Photographer

For more than fifteen years, Noah Kalina has carved out a freelance career that manages to strike a balance between fine art and commercial photography. Here, the Barryville, NY-based photographer talks to us about the path he took to get there—the high school awards that gave him the confidence to keep taking pictures; attending art school, and jump starting an independent career by taking $20 head shots out of a small Manhattan apartment; and why he chose to move his life and studio to rural Upstate NY. Despite the ups and downs that working solo can often present, Noah still says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Berlin-based photographer Julia Nimke developed a love of photography during her nomadic childhood in Germany, and continues to roam the world, camera in hand, documenting the folktales that have helped people define their sense of home for centuries. Here, she describes how her appreciation of nature, solitude, and simplicity impacts her work and creativity, and how she’s been able to form new connections by seeking out paths less traveled and sharing age-old stories.

Brooklyn-based photographer, Aundre Larrow, grew up in southern Florida, where he was encouraged to pursue creativity and developed a love of storytelling. Here, he describes how his mother’s sacrifices and work ethic have profoundly influenced his creative life; his decision to move to New York City to build a meaningful career; and how one of his latest projects, Stories From Here, aims to challenge the beliefs and assumptions we have about ourselves and each other.

LA-based photographer Jessica Zollman, aka Jayzombie, recalls her love of photography that started in childhood with her father’s obsession over taking pictures. After her dad unexpectedly passed away, her path eventually led her full-circle back to her first love of shooting, with stops along the way, like studying music business and serving as Instagram’s community manager and fifth employee. Here, Jessica opens up about how vulnerability plays into her creativity, the importance of self-care, and the challenges and rewards of turning her passion project into her full-time gig.