“The portfolios were put together to provide variety - not to tell an asthetically pleasing story; fluidity, as you put it.” Ainsley explained calmly, no mal intent behind her voice; she understood why the photos would seem random, but the portfolio was put together specifically for this job interview. She wanted to include the range of photography she was capable of. “A good photograph doesn’t need a set to tell a story - it inspires others; connects with them emotionally, the way a piece of art would.” Gingerly, she took one of the folders, and picked specifically a picture of a butterfly. It had just emerged from its cacoon, during sunrise, evidence of morning dew scattered along the leaves and cacoon, itself. It was taken with her film camera, and facing it towards Kiara, Ainsley smiled at her. “The detail in this photograph is numerous. I waited two hours to be able to capture this very moment. The rays of a peaking sun, the drops of condensation, and a butterfly ready to spread its wings at the start of a new day. A butterfly can have an average lifespan of three days - sometimes a week, or two depending on species. This picture doesn’t need a thousand words; it just needs to inspire the feeling of hope, perhaps. Maybe motivation, to another. A beautiful creature beginning a life unaware of how short it would be; and planning to make the most of it.”
She was confident in her pick of the particular photograph, as well. “No, I won’t be taking close ups of insects - this is including to show you the patience, attention to detail, and a natural eye for a picture I have. I captured this with a film camera. A camera that doesn’t take five pictures in a single second. My eye and timing for this art is the one thing I’ve always been above average in. You say they’re random, which in all fairness, you’re not wrong. But if you look at them again, from the perspective of how a picture can make you feel - maybe the mini story you create, yourself, to go along with it. Looking at it like that, they’re not so random at all.”
Giving a smile and a nod, Ainsley shrugged a single, casual shoulder. “In the reference letter from my professor, you’ll read that she mentions my ability to work on group projects, and praises my team efforts. Then again, working in a college black room requires the ability to do that.” She chuckled softly. “Some professions call for the ability to be like.. an oak tree - strong, steardy, unyielding. Photography requires the ability to be a willow tree.. flowing in the wind, adaptable, creative.. And I have that in spades.” A job interview was specifically meant to sell oneself to an employer, but Ainsley wasn’t going to lie to the other just to get a once in a lifetime opportunity. On one hand, she could lie, get the job, then be fired for lying. On another, she could lie, pick up what she lied about quickly, then have to live with knowing it was based on a lie.
“Everyone has their faults - mine would be people. Interacting with them outside of photography, I mean. To say the idea of having to work around reporters is nerve inducing, it’s.. an understatement. My confidence is behind the camera. It’s not to say I’m not willing to plunge in and work my butt off, Ma'am.” She had forgotten to use the woman’s name in her nerves. “But the first time you do anything new can be unnerving. Jumping off the highest diving board at the pool for the first time, or holding a snake, or even taking a chance on a new employee. In high school, the problem with getting a job.. was you couldn’t get one without experience. But you also couldn’t get experience without a job. Some people turn out to be wrong for the job, others not so much. Despite any faults or inexperience I come with, I know this is what I’m good at. And I’m really good at it. And passionate. No one better understands this once in a lifetime opportunity better than I do. I could of lied and said I was great with reporters, but I’m not big on lying. I’m actually really bad at it. And you’d find out if I got the job. I’m hoping you’ll realize no one’s perfect. You could hire someone who’s great with PRs, and reporters, and the social politics of it all, I’m sure. But then they’re not paying s much attention to the photography aspect of it all; anyone can learn to deal with reporters.. but not everyone can learn to take pictures like I do.”
Licking her lips, Ainsley had to force herself to sit still, but not stiff; talk calm and not stutter. Talking about herself outside of photography wasn’t something she enjoyed. Talking for long periods of time wasn’t, either. “You’ll see on my resume, I’ve worked with Design Botique - the Alexa Café program - as an instructor. I worked with groups of eight kids, from ten to fifteen, for three consecutive summers.” If being a camp instructor didn’t represent leadership qualities, Ainsley wasn’t sure what did, and she hoped that prerequisite would be enough.
Was this a debate, or an interview? Kiara didn't come here to listen to an interviewee argue her pieces of art. Without question, she would never doubt someone's interpretation of art. She sat there silently, practically allowing herself to be scolded by the young photographer. Licking her lips, she found it harder and harder to hold her tongue, but respectively it seemed as if Ainsley had a lot to say. Honestly, Kiara admired the passion in her voice; the tone she took to defend her craft and the work she put into it. Maybe with nature and scenery, patience was a quality one learned. To her knowledge, or at least the photographers she has known, had a specific style they stuck to and never jumped between styles. She acknowledged that Ainsley held expertise in more than one type of photography skill. So the woman nodded along, taking in Ainsley's argument. "I see what you're saying, and I apologize if I offended you, but that is my interpretation. That's all it was." Kiara wanted to make sure Ainsley understood that she did like what she was presented, but rather, the structure of it was her distaste. The way there was no fluidity in the portfolio. At least transition between the styles.
Shifting in her seat, Kiara took a sharp inhale and settled herself. Remaining cool and professional as possible. "I do understand, I hope you to be aware that this precise and attention to detail won't give you two hours to decide the perfect scene. You'll have way less time for the construction," She informed the other woman, trying to sound less harsh and more matter of factually. "Firsthand I have experienced what photographers have had to go through. Sure, they had their skills and talents and whatnot, but celebrities were their worst critics. Most look at the shots taken of them and approve or reject on the spot. Sometimes, with the wrong photographer, the celebrity will be there for forty-five minutes demanding the perfect candid. This isn't about a beautiful caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. To put it simply, these are clients who want everything right then and there. That's just the way it is, unfortunately," Contently puckering her lips, she tapped a pen against her palm. Why was she being so protective over Ainsley? With the other candidates, Kiara was dismissive and bored, even harsher. Yet here she was, warning Ainsley of the things that may or may not happen. Was she trying to talk her out of taking the job because she secretly wanted her for herself? God, that's so unprofessional.
As Ainsley continued, she was brushing up on the references in her portfolio. Kiara couldn't deny how impressed she was by her recommendations. As someone who has been in the business, she knew people who knew people. The people that Ainsley knew, including her professor, are people other photographers aspired to be. Yet Ainsley was sitting there bold and confident, reminding Kiara of these references without reminding her of their notoriety. That was commendable to say that least. She couldn't deny that. People name dropped all the time, it was her biggest pet peeve. However, Ainsley did it so calm and contently, it didn't bother Kiara at all. Accidentally, she revealed a smile. The corner of her lips lifted upright and she was showing impressed she was. "I've heard of the Alex Cafe Program. I actually know the daughter of the original founder," She confessed with another nod. "And I know the expectations that are put on the instructors and the students," Lifting a brow, she closed the book of references but left it in her lap. Ainsley's prerequisite was more than enough, Kiara was wondering why she would want to work here as opposed to staying in her comfort zone. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm just still curious about you, I apologize. You seem organized, you work well with others, and your list of recommendations could get you a job almost anywhere..."
"I guess I'm just wondering, why here? Why Uproar PR?" Now she was talking aloud. Not really expecting Ainsley to answer her questions. "You know, as you stated, you don't know much about working alongside reporters. Not only that, but your taste seems different from what we're looking for--" Which didn't mean Kiara wanted Ainsley as a photographer any less. "--You're putting your self on the edge here. It's just, um, what's the word." Biting her lip, Kiara thought for a second about what she wanted to say next. Ainsley's first impressions could be explained in a few ways, but Kiara didn't know which one to pick. "Spontaneous, no offense. It's spontaneous. You could make so much money doing what you know, and yet you applied here," Leaning back in her seat, she eyed the other woman observantly. God, she wished she could read her mind. "I'm going to try you out though. When are you free again? I need you to come back tomorrow morning at 5 AM and meet with the other photographers that'll be working the event alongside you. Most importantly, I want you to bring back these binders." She pointed at the ones that were presented to her, not Ainsley's recommendations. "I want your task to be incorporating your taste with the others. See if they can blend together."
"I want an inspiration board. I'll schedule you a meeting with my boss as well and we'll show it to the team that is working on the event. We'll get their opinion. Consider it your working interview. So come prepared and ready to bite everyone's head off."
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