Do you have an online gallery where one can view your photos?
http://www.lailajadallah.com
For how long have you done photography? How did you begin?
I started doing photography during college and have had an ever changing relationship to it from there. I worked as a photography assistant while completing my first degree and then moved into working at galleries and in exhibition development. I then decided to return to photography for my Master's and since have been independently curating photography-related exhibitions as well as doing other photography work on the side.
What has been your education as a photographer?
It is an equal mix of formal education and practice. The only way to learn how you really want to do photography is through trying various paths - including classes, assisting, freelancing and exhibiting.
Please list any exhibitions in which you have participated.
Anthro After Hours | Baked & Wired, Feburary 2011 Love Is... | Baked & Wired, Feburary 2011 Second Look: Prints from the Vivid Solutions Archive | Vivid Solutions, January 2011 lOuNgE, Washington, DC January 2011 FotoWeekDC | Adah Rose Gallery, November 2011 FotoweekDC: The Breadth and Beauty of Photography | Studio Gallery, November 2010 Graduate Exhibition | SPEOS Photographic Institute, May 2010 Palestine Children's Relief Fund Fundraiser, January 2009 Garden Gallery | Studio Gallery, May 2008 Partners for Peace Fundraiser | Bus Boys and Poets, August 2007 George Mason University | Women's Center, May 2007 Alternative Photo Processing | George Mason University, April 2007
What is your favourite type of photography?
Any type that makes me question what I know.
What type of preparation do you do before undertaking the photo session?
My favorite part of the preparation process is creating my mood board. It allows me to not only define my theme(s), but also provides me with inspiration and direction while on the shoot.
Describe your current equipment: cameras, lenses, computers, accessories...
My arsenal of equipment includes: Nikon D300 (and back-up) with lenses, 1 studio light, Fuji Instax Instant Camera, MacBook, two Lacie drives, a flash, light meter and tripod.
Which past masters of photography do you most admire?
Duane Micheals is my all time favorite. Otherwise, too many to list!
Do you consider yourself more technical or more artistic?
Artistic, with a lot of technical training. Technical training allows you to pick and choose how much or how little technique / equipment / editing etc. to use.
How does one develop the instinct of knowing when to press the shutter release button?
One of my professors once told me: pick a frame and wait for the right subjects to pass through it.
Which websites for photographers do you frequently visit?
I read http://www.aphotoeditor.com everyday.