Interview with Photographer Sean Conaty

Sean Conaty is a cinematographer and photographer based in Los Angeles. He still shoots on his father’s Nikon and singlehandedly keeps Ilford in business. Check out his work at www.sean.conaty.net. He contributed this to our Love and Heartbreak open call.

PenTales: What are the ingredients of a good photograph?

Sean: Whether through composition or story, a good photograph has the ability to tap into your subconscious and affect you without you being able to articulate why.

PenTales: Tell us about a favorite character in a story, and why you relate to this character.

Sean: I’ve always liked Charles Ryder in Brideshead Revisited. Despite saying very little, he is aware of and sees everything.

PenTales: Tell us a 100-word story about yourself to help us get to know you better.

Sean: Inevitably, I find myself in arguments with airport security guards about the safety of sending my film camera through the X-ray machines. I’ve been 100 percent successful in getting a hand check with the exception of my shoot in Kuwait. Nothing will convince you more of a 3200 ASA film stock’s ability to withstand X-rays than an M16 and a uniformed man’s threat to not allow you on the plane.

PenTales: Continue this story (five sentences or less): “He packed his bags and headed out the door. Little did he know that…”

Sean: …the taxi driver waiting for him was the same man he cut off yesterday while driving. The driver recognized him immediately yet wished him a happy morning. The moment the man reached for the door, the taxi jumped forward a few feet. The man eventually opened the door of the parked vehicle. They drove to the airport discussing the Jets’ chances in the Super Bowl.

PenTales: What was your first thought this morning?

Sean: Last night’s dinner was amazing.

PenTales: Which came first, the chicken salad or the egg salad?

Sean: Egg salad, obviously. The sandwiches are better.

PenTales: What question should we ask the next photographer we interview?

Sean: Identify an early photograph of yours that you liked, and describe what you would do
differently now.