It’s early November 2020. That seems crazy to me. It also seems crazy to me that it’s been over 6 months since I’ve shared an interview with my favorite photographers. So you know what that means! That means it’s time for another “30 Questions With Photographer…” blog post!
If you remember, for this project, I ask photographers to answer 30 questions about themselves and their photography. I also ask them to share some of their work. The goal of this project is to spread the word on photographers who have impacted my photographic journey; photographers I think you need to know about. The next installment of my “30 Questions With Photographer…” project is one you’re sure to enjoy.
I was first introduced to this photographer through the world of podcasting; not because she was featured on the podcast, but because she’s a cohost of the podcast. After (actually, WHILE) listening to the first podcast, I went to her Instagram page to view her work. Wow! I was completely blown away! And by the end of the interview, I’m sure you will be too.
I’ve never met this photographer person, but I hope to someday. She’s as crazy about old cameras as I am. In fact, I can honestly say she’s responsible for inspiring me to make some of the camera purchases I’ve made. Talking gear is dangerous, let me tell you!
The next photographer I want to introduce you to is Vania Francesca Zask.
Q: What is your name and where do you live?
A: My name is Vania Francesca Zask and I live in the south bay of Los Angeles.
Q: How can people contact you?
A: People can contact me or see my work on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaniafrancesca/) or on Instagram at @surfmartian or @allthroughalens.podcast.
Q: If we’ve met, how do we know each other?
A: We have interacted on Instagram.
Q: What is your earliest memory of taking a photography?
A: A disposable camera when I was maybe 9 or 10. I remember savoring each shot.
Q: Of the cameras you currently own, what is your favorite (you may choose one of each format if applicable?
A: This changes all the time. I think my favorite is what I am shooting at the moment. If it's new to me, figuring out the functions and seeing the results is really satisfying. Right now It's a Graflex Series B 2x3. The glass is bonkers! So crisp! The mechanisms to the camera seem overly complicated but are very simple to sue. I like the chart and the way you adjust the shutter speed with tension to the curtain.
Cinestill 800T, Mamiya RB67, C-41
Q: Is there a camera you’ve always lusted after and hope to acquire someday? What makes you desire this camera?
A: Not a camera but a water housing for any medium format camera. I enjoy shooting film in the ocean. That's kind of my favorite subject, so being able to bring a larger format in the water would be a dream.
Q: Is there a camera you no longer have that you miss?
A: I have not. I think at some point I will probably sell or trade some if I don't use them. I have a small hope my daughter will want to use them at some point.
Q: What type of photographs do you most enjoy taking (portraits, landscapes, street, etc) and why?
A: I prefer the water landscapes of fast moving waves that resemble canyons and mountain peaks. You have to be quick about it because things are constantly changing. It keeps me thinking, inspires me, and feels different on any given day. The interesting thing about now shooting more landscapes on land is that I have incorporated things I do in the water, such as shooting really low. When you are swimming your head is the only thing above water so your perspective is low, and you get a really nice foreground. I didn't even realize I was doing this; it just felt natural to shoot landscapes like this too.
Kodak Ektachrome 2253, Cross Processed C-41
Q: While most of us shoot both digital and film, I believe we all have a tendency to prefer one over the other. What do you prefer and why?
A: Film always. I need a number to fall back on… 26, 12, 36 exposures, it keeps me mindful and careful with each image I take.
Q: How often/much do you shoot photographs (rolls per week, month, etc)?
A: I shoot a few times a week; almost every day.
Q: Do you prefer to photograph with other people, or would you rather shoot alone? Please explain.
A: I don't mind shooting with other people. It's neat to see how other people approach photography. I do prefer alone. It takes a long time when I'm on land to take a photo and now that I have been shooting 4x5 it's much longer.
Ilford HP5+, Graflex Pacemaker Crown Graphic, Rodinal 1+25
Q: What is your favorite black and white film right now and why?
A: Ultrafine Xtreme 400. It’s fine grain, has great tones, range, it looks good pushed and it's affordable.
Q: What is your favorite color film right now and why?
A: Cross-processed Kodak Ektachrome 100.
Q: Complete the following sentence: “I am a photographer because…”. What do YOU get from photography?
A: Every moment in our lives is distinctive. We have this moment to be alive and I want to see and experience it all.
Kodak Ektar 100, Voigtlander, C-41
Q: Best experience while taking photographs?
A: Probably seeing a friend get a good wave or get totally pitted.
Q: Most emotional experience while taking photographs?
A: I took a photo of a 6 year old girl with her moms permission she was holding up a sign that she made. It said “Don't let guns shoot kibs [sic]”. I cried when I scanned it.
Kodak Tri-X 400, Mamiya RB67
Q: Worst experience while taking photographs.
A: Maybe just losing a roll from bad chemicals. I try to be safe and smart when I'm out. If I feel uncomfortable, I leave.
Q: Tell me about something related to photography you want to learn.
A: Tintypes!
Q: Tell me about something NOT related to photography you want to learn.
A: Carpentry.
Q: What does your family/loved ones think/feel about your photography?
A: Supportive and I feel very thankful for that.
Nikonos V, Kodak Ektar 100, Cross Processed C-41
Q: What is the last photography related book you’ve acquired?
A: Sergio Larrain, Valparaiso. My mother grew up down the road in Algarrobo, Chile. I was lucky enough to visit the family home before they sold it a few years back. My favorite day trip was Valparaiso. Larrain captures this artistic city in such a unique way. His perspective is incredible. He was shooting from the hip a lot and created layers in his images that are just timeless.
Q: Name one of your favorite accounts on Instagram and explain what draws you to this photographer.
A: @conspiracy.of.cartographers of course. Eric is so thoughtful and detailed. I feel lucky to do the All Through a Lens podcast with him. He is fun to collaborate with.
Q: Have you ever sold or have thought about selling any of your photographs? Would you do it again? Any advice for others thinking of selling their photographs?
A: I have done a few art shows with little luck on selling, but the experience was great. I think my favorite way to share art is through zines. It's a great way to share your work with others without the high price tag, which helps ease the anxiety of putting yourself out there. I think if you take pictures, whether it's film or digital, printing your work and making it a tangible piece of art makes it real. All those rolls of film are compiled into a body of work. I highly recommend everyone to make a zine.
Rollei Retro 400S, Mamiya RB67, Yellow Filter, X-Tol
Q: Are there any photography related projects you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?
A: 6x7 zine with @conspiracy.of.cartographers is almost done. It's all photos we have taken with our Mamiya RB67s. I am also converting a very interesting space into a darkroom. And I do a weekly podcast about film photography called All Through a Lens (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-through-a-lens-a-podcast-about-film-photography/id1479924013).
(*Note from Sam: I own this zine and it’s incredible!!)
Q: Are there any non-photographic related projects you’re working on that you’d like to tell us about?
A: Raising my daughter Marley. She is the light of my life.
Q: Where is your favorite location to shoot (specific place or type of place)?
A: The Pacific Ocean or near it.
Q: Is there a specific object you’ve found yourself photographing over and over again? If so, why?
A: Surfers.
Nikonos V, Kodak Gold, C-41
Q: Favorite thing about the photographic community?
A: It’s helpful and supportive. Everyone has been so kind. I have met some great people. It's great to feel like I am a part of it.
Q: What do you think the photographic community is missing?
A: Maybe a better platform to share. Instagram is great but I know that seeing photos in this format doesn't compare to the original negatives.
Q: Biggest photography related pet peeve?
A: The “well, actually”s.
Q: What do you hope your photographic legacy will be?
A: I guess it would be neat to make a book.
Fuji 800 Disposable Water Camera
Q: Who is the one person (living or dead) that you’d like to photograph and why? Describe the type of portrait you’d shoot, and the message you’d want this portrait to communicate about this person.
A: My Nona Maria was this tiny little Italian lady. I spent a long summer with her in La Spezia as a kid. She spoke only Italian and Spanish, so I had to really figure it out. I have this vivid memory of her. She asked me what I wanted to eat, and I said lasagna, so she spent all day making it for me: laying out the noodles on a small dining table with the sun beaming on them from a window while classical music echoed into the room from a nearby apartment.
The moment and detail was incredible. I wish I could have pictures from that day. She was always smiling, even with a life of loss of her youngest son and her husband. She was the epitome of love and kindness and I am forever grateful to everything she had done for me.
Nikonos III, Tasma Mikrat 300, HC-110
As you can see from the photos Vania has shared, she’s a very talented photographer. I’m very excited to see the photos Vania shares in the future.
If you’ve never viewed Vania’s other works, you really owe it to yourself to give it a look. You can see her work at on Instagram at @surfmartian. And I encourage you to check out the All Through a Lens podcast. It’s one of the most enjoyable, informative, and entertaining photography podcasts out there. It definitely won’t be time wasted.