Maker In Action: Meet ADX Photographer Nicolle Clemetson

November 16, 2011

ADX is thrilled to bring a photographer into our mix. Nicolle Clemetson will be working with the ADX community to document members and their projects — both in progress and once completed. You’ll soon be able to spot her within the space setting up shoots (and even asking you to show off your work!). Get to know Nicolle and welcome her into the ADX community of thinkers & makers!

Name: Nicolle Clemetson
Occupation: Photographer

What’s your expertise and how many years of experience are under your belt?

Well, if we want to get particular about things, my experience with the photographic world started back in 1998 when I was sixteen. The usual high school darkroom classes plus a highly supportive art teacher type-story. In 1999 I had the opportunity to attend the Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Missoula, MT. There I was taught the true skills of analog photography under the instruction of school founder Neil Chaput de Saintonge, who was also a student and friend of Ansel Adams (a personal hero of mine). After a few years hiatus from photography (aka- being a young, broke, traveling hippie; circa 2000-2004) I ended up in Phoenix. Realizing there wan’t much of a longterm career in being a cashier at the local food co-op I quit my day job and dove straight in the industry via way of photo and production assisting. Four years later, in 2008 I opened a boutique rental studio and photographer collective in downtown Phoenix, Studio 8, to help bring the photo community together in the sprawling Valley of the Sun. With two solid years of shooting commercially, I sold the studio in January of this year to make my move to Portland. I am currently working as a commercial photographer specializing in portraits, advertising and editorial work, and anything conceptual.

What led to your passion for photography? Have you always been a maker in some fashion?

I’ve always had the creative drive inside me. Whether it was drawing and painting when I was younger, to photography as a teenager, to starting my own handmade clothing line in my early 20′s, I have always considered myself a maker. There is so much pride to be had for creating original, one-of-a-kind anything.

What led you to ADX and why are you involved there?
 What was it like to shoot tools in action?
ADX had their grand opening a few weeks after my boyfriend (a fellow maker) and I moved here earlier this year. He had always been looking for a rad collective workshop space/community (something that Phoenix just didn’t offer), and I fell in love with the concept of ADX as a whole. I knew that even though I am not a welder of craftsman that I wanted to be a part of this, and I knew we could find a place for my photography in the mix.
I had a blast shooting Kelley and Eric last month! It’s radical getting to shoot some of these tools in action because of the ability to freeze the action in a photo. As the viewer you get the opportunity to really see what is happening amidst the crazy sparks and smoke. And i love lighting these intense scenarios in a more cinematic fashion.

Tell us about some of your favorite past shoots.
Honestly, it’s hard to nail down even a couple of my favorite past shoots…but I can tell you that each project I work on seems to be getting better and better. I am constantly seeing my work grow and evolve, and as an artist that’s exactly what excites me and reaffirms that I am moving in the right direction as a human and as a creative.

Do you have any specific projects in the works?

Indeed I do! I’ll be honest- I am really looking forward to all these project I’ve got in the works with you handsome folks at ADX. Between shooting member portraits, helping other members document their projects (both big and small), and shooting my commercial gigs I know i’ve got a ton of stuff to look forward to for 2012.

What significance, if any, does collaboration have in your creative process?

The more collaboration the better, in my humble opinion. As creatives we tend to get stuck on our computers and in our heads (at least I certainly do). I want to work on breaking out of that cycle. Any work that can be created through a collective brain seems to benefit both the individual and the community as a whole. As a photographer I am always looking to collaborate with other photographers, designers, typographers, art directors, videographers, etc. (Hit me up yo!)

What’s your dream project you’d fabricate/design/build if you had the skills and materials at your fingertips?
Man, that’s a damn fine question. It’s one of those things I always daydream about, but when asked to explain my answer, it’s a bit tougher to explain in words (I am more of a visual person). Honestly- give this lady a Hasselblad with a digital back, a crap-ton of Profoto lighting and grip, and a stellar crew and I will make ALL the photo dreams come true (that’s right- ALL of them!).

Stay tuned for more information about Nicolle’s upcoming photo collaborations with ADX. In the meantime, check out her website to learn more!