It has always seemed necessary to us to interview lesser known, yet passionate, photographers who feel certain obligations in their lives. Sometimes it is difficult to choose which photographer to speak with, since they so numerous today (maybe even more and more numerous?). In the case of Frédéric Dargelas, it was an accidental meeting, during a trip, but also the quality of his work that led to these questions, and led beyond that to a collaboration where he offers photography workshops with us in Finland. In order to chose, all you need to do is follow your instinct….

Photography as performance and portraiture, wandering in Paris and working in a studio. Ian Paterson’s photography embodies these themes, but his story as an ex-pat inspired by Paris also weaves in other mediums, notably drawing and painting. Gearing up for a return to the darkroom, Paterson describes his artistic processes and phases, as well as his new book “Searching for Godot.”

Recently honored with the Gold Winner of Asia Photo Award, Gavin Au is one of China’s upincoming names in photography. Based out of Hong Kong, Au offers an interesting perspective on being a young, asian photographer. Visually, his work is at the same time culturally representative of China, it’s “peeping” for example, as well as international, as seen with his stamp “collection.” And in the following interview, he depicts influential elements surrounding his work like artistic freedom versus repressive politics in China and appropriating tintypes into his own modern style.

Since Arno Raphael Minkkinen’s work is of such a corporal nature, I was delighted but not entirely surprised when I noticed the relationship between each of our initials. This quirky connection makes for a fun title, but doesn’t accurately represent the following interview. On yet another cold day, this time in Paris, four people met in a café to discuss Arno’s work: Arno, his colleague Kimmo Koskela, RD and myself (Liv Edwards Gudmundson). In this follow-up interview, we spoke of their collaborative film project, of breaking records and of Arno’s recent work in China.

During her Masters work in Costa Rica, Morea Steinhauer started contemplating the wide range of photographic applications, which inspired her to create and lead fascinating photography workshops with Columbian refugees in Latin America. Her effervescent personality lights up a room and hearing of her meaningful projects reminds us of the exciting impacts photography can have in people’s lives. Below, she discusses her experiences as a mentor in these programs, as well as their influence on her own photography.

After many conversations, artistic and non, I’ve had the great pleasure of becoming friends with and getting to know the photography Rachael Woodson more intimately. I met Rachael shortly after her move to Paris, from New York and since then, her work has appeared in the magazine Nylon and she has exhibited at Révélation 4 in Paris, during summer, 2010.

A self-described “photo activist” Saiful grew up in Bangladesh, surrounded by political activists and now uses his camera to tell stories. Recently, his work was on display as part of the Cambodia’s Angkor Photo Fesital, 2010. With much reflection and candor, Saiful Hug Omi, shares with us his words and images from the series “Hereos Never Die.”

Berlin is a visual haven for graffiti lovers. Colorful tags, stenciling and murals decorate the city’s walls, pavement and signs. As Tristan Siegmann shows through his photography, however, these artistic urban touches also represent significant social changes. We met with the photographer on the eve of an artistic residency and the exhibit: “Berlin: Places, Traces and Borders” in Nantes, from Oct. 13-24, 2010.

Amidts the high energy buzz of art vending and champagne sipping that was Show Off 2009, one photo series set itself apart from the rest: The Birthday Party. A native Australian, but long time Parisian resident, Vee Speer’s most recent series is a provacatively elegant look at childhood. In the following interview, Vee discusses her main photo projects to date, her experiences being a female photographer and her upcoming series “Immortal.”

On a chilly December afternoon, I scuttled into the Winnipeg Art Gallery and entered into the world of Arno Rafael Minkkinen. As I walked through the exhibit, the beauty of each image was nearly intoxicating. I wondered at this creative form of self-portraiture and his body’s playful, yet graceful, interaction with the landscape. Nearly a year later, I had the honor of connecting with Arno for this interview, where we discussed his beginnings, his motivation and his artistic process.