Identify Your Self: Interview with Lisa Coker
Lisa Coker makes some of the best self-portraits we have ever seen! We are so excited she is one of our DFP Education Instructors and the author of the self-portrait course “Identify Your Self”, available in the Learning Library.
Lisa says this about her course, “Identify Your Self” :
“It was difficult and unexpected to step in front of the camera and identify myself, yet so worth it. In this course, I’m offering my experience, my perspective, and my process. The wins, the losses, the lessons, and the how. I hope that sharing my self-portrait story will make a positive difference in yours and inspire you to step in front of the camera as well.”
Before you dive into the course, let’s hear a bit more about Lisa.
What is photography for you?
Photography is a tool that I use to express how I perceive myself and the world around me and to share that expression with others. A medium that allows me to preserve memories of my choosing.
What’s typically in your camera bag?
Nikon D750, 35mm f/1.8, 24-120mm f/4, Memory Cards, Extra Battery
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
One that makes you emotional. Someone once said to me, “I don’t want to see a picture of your kid in tears. I want to see a picture of your kid, that moves me to tears.”
What or who influences your work the most? Where do you draw inspiration from?
My family influences my work the most. They are the reason I do this. Besides striving to be the best mom and wife I can be, photography is the bonus I can give them: memories of a wonderful childhood. Psychology influences my work as well. I’m very curious about behaviors and why people choose to do what they do. I apply this same curiosity to myself and that self exploration informs how I perceive the world and what I make photos of.
What are you passionate about outside of photography?
My family is the only thing I can say I’m passionate about.
What’s been the biggest highlight in your photography journey so far?
Being part of an exhibit in the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
What are you currently working on? (Photographically or creatively)?
Our family has experienced many life events and transitions. We’re finally starting to feel settled so I’m primarily focusing on spending time with my family and documenting our moments together. I have projects and ideas I want to develop further in my photography, but in due time.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when first starting out, what would it be?
Trust your instincts. Your intuition is stronger than you think.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years from now? (Either in photography, life, work, etc.)
I plan on photographing my family for as long as I’m able. In 5 years my oldest children will be in middle school to high school, so I’m nervous and excited to see what those years bring. I’d like to publish a photobook one day, but that may take longer than 5 years. Hopefully, I’ll at least be working on one by then.
How do you decide when to click the shutter? What makes you say “Ah, I have to click right now!”
I ask myself, “Do I want to remember this? Is this important?” If the answer is yes, I make the photo. I also make a photo of things I think are beautiful or intriguing to me.
About Lisa Coker
Lisa is a documentary photographer based in San Diego, California. In her artistry, she seeks to illustrate the gradient of the human condition, from life’s comforts to conflicts, and the tension that lies in between. Her current projects explore the complexities of identity, ideals, mental health, and motherhood.
Be sure to check out Lisa’s course “Identify Your Self”, available in the DFP Learning Library.
And check out more of her work: