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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
absolutely beautiful photographs, a fantastic post
great inspiration, thanks a lot
thanks so much for sharing the interview. i so love how she sees the world.
how i relate to so many of these answers. thank you for sharing with us!
incredible photos! i loved this post. thank you Azzari for sharing with us today.
The images exude peace. Beautiful body of work
Thank you for sharing your lovely vision with us, Azzari. x
Azzari, your photo’s are soft, beautiful and relaxing. Good luck on your future endeavors.
Beautiful work Azzari and you live in my neck of the woods…would love to meet you!
beautiful, poetic, peaceful, simple, evocative…
images of the small moments of life have always been my favourites
the journey from digital to film, the reasons behind it, are something many of us can relate to…
Thanks for interviewing this amazing woman Mortal Muses! I think this is one of my favorite parts of your website: seeing and listening to women with the same passion I have. xo
Great post, I think she said it best by “I love seeing someone come alive simply by doing what they love – regardless of what it is”. So very true!
Great post, I love the calmness of her pictures…
there is such a gentle peace in these images. thank you, muses, for introducing me to Azzari.
Beautiful vision and post! Thank you for sharing such lovely images. 🙂
Inspiring post. I love the thoughts on what film can teach us.
Your photos are stunning!!! I loved reading about how you feel about photography and this particular passage really got to me: “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.” It resonated with me because I feel the same way and I also know that it is hard to go against this tide. Thank you for sharing your work and your feelings!!!
I’ve loved hearing your philosophy, what brought you to film and seeing your beautiful images! Natural light never looked so good! Thank you so much for sharing your world with us 🙂
your images are truly soothing.
(and call me when you figure out the cloning thing. please?)
Thanks so much for all of your kind words. It is an honor to share my work (and the story behind it) with all of you!
I loved reading this interview, she is very inspiring and her photo’s are gorgeous. I love how she shows her feelings in the photo’s, this is how photo’s should always be.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and beautiful work, Azzari! Love the quality of light that you’ve captured in these images.
your work is so inspiring dear Azzari. thank you for sharing.
oh my goodness, I love your work, thankful you have been a flickr contact for several years… always inspiring 🙂
oh what beautiful photos and lovely interview.
Azzari i just love your book, its been on my bedside for a while now and i keep flicking through it x
Oh, beautiful! That first photo catches my breath. Thank you for sharing!!!
What a wonderful post, and such beautiful work Azzari! You capture everyday moments in such tender ways and with stunning light. Thanks for such inspiration.
I just discovered your wonderful blog through The Sweet Light. I love it! I’m a big fan of Azzaris work, so I would love to win the book. Thank you so much for a great interview. Very inspiring.
I enjoyed this interview with Azzari, a beautiful photographer and person. I would treasure her book. This is my first visit to the Mortal Muses. So pleased to have discovered it today through The Sweet Light. Great idea you have. I will be returning often. Best to All.
i simply loved azzari’s interview! i’ve known her work since her “digital times” and it is so interesting to see someone you already admire to shift to something else out of pure love and heart. i always feel so connected with her images and the way she captures light is just beautiful and magical. after reading this interview i felt even more related to her about the reasons she loves film. i’m a photographer myself and i work mainly with digital, but i introduce film here and there, but i shoot film mainly for personal reasons and i subscribe everything she says. it slows you down and makes you appreciate what is happening.
one of my absolute favorite photographers. a constant inspiration.
Beautiful images! Sorry for ask, any relation with the Master Keith?