Inspiration Interview: Kate and Amanda Pulley

Our models this season at Silent Sundays also happen to be photography stars.  I first saw twin sisters Amanda and Kate Pulley’s photos online years ago and was really blown away by them–I love the photos’ muted colors and rural Tennessee backdrops, but mostly I love the fact that most of them are shot using old film cameras.  It was a lot of fun to get to work with models who are used to being on both sides of the camera and who have a real passion for photography—during photoshoot breaks they would take out their cameras and take behind-the-scenes pictures that captured the spirit of the old ’20s greenhouse so perfectly.

Their photos are just too good not to show, and when Kate and Amanda agreed to model for us I jumped at the chance to be able to do a little feature on them . . .

1. How would you both describe yourselves and what you do?

Amanda: Oh dear, I am terrible at answering this question! Well… I guess I’m still trying to figure this all out. I can say with certainty that I’ve picked up a love for fashion and photography somewhere along this journey of life! :’)

Kate: This is that question that everyone has to answer, but doesn’t know how to. Or… hopefully it’s not just me. (Job interviews, anyone?)  I keep using the word “demure” to describe myself, even though I really don’t want that particular word to define me. I’m not a born-optimist, but I see so much beauty in nature, which is what nearly all of my photographs involve. My clothing style usually involves inspiration from nature, as well. (I love florals, forest colors, anything blatantly resembling plants… Currently loving little foxes or star prints in clothing/accessories.)  Taking pictures is almost subconcious, it’s so normal. I don’t even give any recognition to how second-natured it is to me. But It’s rewarding in many senses.

2. How did you both get into photography (and the online photography world)?

Amanda: As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by cameras. Mainly how an object could capture a still in time, able to be held and kept. It wasn’t until Kate got her Polaroid camera and joined a site called Flickr that I really became interested in photography. I loved her photos and how much fun it looked to set up each shot just right, as well as the idea that she was able to share them within a community of artists that were interested in the same art form. Flickr is full of such talented artists, endless inspiration and the idea that I can share my art with them was and is very exciting!

Kate: I’ve always been interested in photography, in one way or another. I guess most kids get kind of fascinated with cameras at some point. I was particularly amazed by intsant photography. At age fifteen, I went over to a Target and bought a giant, plastic, unauthentic Polaroid camera, against my parent’s suggestions. (They said film was a waste of money!) Quickly I learned there is nothing like a real, old, Polaroid camera. Or any manual film camera, really. My photos and style have grown with me.  I found flickr.com, where my photos are mainly kept, when browsing around friend’s links. Probably on myspace. I don’t really even remember! I just got inspired and joined the site a couple months before I actually began shooting for it.

3. One thing that both of you and I have in common is that we’re all southern transplants who are originally from the midwest. Does living in the south inspire you and your work in any particular ways?

Amanda: Well, Tennessee is a beautiful place! Other than that fact, I wouldn’t say it inspires me in any particular way. I become most inspired when I’m in a new place, full of unexplored territory.

Kate: Amanda and I grew up in Tennessee from ages 2-13 and 17-now, living most of the year in Indiana, during the in-between gaps. With all the going back and forth, I’ve definitely learned to appreciate where I live in comparison to where I lived in the North. And I am definitely inspired by the beauty of what I know of the South.  However, I think I began photographing as an outlet, back when I was away from here. As a way to find beauty anywhere.

4. Any favorite fashion films, books, or magazines?

Amanda: Honestly, I don’t look too much into any of those. I’ll occasionally run into a fashion magazine or book to swoon over (usually the ones depicting gorgeous ladies from years ago wearing the best vintage clothing that I will never be able to obtain– all the more reason to swoon) , but I’m not really good at keeping up with these things.

Kate: I wish I had a better answer, but I don’t actually delve too much into the fashion world. It’s all personal style, really. Every once in a while I enjoy browsing, whatever I come across, fashion-wise.

5. Do you have a favorite fashion era or decade?

Amanda: It changes all the time, usually with each season. Now I’d say I’m a bit more into 90s styles… wool plaid skirts, with tights, and cropped sweaters. As always, I like to mix styles from different decades, like throwing in a pair of 50s style saddle shoes with an outfit that is otherwise pretty 90s in style.

Kate: It changes with seasons, but I love anything between the 1920′s-’70s, depending on the item. I think, in vintage-searching for myself, I tend to gravitate towards ’40s and ’60s styles the most. And a little bit of ’90s. The shapes must fit me better.

6. What is on your fashion wishlist for fall?

Amanda: Lots of wool and velvet! I’m loving floppy felt hats, plaids, chunky wool knit scarves, capes, saddle shoes, cropped sweaters, mid-length skirts, sweaters in the color of pumpkins, silk dresses, polka dots,70s style clog heels, knee socks, blue velvet, olive green, caramel brown, rust red, anything reminding me of what will be consumed on Thanksgiving!

Kate: I would love a good duffle coat (like this one from ASOS), some pull-over sweaters (I’ve kind of been liking the elbow patch trend), cozy cardigans, dresses with sleeves… Uh… anything from Madewell.  Oddly enough, I haven’t much wishlist backup. (Now that I have the Secret Squirrel Gertrude Jekyll button down, I’d been coveting!) I’d ilke a few little quirky accessories, perhaps.

Photo credits: 1. Behind the scenes Silent Sundays lookbook shoot photos by Amanda and Kate. . . . . . . . . . . 2. More behind the scenes, shot by Kate . . . . . . . . 3. Photo by Amanda . . . . . . .. . . . . 4. Kate, photographed by Amanda . . . . . . . . . . 5. Secret Squirrel’s Gertrude Jekyll Shirt and ASOS Duffle Coat . . . . . .. . . . 6.  Amanda, by Kate.