I remember when we were at Sundance, we were in Robert Redford's screening room, and I had never seen the film look so beautiful or sound so great. It was really big and really powerful, and I had a sense of accomplishment in finishing a project like this.

For me, moving from photography to film was very easy.

Many of my family members are teachers in the arts, and I picked up the camera years ago, in high school.

I was making a film [Dream of Life] about Patti [Smith], but I was taking pictures, too.

I didn't do well in high school, but I took photography, and I loved being able to capture moments.

I took pictures of the objects and artifacts that Patti [Smith] would show to her friends because I wanted to document them.

The only self-consciousness in the film [Dream of Life] is anyone's natural shyness.