Citizen Brooklyn

We all go through stages in our lives; the idealist artist, the serious professional, etc. But, when the dust settles, the past has a tendency to catch up and remind us who we actually are. Michele Beere… Once an artist, always an artist.

©Michele Beere

Tell us bit about yourself as a person and photographer?
About me… I’m the VP of a national advertising agency, single, no kids, all about my dog.  I was an artist when I was younger, but sort of forgot about it as I got busier professionally. I fell into photography just a couple of years ago—and was instantly in love.

©Michele Beere

Do you take most of these photos on you phone or with a “real camera”?
At first I used only my phone, but as I got more involved I started using a real camera more and more—now I have three and am shopping for my next leap of quality.

©Michele Beere

How much alteration, and of what nature, do you do in post?
I love playing with the photos in editing—I think that’s the artist in me. There’s one skill set in finding something that’s interesting to the eye, and another in giving that photo your own personal voice. I feel like the editing is what makes the picture mine.

©Michele Beere

Where are these locations featured in your work?
I travel a fair amount in my job, so wherever I go, I try to find some time to drive around and see what’s out there. I also do a fair amount of research on my destinations. I look for ghost towns and historical areas.

©Michele Beere

How do you manage to find so many classic cars?
I’m just lucky, I guess. The research does help, but mostly I just drive a lot and look for them. You don’t want to be behind me on the road, I stop A LOT, and quickly, if I see something interesting.

©Michele Beere

Is the classic/Americana nature of your images a personal interest or a matter of circumstance?
A little of both. I can’t photograph what I can’t get to, and I’m located in California for the most part. I would love to get to Europe or South America one of these days.

©Michele Beere

You also seem to have a thing for birds (and sometimes other animals), can you explain?
I’m a huge fan of crows and vultures. Basically, I love all animals, but I do have an extra pull towards critters that others don’t find beautiful.

©Michele Beere

There is also a recurring religious theme throughout; can you expand on this?
I think a lot of my photos are about hope, or the loss of hope, on one level or another. Religion offers hope, so it interests me.

©Michele Beere

The almost complete lack of human subjects, coupled with bleak, deteriorating and rural landscapes gives a sort of post-apocalyptic vibe. Is this intentional?
I am fascinated by what people leave behind. Every abandoned item has a story that engages my imagination. Who lived here? Where did they go? Why did they leave everything behind? Who swept this floor? Who built these walls? What was their life like? I find so much beauty in what gets left behind.

©Michele Beere

Is your feed a personal collection, or are these prints intended for sale/display?
I take the shots for my own enjoyment, but certainly am not opposed to displaying or selling them.

©Michele Beere

Michele on Instagram: @Badbatzzz

©Michele Beere

©Michele Beere

©Michele Beere

©Michele Beere

©Michele Beere