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Productivity Is Not Working
“We have all this insane shit just laying around,” Geeting says. “Sure, you can shoot at home but a lot of people don’t have all this. It reminds me why I kept it all. This stuff just has great energy.”
How has it been collaborating with your Lina, your girlfriend?
She has a masters in fashion from Parsons, and she sees me making wacky little still lifes all the time, but I mean, we’ve never worked together. Now, though, because we’re self-isolated together, it’s become this thing. It’s been great for me to step out of my comfort zone and use some of her ideas; as well as for her to step into my world a little bit. I feel like my weaknesses are things that she’s actually strong at. Like, I don’t know, she’s daintier when it comes to arrangements or hanging things on fishing line. Whereas I’m fast-paced and tend to overlook a lot of stuff, which I actually think contributes to the slapdash nature of my work that sets it apart. During this time when we’re all slowing down, it’s been great to collaborate with her because she is making me look at every detail in the image instead of just rushing through things.
It’s really awesome that your girlfriend has also become your stylist! Generally, though, I’ve heard photographers say they can’t make images currently because of social distancing measures. But nobody can operate like that right now. Have you had any success collaborating with people using digital platforms?
It’s a bummer to hear that some photographers can’t do what they do because it requires other people. But, really, I’m used to a more DIY way of working. Initially, I had intended on being a fine art photographer—I started my career making still lifes of forks and knives, garbage, and dollar-store stuff. As I gained the attention of photo editors, people then wanted me to make those same quirky images, but with a Chanel bag thrown in the mix. As someone who does a lot of commercial work, it’s been refreshing to get back to not having to rely on so many people who might have differing opinions. It’s nice to go back to what got me started in the first place.
Are you getting less work because of the pandemic?
Totally. I will say that this project has been generating interest and there have been some inquiries. Which is funny because I’m doing this solely for myself, not because I’m trying to get jobs during this dark time or anything. I just think that everyone is staring at their screens right now, and could use something refreshing to look at instead of just coronavirus news 24/7.
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