JONATHAN CHERRY: What got you started with photography?

KYLE WASZKELEWICZ: I was looking for something more immediate than filmmaking, which is always such an endeavor. It takes so much time and involves so many people. Not that that’s bad but I needed a balance, another outlet. And holding a camera gives me an excuse to be an observer and stare at stuff/people. I’m pretty contemplative anyway, so it fits.

JC: Any emerging artists inspiring you at the mo?

KW: I’ve been listening to Marina & the Diamonds a lot lately. If we’re talking photogs: Lukasz Wierzbowski is doing some awesome work, Chad Moore as well, my friend Duncan Skiles is a filmmaker who’s becoming quite the street photographer, and I like the attitude of Alex Olson.

JC: Whats your current project all about?

KW: I wouldn’t call it a project but right now I seem to be really into taking wistful, lonely, dreamlike photos while traveling. If I had to name it I’d go with Permanent Stranger. I’m sure it’s just a phase.

JC: Where are you currently living and how is it shaping you?

KW: New York City. It’s the opposite of confining, it allows me to be and do as much of anything as I want, it never stops and it makes me crazy.

JC: Any big plans for 2012?

KW: A couple exciting film projects. And some new portraiture.

JC: One piece of advice to recent photography graduates?

KW: Don’t expect anyone to care that you’re a recent photography graduate, don’t expect any work to be done for you, try not to worry about what you think others like, and stay true to your own vision.

JC: What do you use?

KW: Nikon F3, Mamiya 6, Bronica etrsi, usually Kodak Portra but not always.

JC: Favourite tree?

KW: The Charlie Brown christmas tree. That or the kind that money grows on.