I make it a practice to use my own photos on my blog, but I wanted to do a “spotlight” piece on my friend Anastasia and showcase some of her amazing work. I met Anastasia maybe a year ago and we see each other at some of the Good Ones events. I take photos for my blog and for fun, but Anastasia is a professional photographer. She has a way with light and she has this amazing gift of catching beautiful candid moments. I had a chance to ask her a few questions, I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have! You can check out more of her work on her website: http://anastasiasierra.photoshelter.com

How long have you been a photographer? 

I got into photography eight years ago and have been doing it full time for about three years.

How did you start off taking photos? 

I had a few photographer friends whose work I admired but never thought I could do it myself — I tried shooting film but didn’t have a very good idea of what I wanted to shoot and the pictures were turning out terribly boring, and everything was taking forever, so I quickly got discouraged. A few years later I signed up for a language course at an adult education center (I was working in the translation industry back then), but the class didn’t fill up and I saw photography on the list and decided to try it. That prompted me to buy a digital camera, which worked much better for my levels of patience than film. I started taking my camera everywhere – dance lessons, parties, road trips, the beach, often annoying my friends, because the only thing I could see and think of were potential pictures I could make. I make a living with that now (and pay more attention to my friends).

How do you stay inspired? 

I keep working! I think the important part is to start, and I have been lucky to stay naturally busy with commissioned work, so I have this responsibility to produce good work and having this responsibility inspires me. A lot of inspiration comes from the people I work with – in portraiture and fashion a lot is about collaboration, and I think it is important to create an atmosphere where everyone on the team is at their best and is enjoying the process. I try to keep the projects interesting for the people I work with, and they keep them interesting for me in return.

And of course, exposing yourself to beautiful things and experiences is always inspiring — music, books, people and places you love are part of you, and so is your work, so it’s all one thing.

You do fashion photography, what designers inspire you?

McQueen was incredible, Yves Saint Laurent. I have an appreciation for many different styles, but tend to lean towards either something edgy and dramatic, or something very simple and minimalistic. My recent happy discovery was Christophe Lemaire (thanks to the Uniqlo collaboration) – I love the simple elegance that still lets you see the person behind the outfit.

What was your favorite Good Ones event to shoot? 

They are always fun to shoot – I love the color themes for the guests and the fact that there are local designers at nearly every event! I think my favorite one was the Greek Party. (Check out my recap of the Greek Party here.)

When you’re not behind the camera, what are you doing?  

Most of the time, either editing or planning my next shoot!  I do try to make time for other things that I enjoy – friends, love, music, reading and travelling.

What is on your wish list to photograph (person, place etc).

I don’t really have a wish list – most people I photograph have something interesting about them, as well as places. In my opinion you don’t need to go to exotic places to find interesting subjects, although having a “fresh” eye often helps.

Pictured, Featured Guest Becca Samaan.

My name is Becca Samaan. I am 27. I have a Masters in International Development & Social Justice, and an undergraduate degree in Global Humanitarian Peace & Justice Studies. I have worked as a humanitarian for over 10 years abroad (with UNICEF in India, and at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations (FAO) in Rome). I have worked with Burmese refugees in Thailand; with women freed from human trafficking in India; in slum schools, with lepers and gypsies. I moved back to the USA last summer when I spent a year working at the Boston Rescue Mission, a shelter in downtown Boston. This summer I started my own business where I design clothing and jewelry handmade by different non-profits and artists from around the world. Artists include women freed from human trafficking and Burmese refugees, in an effort to raise awareness of the suffering endured by those in the developing worlds, to those in the USA. The proceeds support the artists / non-profits, and an additional 10% goes to a children’s home in India. I hula hoop for fun.

Pictured, Mike Giardi.

Pictured, Melissa Williams.

Pictured, Zev Steinmetz.

Pictured, Alie Sockol.

For more information on the Good Ones, or to join the waitlist, check out their website.

The post Good Ones: Spotlight on Anastasia Sierra appeared first on A Little Bit About a Lot of Things.

Meet #Goodone Martina Blazeska, a 20 year old student attending Berklee College of Music. Originally from Ohrid, Macedonia she is an up and coming musician who came to perform at a recent Good Ones event held at Limelight Stage and Studios. While everyone else was singing karaoke, Martina played two cover songs and an original. To hear her sound, check her out on YouTube.

I had a chance to interview Martina after the event:

D: You’re originally from Macedonia, what made you decide to come to Boston?

M: I really like the United States in general. I chose Boston because I was accepted at Berklee College of Music. The city turned out to be great, even though I’m more of a West Coast fan.

D: How long have you been singing?

M: I started playing guitar and have been at it for only 5 years! Two years after I started playing guitar, I started to sing and it developed naturally from there paired with the guitar.

D: Is your family musically inclined as well?

M: No one in my family does music professionally, but they are true music lovers. In fact, my mother used to play accordion when she was a little. I think I have her genes.

D: Who are your biggest musical influences?

M: From contemporary to jazz, blues, funk, disco and pop, I have a lot of influences. When it comes to guitar I’m a fingerstyle player, but I compose music in mixed styles.

D: If you could meet any musician, alive or deceased, who would it be and why?

M: If I could meet one person, that would definitely be John Mayer. I am fully inspired and affected by his music. His music, personality and style plays a huge role in my career in general.

D: Where do you get your inspiration for your original pieces?

M: The inspiration for my original music comes from the actions and daily events around me. I get inspired by people, nature and the music I listen to. If something touches my emotions strong enough, my reaction easily becomes music.

D: Do you play other instruments besides the guitar?

M: I have trained in classical music on the piano for years.

D: What are you studying at Berklee?

M: I’m a guitar performance major at Berklee, which means the main focus is on my guitar playing. Other than Guitar and Ensembles, I take Harmony and Arranging and Ear Training classes which help me improve my music understanding and knowledge.

D: What are some of your other passions besides music?

M: I love traveling and exploring. I usually do it with my family and closest friends.

D: Do you have any shows coming up where people can see you play?

There are no shows scheduled at the moment but I encourage people to follow my YouTube and Facebook page to keep up with the news.

The rest of the evening was a blast as well! Good Ones Eric Kramer and Heloisa Fitzgerald gave George Michael a run for his money with their rendition of “Faith”.

Co-founders of the Good Ones Jennifer Brook (left) and Carolyn Kim (right) also gave stellar performances that evening.

If you are interested in a Good Ones membership, check out their website here. Memberships include 3 party invitations per month with a complimentary guest at each event.

The post Good Ones: Spring Fever – Spotlight on Martina Blazeska appeared first on A Little Bit About a Lot of Things.