Photographer - Olivia

Coffee Shop - Detroit Institute of Bagels

City - Detroit

Date - April 4, 2023

Q - What camera did you use for Cameras and Coffee?

A. - A Yashica Mat TLR, it’s my favorite film camera.

Q. How long have you been taking photos?

A. I’ve been walking around with a camera since I was 14, but it wasn’t until I was 17 or so that I began making photographs with intention and meaning.

Q. Why did you start photography?

A . I took a digital art class in my freshman year of high school and grew tired of using stock images from the internet to create stuff in Photoshop…so I started taking my own photos to create content for that class - compositing in skies, landscapes, objects, and even pictures of myself.  Eventually, the class ended but I kept playing with my camera and less in Photoshop.

Q. What motivates you when it comes to photography?

A. I get agitated if I’m not creating. A lot of my work incorporates self as a subject because my narratives are usually personal, but I don’t create with an audience in mind. My photographs are for myself first, but I always appreciate when people connect with them.

Q. Describe your photography style.

A. Feminine, soft, and quiet are words I use to describe my artwork - especially self-portraits. I’m not interested in creating photographs that are bold or loud or have a “wow factor.” I’m an extreme introvert and I imagine the work I make resonates with that. 

Q. Explain your Instagram name. 

A. Oliviaezinga pops up if people search my first and last name. Gotta keep it simple.

Q. What are your photo goals for the next year?

A. I’m hoping to jury more art competitions and publish more print work.  I’d also like to experiment with image transfers - I haven’t done those in years! Trying to push boundaries and go outside of my comfort zone.