Anna Siemsen | #InFocus
She/Her | @annalusiemsen | Milwaukee, WI
How did you get into photography?
I began working in photography during my senior year of college. Throughout college I focused in fashion design and garment construction. In school I was often critiqued on the way I presented my garments and why I chose to use mannequins instead of models. So when I started planning for my Senior Thesis Project/Debut Collection, I decided that I would take a shot at fashion photography. Since then, photography has become a medium that I really enjoy and I've continued with it in my practice.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
In terms of photographers, I really love the works of Leslie Zhang, Cho Gi-Seok, and Zhong Lin. I appreciate how simplistic and clean their works are. Yet their ideas and concepts are still strongly conveyed. I also enjoy how they embrace and incorporate aspects of their Asian cultures into their work.
As for fashion designers, I love Thierry Mugler, Christopher John Rogers, Ji Won Choi, Thebe Magugu, Selam Fessahaye, & Angel Chen. All of their works are so vibrant and unique. I'm always impressed by their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the beautiful silhouettes that they're able to create with their pieces.
How do you prepare yourself for a shoot?
Photoshoots are the final part in my process. I spend most of my time creating the garments that I use for the shoots. I design and sew all of the outfits myself, so it can take months to create a full collection. I just completed my second collection for the Spring Summer 2022 season.
When I am ready to shoot I focus mostly on set design and casting models. I want to make sure that the models and outfits compliment each other. I also want to make sure that the sets or scenery that I use help build on the the stories behind each of the outfits.
If you could give a young photographer any advice, what would you tell em?
I would tell them to not limit themselves in their practice or doubt their abilities. If they want to pursue a wide range of mediums, then go for it.
What do you ultimately want to say with your work?
Through my work I attempt to combine aspects of both my Chinese heritage and American childhood. As a Chinese-American adoptee and growing up in a bi-racial family I’ve spent most of my life feeling torn between two cultures. This complex relationship has shaped my life in many ways and rests at the core of my artwork. My work is a dedication to the mid-western landscape, family history, and the nostalgia that comes with cherished photographs and heirlooms.
Do you prefer film or digital, and why?
I prefer film because of the look and glow of the images. I only own one camera besides my cellphone. It's my Dad's Canon EOS Rebel G that he gave to me in high school when I took a film photography class.