Today we are talking with with Azzari Jarrett. She is a Photographer and Interaction Designer based in Atlanta, Georgia. You can usually find her carrying one too many cameras, with a toddler on her hip and a little girl by her side.

How did you get into photography?
Becoming a mother was a major life change for me, as it is for most women. I had a beautiful baby girl and with that came so much love and responsibility. My world shifted completely and my priorities changed. I reached for my camera to document my new world.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-selfportrait

 

How would you describe your style?
With every image, regardless of my subject, I attempt to consistently capture what I am feeling at that moment. I would like to think that I am photographing a story in each image. That being said, most of my images are taken in the morning and all capture natural light.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-morning

What message do you want to convey in your photographs?
That an image doesn’t have to be technically “perfect” in order to be beautiful.

You love film. Could you explain what it is about it that makes it so special for you.
Years ago, I loved the fact that my DSLR allowed me to slow down and actually see the world. But somewhere along the way, I started taking the instant gratification for granted, shooting way more than I needed. Digitally, I felt that my images had to be polished, precisely focused, in a word – perfect. At my core, I wanted to photograph the everyday, imperfect, simple moments of my life – which led me to film. Ironically, film has allowed me to fall in love with photography once again. Film has forced me to slow down and compose my image, pay attention to my camera settings, and really understand my craft. The greatest lesson I have learned through film photography is that, contrary to popular belief, everything does not have to be rushed, instant, or immediate. Life is meant to be savored and enjoyed, and the entire process of film photography embodies that fact.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-everydaylife

Who inspires you and why?
I love seeing someone come alive simply by doing what they love – regardless of what it is. I am inspired by that spark in each and every one us. My daughters also inspire me on a daily basis. They keep my on my feet, and force me to look at the world from a different point of view.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-mygirls

What is your favourite thing to photograph?
By far, I enjoy photographing the simple, quiet moments of my day-to-day life. It’s where I feel most comfortable, and I’m not rushed.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-quietmoment

I adore your book. What made you decide to self-publish and do you have any words of wisdom for others who might want to do the same?
Thanks! Self-publishing my book, On The Table, began simply because I wanted to share my images in print. So often we enjoy the work of others only online. I wanted to have something tangible in my hand, something that I could be proud to say, “Yes, this is my work.” I spent a great deal of time deciding on which images to include, format, paper – definitely a labor of love. For others who might want to do the same – I’d say go for it! The first step is making the decision to commit to it. I think we talk ourselves out of a lot of opportunities because we are afraid of rejection. But the there is nothing quite like seeing your work in print.

Which is your favourite recent photo and what is the story behind it?
I recently captured an image with my polaroid land camera that I am really drawn to. While changing the bed linens in my guest bedroom, I was amazed by how the morning light was spilling through the window. I love shadows and light.

AJarrett_MortalMuses-favoritephoto

 

What projects are you planning?
I’m working on a photography project that will get me out of my “comfort zone”, and involves portrait work.

What would your superpower be?
My superpower would be the ability to clone myself. There are some times when I simply need to be in two places at once!

Thank you Azzari for your wonderful post. To find more of her work, please look at her website. If you would like to win a copy of her wonderful book, please leave a comment below before the 10th of January (1am EST).