by Yvette Depaepe

Greta Do is a masterful and most talented photographer when it comes to Children portraits. She quotes: “Photography is my love affair, I forget being myself, forget breathing, im sucked inside, captured by moments, seconds,details... I am looking for everything that makes this world beautiful... swirls of texture, explosions of colour...and faces...and eyes...and the beginnings and endings of light and shadow. Endless.”
I couldn't find better words to express her tremendous passion ;-)
Please, take this journey with me through Greta's mesmerizing and brilliant work and listen to what her innerself reveals to us in this fine interview.

“Freya”

Briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs, Greta.
How has your history and life experiences affected your photography?
I am Lithuanian living in Ireland close to 20 years. I was born in Kaunas and after finishing The college of Art ( Faculty-Conservation and restoration of works of art) I have decided to travel… Temporary… And ended up in the Emerald Isle. Still here… Have a family…. and this country is a part of my identity now.
I am a full time family photographer and have a small business “ Memorybeans Photography “ Capturing moments and portraits in Lifestyle-Documentary style.

I love art in any shape or form! But painting was the closest to my heart. Oils !!!!
My life here ( Ireland ) shaped my way to photography, as this media ( digital ) was easy accessible and manageable compared to oils. As I always have a need to express myself, I turned around and picked up a camera.

“Freya”

“Sanctuary”

Which are your most important experiences that has influenced your art?
My children. They have become my canvases, my extension, my art.

“Wishes”

“Retina Childhood”

What first attracted you to photography?
Describe your overall photographic vision.
Unfortunately I can not say I was attracted to photography itself. I think of myself as a creator, and the need to create is very strong when I shoot. I want to say.. to explain or to ask…. and I want to make it, to paint it…. There are two worlds of me within photography. My self expression that leads to the portraits I create and my projection, that is my view of the world around my clients families is capture. 

“Fleur de luce”

“Abditory”

Why are you so drawn by Children Photography?
Children have childhood within their eyes. The expression and presence is incomparable.
They are much harder to direct and have the mind their own… The road to final capture might be so fast or so long. And there is always a surprise element to it. That makes it even more special.

“Sisterhood”

“Lilly of the valley”

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?
Story/ Idea all the way! And light… ofcorse the light. This is where it all begins. I am not technical! Oh no! Not even a little bit. I know a few buttons :)
On a more serious note, I know my way around the camera and I see light that is available and I am able to use it the I want. I try not overcomplicate things for myself, if there is a way to get from a to z in a simple straight I will not choose a zigzag path.

“Inner Garden”

“Sleepless Night”

Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?
The location does not really matter much to me. Light does, Idea does and subject does.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?
I have shot with Canon since I have started using digital, Last camera I used was 6d. Now, however I have switched to Sonyalpha7III, and said farewell to my long relationship to Canon.
My go to lenses and primes 35mm , 85mm.

“Timeless Floating”

“A portrait with spring willow”

What software do you use to process your images?
I use Lightroom and Photoshop.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?
Sometimes the idea just shoots in…. and I go from there… this is when I find it very easy. With the condition that it happens there and then. If I can throw everything away and just give my whole self to the process of creation. So I shoot and edit on the same day! This is most satisfying and complete feeling.
The harder one needs searching … music… poetry…. random things on the road…. or a child walking by…. or a few of these in one…. I have a notebook for ideas… and sad to say they pile up….and get forgotten sometimes.
I keep snippets of things on my Pinterest organised to ideas, that helps me to visualise the final image.
When I know what I want, I shoot usually natural light at home or in my studio.
Editing is mainly in Ps and can take a long time. But if I start I finish on the same day.

“Wishful Thinking”

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Children Photography and how do you get started?
Do not settle searching. Errors are positive!
Any start is a start, the important thing is that the start would not become an end.

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography?
Flora Borsi !  What she is saying is loud and silent at the same time. There is magic and reality… perfect combination of painting and photography. She is my inspiration.

“Shedding Skin”

“Foliage”

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?
Just shoot more! And get better...always better.

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you?
My favorite photograph is the one that started it all. It is very personal peace. After the long shallow stagnation that I could not handle anymore came a lot of tears and the birth of “ Rain in my Heart “

I want to thank 1x for having me. It is a wonderful space with amazing talent. First digital gallery I have posted in. And hold really dear to me.

“My Queen”