the reason is that my work is quite egoistical in a sense; it’s usually about me, whether I’m aware of it or not. So I guess when I’m making work, I tend to photograph women as the work becomes more relatable to me; therefor men inevitably tend to feature as secondary characters.
Charlotte Gordon
Jack Carlin
What is one thing you would like to change about photography today?
I think the only thing I would say is that people should create work for themselves rather than other people. I see a lot of work devoid of life just to obey what they believe to be the ‘rules’ of photography
Does where you live inspire you and your work?
Absolutely. The town I live in and the people who surround me determine what my photographs will look like. My work is ultimately a collaboration between my subjects, the place I live, and myself.
Susan Donaghy, Audrey Gillespie
Charlotte Gordon, Niamh Elliott
What kind of camera(s) do you shoot with?
I usually shoot with the Canon AE-1, however sometimes I experiment with Polaroid and medium format.
Your dream person and place to photograph?
Ideally, my dream people to photograph would be a group of American teenagers growing up in the 90’s with nothing to do but hang out and find ways to amuse themselves. In the suburbs, in their bedrooms, their streets, their schools and their secret spots.
Charlotte Gordon
Rebecca Elliott, Niamh Elliott
Favorite place on the planet?
Under the stars drinking wine with good company.
3 people that inspire you?
Professionally, Ryan McGinley, Olivia Bee and Edie Sunday. In my personal life, everyone I love.
Charlotte Gordon, Audrey Gillespie, Susan Donaghy
Charlotte Gordon
What aspect of your work excites you the most?
Setting out to photograph a single idea and watching it evolve into something completely new and inspiring right in front of you.
Do you have a life motto?
As cliché as it is, I believe everything happens for a reason.
Susan Donaghy, Audrey Gillespie
What is your biggest dream?
To create photography and film that allow people to get lost in the same way that I do.
Trait you most admire in other people?
Not giving a shit what other people think.
Charlotte Gordon
Charlotte Gordon, Sophia McFeely
Trait you most admire in yourself?
My passion.
Scariest thing you ever did?
I can’t think of the scariest thing I’ve ever did, but when I was younger, myself and the kids in my street believed that the field by our street was haunted. It had a lane that led up to the farmer’s house who, according to us, kidnapped and killed children. We used to hang out in it at night and see who could make it the furthest down the lane to knock on his door.
Audrey Gillespie
What’s next for you?
I’m moving away from Ireland now for the first time in twenty-three years, so I’m about to embark on some new adventures and projects. Keep an eye on my social media for what’s to come!
Want more of Megan Doherty? Visit her website HERE or her Instagram HERE
By Indiana Roma Voss
