Venice Beach photographer Mimi Haddon lives steps from the sand but is not a beach person. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in visual communications, she set off for Paris with hopes of meeting the ghost of Man Ray. There she set up a darkroom in her Parisian apartment and shot the city of lights and its beautiful inhabitants.
Many metro stops later, she moved back to her native sunny Southern California where she met a lovely cheese-and-wine-loving Frenchman with a shaggy beard. Mimi’s latest photo series White Table Portraits is a melange of all things she loves in photography (surreal, graphic, colorful and humorous elements in one very simple image). When she’s not shooting, editing or shopping for props, she can be found drawing lizards or making magical mystery muffins with her two children.
08.25.09
Creatively Omnivorous
If you have a degree in what field is it? I graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BFA in Visual Communications. The two year program was intense and limited to twenty students, and it took me six years to graduate from college. By the time I made it into the program, all of my general course requirements were fulfilled, so I had plenty of time for electives. I took as many photography, illustration and writing courses as I could. I ended up with a really well-rounded college experience.
What was your strangest assignment? Six years ago I was asked to create permanent artwork for a Westside CPA firm. I was to make 50 black-and-white images of Los Angeles landmarks. One of the “landmarks” was a movie premiere and the only star-studded premiere that was happening in the time frame was The Italian Job starring Mark Wahlberg. I didn’t have a press pass and no connections to anyone who had worked on the film, so I had to talk my way into the paparazzi line. I felt like I was Peter Pan mixing with a band of pirates. I barely breathed, I was so nervous that I’d piss-off one of them. I got a great shot of the star amidst the frenzy of the occasion. It was a fantastic experience but it confirmed my belief that I’m not cut out for the life of a paparazzi.
Which photographer would you like to meet? I would love to have a dinner party with a couple of photographers from 100 years ago, the present day and 100 years from now. I think we’d have a blast comparing notes.
What famous person (living or dead) would you most like to photograph? Johnny Cash. I’m not religious, but his music sends me to a spiritual place.
Aside from your camera and lighting, what item could you not work without? An iPod filled with great tunes and people who make me laugh.
Is there anything you would not digitally retouch? I don’t do a tremendous amount of “retouching” on my images, but I love to play with Alien Skin Film filters and there’s nothing too precious for those.
From where do your best ideas originate? Vintage objects, stories, songs. I also love my children’s toys; sometimes they’re just the prop I need for a shot.
How do you overcome a creative block? I just get moving. I always have about five creative projects to do around my house and if I really get stuck I go to my piano and practice a little (I’m not very good, but it clears my mind).
Do you have creative pursuits other than photography? I’m currently obsessed with crocheting baby blankets, I draw friendly monsters for my children and I create wacky animal sculptures out of recycled materials. I’m kind of an omnivore when it comes to creativity.
What music are you listening to right now? I live for my podcasts including: “This American Life,” “Fresh Air” and “Selected Shorts.” My favorite new music gem is KEXP indie radio from Seattle; I’ve been introduced to some great lesser-known bands with their “Song of the Day” podcast.
What’s your approach to balancing work and life? I find that the most important thing to do is be present. When I drop my young children off at school, I know that my time is limited and precious, so I get to work right away. When the kids are home, I tend to drop everything and hang with them. I’m a better mother because I’m nourishing my creativity and career through photography. And without a doubt, my photography is more whimsical because my children are constant reminders of the humor, color and magic of life.
What’s your favorite quote? One of my best friends has this Somerset Maugham quote hanging on the door of her studio and it’s my new favorite: “It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? Do great work that speaks about you. Bring as much of your life into your work as possible.
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? I wish I knew to not settle for anything but the best. If you have a vision, stick to it even if it means asking an expert how to accomplish what you’re looking to achieve.