Like most downtowners, I first saw Inky Squid at La Cita’s Thursday night Dance Right. She had walked up and handed me a pair of oversized, red-rimmed, clown sunglasses. I’d seen her passing the said glasses from customer to customer on the dance floor, snapping away with her camera, turning hipsters into instant stars. I really didn’t want to be a star, or a hipster for that matter, but I obliged for the photo…I was just curious about photographer. A torch of individualism, confidence and, in some inexplicable way, satisfaction, The Squid seems to radiate. She is someone you want to get to know, or maybe even more so, be like, dress like and talk like. So here you go, Inky Squid’s Top Ten Q & A. Enjoy.
JBJones: How did you get started in photography?
Inky Squid: By accident. I’ve been friends with Matt Goldman for a few years, and when he started Dance Right I would come down to the club just to hang out. One day he handed me a camera and suggested I go take pictures of people, shortly after that I was shooting his parties. I never knew I had talent in photography. I have Matt to thank for that.
JBJones: Half stylist/half photog, you’re known to accessorize your shots. It’s an in genius way to signature your pics…where’d this practice come from?
Inky Squid: I’m not sure where it came from, but people tend to be less camera shy when you give them something to have fun with. I get a kick out of seeing what people come up with when given a 72inch inflatable football or a plastic army helmet.
JBJones: What’s your favorite accessory to use?
Inky Squid: My Powerglove.
JBJones: In three words, describe your photography style.
Inky Squid: Up. Close. Personal.
JBJones: If you could take anyone’s pic – who would it be?
Inky Squid: Jack Nicholson. Oh, and I was wondering if I could go back in time to 1974 and photograph him on the set of Chinatown. If that’s cool?
JBJones: Let’s change gears from what you do to what you wear. You have a very individual sense of style. We’re envious. What’s your inspiration?
Inky Squid: Taxi Driver and Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
JBJones: In your closet, what couldn’t you live without?
Inky Squid: My life-size cardboard cutout of Christopher Cross. What?
JBJones: Do you think clothing can create an alter ego of sorts, if you let it?
Inky Squid: Of course. Nearly everyone makes a snap judgment as to what kind of person you are by what you’re wearing. Even changing your shoes can alter the way you carry yourself.
JBJones: Three words again, this time for your personal style.
Inky Squid: Recipe for disaster.
JBJones: Just one more – any pearls of wisdom to impart on those of us who are less fashion savvy?
Inky Squid: Learn how to do your own alterations.