Monday, May 31, 2010

Interview with Dani

Happy Memorial Day, friends! I hope you're all having a great day today.

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Last week I had the chance to interview a new-comer to the Ten on Ten project, a gal whose photographic style captivated and inspired me upon my first viewing. Meet Dani!


Kristen: What is your name, age, and location?

Dani: My name is Dani Senske. I'm 35, teach kindergarten, and live in Houston, Texas.



K: How long have you been participating in the Ten on Ten photo project, and how did you first hear about it?

D: I am a newbie. Although I've only recently discovered the Ten on Ten, I'm head-over-heels smitten with the whole project. I can pledge my unwavering participation from this point forward.

I have to give credit to Amy at LuckyNumber13. She's the one that introduced me to the whole Ten on Ten experience.


K: What inspires you about the Ten on Ten project?

D: I love photo challenges. This challenge in particular is so pure in nature. You don't need fancy equipment, mad skillz, or fantastical subject matter. The simple and mundane is the star of the show. And it's beautiful.


K: What do you find yourself taking photos of when capturing your day for Ten on Ten?

D: I capture the elements of my daily life:

My craft.


My kitchen.


The fruits of my labors.


My surroundings.


Our adventures.


K: Do you have a favorite Ten on Ten set from the past year? Why is it a favorite?

D: My first Ten on Ten was taken during the school year. I used my iPhone with a filter app to capture all my images. This forced me to find moments that could stand on their own. I became very mindful of those little moments and what was really important to me at various points in my day.

In the end, it was a true slice of my life.


K: Has this project influenced how you see your daily life in any way?

D: It sounds contradictory, but I found myself being thoughtful of what I was capturing without thinking too much. I would ask myself, "what's the most important thing...right now." And that was my image.

I can see that philosophy shaping my Ten on Ten sessions in the future.


K: Why might you encourage someone to participate in this project?

D: Why wouldn't you participate? Pick up that camera and shoot!

It can be as easy and straight forward or complex and outside the box as you want.

It's a chance to immerse yourself in your day and find something special and noteworthy each and every hour for ten hours. It's not often that you have a chance to do something like that. So take advantage of the opportunity. You'll be so glad when you have this collection of days...not just moments.


K: What does an average day look like for you?

D: Easy. Taking care of The Homestead and The Offspring. That is what I live for. It's my joy.




K: What does an ideal day look like for you?

D: Hmmmm. Ideal. Is there such a thing?

Ideal for me is a balance between spending time with those I love and also stealing away for some quiet solitude.




K: What inspires you currently? Who are your favorite photographers?

D: My children, known as The Offspring, are my biggest source of inspiration. They are ever-changing subjects: their moods, their looks, their actions, their interests. I am never bored when capturing their antics.

I also find this gal's photos amazing. Stunning, really. I want to be her when I grow up. I've even written her a fan letter. She's that good.

And there are many others. I'm always inspired by those out in Blog Land taking ordinary little snippets of their day and making them magical.

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Thank you so much for sharing your words and photos with us, Dani! We're looking forward to seeing your June "Ten on Ten" photos!

**If you have someone you'd like to see interviewed on the Ten on Ten blog, shoot me an email at kristengough@gmail.com with a link!**

7 comments:

Rebekah said...

Wow!! Truly amazing stuff Dani, what an honor to have you apart of this project. You are one truly talented, inspiring Mama. Your photos are breathtaking and I love your philosophy of life. So pure and simple and yet profound. Welcome aboard I too look so forward to seeing your work in the coming months!! xo, Rebekah

stacy bostrom said...

wonderful & inspiring!!

Dani said...

Thank you for this opportunity! I am honored and humbled.

Anonymous said...

i love the philosophy of 'what's the most important thing..... right now.' such a simple idea, but i the like the thought of having the subject matter stand on it's own, and not something that will be done up in the editing process later.

bravo dani!!

Mandy said...

I love these beautiful words and photos shared here. I think I heard about the 10 on 10 project through dani. I'm inspired to join in this month.

mel @ the larson lingo said...

Great interview! Love your photos Dani!

Tiffany said...

I love this new interview aspect to the project! What fun! I really enjoyed Dani's photos and words. Thanks for adding something new and fun, Rebekah and Kristen!