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We interview phobophilia surrealist photographer, Andrea (Andy) Dean Van Scoyoc, who brings your fears to life with her haunting photos. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love of horror photography. I’m constantly on the lookout for something new, and my tastes can vary. This is why I was thrilled to have the opportunity to explore something new and interview phobophilia surrealist photographer, Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc (who now prefers the more relaxed nickname, Andy).

What is phobophilia surrealism photography, you ask? Continue reading to find out more about it, and where Andy gets her inspirations.


INTERVIEW WITH HORROR PHOTOGRAPHER ANDY VAN SCOYOC

1. What can you tell us about phobophilia surrealism photography?

Thanks, for having me, Tiffany! It’s an honor to be a part of such an awesome publication.

Phobophilia is, in its simplest form, the love of fear. So many people love fear and don’t even realize it. They joke about zombie apocalypses, post adoring pictures of Michael Myers and Freddy and Jason…But what would happen if they really met them? Many people love death and blood, but have they seen someone murdered or been to a murder scene?

People love these things and, yet, don’t really know anything about the “fear” behind them.With my photography, I take simple photos, of simple things and manipulate them until they’re horrifying, chilling and unsettling. I love the feeling of the underlying fear they give me, and I’m hoping to bring that appreciation of forms of fear to others.

You can glimpse my world via my Deviant Art gallery at https://www.deviantart.com/thebohemianceltdha.

2. When did you want to pursue photography as your means of expression?

I’m a retired, best selling Horror author, but like so many others…the grass is always greener. I’ve always wanted to be an artist, but I can’t even draw stick figures that don’t send people into gales of pitiful laughter.

Photography has ALWAYS been a keen interest of mine, but I’ve never seen the “eye” for it. What others consider beautiful, I’ve thought was horrid. And what I’ve thought was pure talent, people just brushed aside.

So, I knew I’d never have that “eye”.

With the advent of technology, I can have my own eye, appreciate my twistedness, and just hope to bring others along for the ride.

3. What kind of camera and equipment do you use?

I use a Samsung phone and free editing software…which I guess proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and talent is subjective. I’m just having a blast, but people love my art. And I’m just left scratching my head and saying, “Really?”

4. How do you prefer to capture your images, digital or film?

I’m a major “no footprint” advocate. I don’t support anything where something has to be manufactured (and then disposed of), so I refuse to use any sort of film.

Everything has to be digital that I do.

5. Can you tells us a little bit about your background? Where are you from?

I’m a native Floridian, mixed race, with an illustrious family history and heritage that did NOT make its way to me (ha ha). I someday hope to convention and Gothic event hop.

People think I’m fascinating. I think I’m boring.

I have a website where all my odd hobbies and other strangeness can be found: https://www.thebohemiancelt.com.

6. Who are some of your inspirations?

Anything dead, tragic and awful. I’m a Thanatophile…meaning I love death. I love dead things, dead places, dead people — and I would live in a cemetery if I could.

Cemeteries are my idea of Heaven…and the only Heaven I believe in.

7. Is there a different subject matter you’d like to explore next?

No…this is the last of my goals. I became a well known author, became a DJ and mixed my own music having a movie spawned from one song, and the rest of it licensed for use in various projects from shows and movies to being played as background music in stores.

So…I’ll just hang around the photo art realm for a while.

8. What’s your favorite scary movie?

The only movies that have ever scared me were JAWS (which is why I won’t go in the ocean now, but I’ll watch it every chance I get), Event Horizon (which I forced myself to get over when my son – who was seven at the time – told me I was lame for being afraid of it, and now I love it), and Tourist Trap…which I blame for my being so twisted. It’s been 39 years since I last saw it (yeah, I’m THAT old), and I haven’t seen it and won’t ever watch it again. I just can’t.

Zombies are my thing…so the 1990 version of Night of The Living Dead is my favorite film now.

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