Originally from a little peninsula called Macau, Flora spent her adolescence in Montreal, Canada.  After university and years of wandering, she moved to New York.  In 2005, she was named by Surface Magazine's 7th avant guardian contest as a young emerging photographer. Flora was the 2008 Peter S. Reed Foundation Grant recipient. Flora's work has appeared in W magazine, I.D, Conde Nast traveller UK, Tokion, Nylon, Surface, Spex, Dossier Journal and others in the States, Europe and Asia. She is also a frequent collaborator with musicians in the States as well as record labels in Paris and the UK.  She is currently based in New York.

When did you realize your inclination towards photography?
I realized my inclination towards photography when I took an extra curriculum class at 16. The real epiphany came I was traveling in Europe as a student, I realized I could do this forever.

Your job profile covers various aspects like portrait, landscape, fashion, to name a few. How do you manage so many things at the same time?
For me it's all the same thing. I love photographing. There are no real differences between photographing a portrait or landscapes. I try to photograph them all with the same sensibility. I was told to photograph when something touches you, so I try to capture that feeling.

Talking of fashion photography, how do you make models pose for you?
It all depends on the situation. With a good model, you don't need to do anything. However, with a bad one, you need a lot of patience.

You have shot people extensively. How do you manage to create a rapport with them, given that most of the time, you don’t even speak the same language?
It hasn't been a problem yet. Most people speak English. Otherwise, gestures help and a sense of humour always comes in handy.

Do you find yourself seeing photographically all the time?
Yes. I use music to inspire me and the images just come.

“I love photographing. There are no real differences between photographing a portrait or landscapes. I try to photograph them all with the same sensibility.”

Your work has been extensively covered in W magazine, Nylon, Surface, to name a few. How does it feel to have achieved so much in life?
Thanks for the compliment. I don't think too much about it actually. It's an unstable business. I am grateful for the jobs I have done and I don't take it for granted. I try to do a bit better everyday I guess.

Which is the latest project you are working on? Could you brief us on the same?
I am trying my hands on video; just telling short stories about life and relationships.

Looking back at your work, which of your pictures make the strongest impression on you?
It's tough..I guess one of the oceans. It's my favourite place in the world, water. My second favourite is my quiet empty bedroom. I really enjoy silence. I bounce between New York and London, they are both stressful cities. Slowness and quietness have been a theme in all my works. It is my attempt to notice the world around me even when it's going so fast.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?
I draw my inspirations from music, books and films...and walking around. Definitely music though.

“Slowness and quietness have been a theme in all my works. It is my attempt to notice the world around me even when it's going so fast.” “If you really love photography, take pictures everyday.”

Do you prefer black & white photography or coloured?
I prefer both.

Would you like to share any memorable work experiences with us?
Meeting Tim Burton for 10 mins was nice. Beetlejuice is one of my favourite movies.

Is there a word of advice you would like to give to the budding architects of today?
If you really love photography, take pictures everyday. It’s a really tough and competitive business; you must really love it to make it worthwhile.
       

	Quick8: Your Favourite Camera: Pentax 6x7 Your Favourite Printer: Epson pro 3800 Your Favourite Shoot: Travel and portrait shoots. I like meeting interesting people Your Preferred Location: wherever there are interesting subjects. Favourite Photographer: Too many to say...Todd Hido, Alec Soth, Tarkovsky, Eggleston, Paolo Roversi, Helmut Newton Most memorable story: lost in Mexico on an assignment for a night. It turned out to be okay at the end but it was pretty nerve wrecking initially. Current photographers you like: Annelise Phillips, Rinko Kawauchi, Helen Van Meene, Danilo Scarparti, Alec Soth, Todd Hidoetc Toughest day at work: everyday is tough. There are lots of egos in the business. A lot people I photograph have their own artistic visions and can be very adamant about them. In a way that's what make them fantastic at their crafts but its difficult when you are trying to do your job. This is the part of photography no school can teach you. Dealing with People is an art of its own. Through experience, you learn but it's never easy dealing with 50 people who are all screaming at you. That's why sense of humour is a very important part of the job.

More Photos by Flora Hanitijo / Fotosocial

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