Interview with photographer Nadia Maria

Meet Nadia Maria, Brazilian photographer that expresses herself through her photographs, that she says are like her personal poems.

How did you first get interested in photography?

I’ve always been more visual than verbal as a child. I was very introspective, couldn’t communicate very well, and was very sensitive and imaginative. I always had an attraction for images, in books, magazines… Also, I enjoyed playing with my father’s camera, and when I was 7 years old I photographed my dolls, set up scenarios, and started creating “little stories” in sequences of photos. That’s when I started to hold photography as a form of expression…

How would you describe your style?

I think I transact between all styles, I follow my heart… When I need to create something I don’t limit myself. I always say that I see my photos as poems, I don’t think I can define it better.

If you didn’t end up becoming a photographer, what path do you think you would have followed?

I would have followed art, in any other way, but I don’t see myself without a camera in my hand…

What inspires you?

My life, my thoughts, my experiences, reflections, the books I read, the songs I listen to, everything that goes on inside me, everything…

Best and worst sides of being a photographer?

Photography did for me what no religion could ever do. It made me see everything that happens to me with more depth and reflection, made me be patient, appreciate the time and at the same time not be stuck with it. It made me build a personal intelligence about everything. I know myself better through photography and I know the world better through the exercise of eyes… It hard to find a negative side about being a photographer. I believe that negative comes from outside and not from inside… and I don’t usually look at that much.

Do you think a photo is worth a 1000 words and why?

Can be. A photograph is a key that gives access to thousands of paths into yourself… All words are within that.

Your favourite piece of equipment you can’t live without?

My lenses, my cameras, my eyes (definitely)…

How important are Photoshop and retouching in your work?

It depends on what I intend to transmit … Sometimes it’s minimal, sometimes it’s a bit bigger. But it’s not fundamental.

If you could whiteness and capture any moment in history what would it be and why?

Chopin composing … I think it must have been a delict and disturbing ascent…

Who is your favourite photographer and why do you find her/his work to be so special?

I have so many … but thinking of the complete work I think Masao Yamamoto, Sally Mann and Francesca Woodman, because I think they have done their utmost with the minimum, and it is very true and profound.

If you could have any super power what would you choose and why?

Invisibility, obviously. 😉

To get to know more about Nadia Maria visit her website and Facebook page.