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Young Photographer Arielle Nadel and Her Very Own Toy Story

Her name is Arielle, she loves photography, manga and everything Disney. Even though she’s a soon-to-be school graduate, she doesn’t hurry to throw out her toys in the attic. Moreover, she once made her favorite toy a hero of a photographic story, which lasted for a whole year! The series “365 Days of Danbo” became popular on Flickr and brought the first success to its author.

She’s not a child anymore, still, there is a place for fairy tales in her heart and that’s, in my opinion, a great quality for a photographer. So far Arielle continues to study, plans new interesting projects and humbly talks about her achievements in the photography trade. She seems to have a clear idea of what she wants from life and I bet the world will hear the name of this talented girl quite soon.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m eighteen and live in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m currently a senior at St. Francis High School.

How did your interest in photography spark? What role does it play in your life now?

My interest in photography started when my Mom bought me my first little camera and I took many pictures with it. When my Mom realized how much I loved taking photos, she got me my first DSLR. Currently I am in the photography club at my school and I am taking advanced photography classes.

365 Days of Danboard is by far your success as a photographer. Please tell us how it all started, how the idea came to you? Why Danbo?

The idea for the 365 came to me when I saw Danbo pictures on Flickr. I really wanted to get my hands my very own Danbo! When I ordered my first Danbo, ideas for photos raced through my mind, so, when Danbo finally arrived, I had a head start on the first 100 days before beginning to shoot “365”. I chose Danbo because I am a huge fan of the manga ‘Yotsuba&!’.

Tears Hidden in the Rain

I imagine a “365”project sounds easier to do than it really is. Especially for a young person, when lots of distractions are around. What about you, was your Danbo project really a challenge? Did you think about doing a “365” again?

I didn’t find my 365 a challenge…it was an adventure! I enjoyed everyday and only accepted the best of many shots for each ‘daily’ photo. I will definitely do another 365. Just trying to think of the best time and place to schedule, begin, and complete, is all.

365 unique Danbo stories and keep coming, jeeze! :) Have you ever been stuck for new plot ideas? If so, who or what helped you?

I experienced ‘idea block’ periodically. Whenever I need inspiration and imagination for photos, I turn to my family and friends, especially my Dad. They all get my creative ideas flowing, which, ultimately, I incorporate into the ‘365’ project.

Hey You! Get Me Down From Here!

The Danbos Think Converses are Great to Play in

I’m pretty sure your Danbo pics would look awesome as cards and posters. Has your photography inspired any commercial interest so far?

Oh dear. I don’t think it is appropriate to discuss this, just yet, other than to say I am grateful and humbled that my work has inspired commercial interest worldwide.

What camera and lens do you use? Would you like to expand your gear kit with?

I use the Canon 7D & Canon 5D Mark II. The lenses I use are 50mm, 70-200mm. 24-70mm, 17-55mm, 10mm macro, and 15mm fisheye. I would love to get a tilt-shift lens. I think it would be an awesome lens to work with.

What genre do you like to shoot it most of all?

I enjoy shooting ‘still live’. Making an object come to life is so much fun! Calling all Madison Avenue ad agencies !!!

The Rain Makes Danbo and Wall-E Feel Alive

Waiting for the Tide

Forming a Cardboard Snowball

Tell Us a Bedtime Story

Do you have other passions besides photography? What are your favs in music, cinema, literature?

I like to listen to Lady Gaga, J-Pop, and Disney Park music. I also read a lot of manga and novels. I enjoy creative cinematography, where the angle of the camera, the type of lens employed, the light of day, and darkness of night, the peaceful calm and stormy threat of nature add to the emotions of a storyline. A picture is worth a thousand words, indeed; however, a great photograph tells a story which has no beginning and no ending, such that it tells its story for eternity.

What photographers inspire you? Do you have anyone to look up to in photography art?

I’m inspired by Nirrimi, Joe Penniston, Tom Bricker, and Matt Pasant. They do amazing work.

What if you could have a dinner with a famous perosnality, living or dead, who would it be?

Without question or hesitation, Walter E. “Walt” Disney (1901-1966). I travel to Disneyland, California several times a year and meeting the man who created the “Happiest Place on Earth” and supervised a master storytelling shop would be thrilling. W.E.D. was a creative genius whose work lives and, most incredibly, evolves and grows.

OoOoO Something Shiny

It’s Hard to Describe the Feeling

A Late Night for Danbo

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself as being an inspired, creative and unique photographer. This is my passion. May I invoke the spirit of Walter E. Disney to guide me towards being the master photographic Imagineer with Disney Studios and worldwide Parks….

What would you advise to those taking first steps in the photography?

Be confident and learn to take charge. When you’re behind the camera, your subjects want you to give orders because they want YOU to lead them as much as they want to obey your directions to please you, the photographer. Get that and you earn respect.

We’d like to thank Arielle for taking time and doing this great interview for our journal.

Don’t miss a chance to get to know more about the art of Arielle Nadel:

Flickr: Bunnyrel’s Photostream

All photos copyright © Arielle Nadel. Reproduced on this page with permission.
Photos can’t be reproduced or used without prior agreement from the photographer.