Exposaroonie Articles, Reviews, Interviews, and more!: Interview with Deborah Degraffenreid

by Ashley

I’ve always felt especially inspired by artists that make a living doing what they love, and also have successful personal projects to feed their creativity. Deborah Degraffenreid is that type of an artist, and has always been one of my most favorite photographers. Below is an interview with Deborah about her American Portrait Project, originally the Farmer’s Market Project. You can find Deborah Degraffenreid’s website here, and learn about her project by visiting this site.

What originally inspired you to start the Farmer’s Market Project?

Living in the bay area most of my life, I was intrigued with the diversity of cultures that exist. I wanted to find a way to photograph a slice of this diversity. Having long been an attendee of farmers markets, I was witness to the cross section of culture that attend some of these markets, Oakland in particular. I also wanted the project to consist of people who volunteer to participate, not by request. I suppose in a way, it's both. I’m requesting volunteers, but not on an individual basis, more on a general scale.

How did/do you get people to participate?

I set up a mobile photography studio at farmers markets and other public spaces where people pass by. a private place in a public venue. All are invited to have their portraits made.

What type of equipment do you use while shooting for this project?

I use a linhof 4x5 camera and type 55 Polaroid positive/negative film. Each participant is given an immediate print in gratitude for their participation. With the recent news of polaroid ending production, the film i use will most likely change, which will also change the look of the project.