Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Zollo.
Emily, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My photography story began in high school. My girlfriends and I would dig through our closets and create stories through a photoshoot. Anytime I was hanging out with friends, I was taking photos and making music videos. I was fortunate to find my talent so early. After high school I headed off to Fitchburg State University, where I have just graduated with a bachelor’s of science in communications media and a concentration in photography. My knowledge of the art grew exponentially, as I took courses in 35 mm film, medium and large format, photo journalism, studio lighting, digital photography. What impacted me the most in my studies, were my communications electives. These classes had me working with real-life clients such as the Fitchburg Art Museum, and competing in the National Student Advertising Competition. It was then when I realized, I also had a passion for marketing and it created a new and exciting outlet for my photography talents.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create images through photography. My message or inspiration varies greatly and depends on my subject. I take high school senior portraits, family portraits, engagements, weddings and recently more of my work has been for companies, so you could see how my purpose would change upon each individual shoot. For my personal work, my inspiration and message are really aimed at myself: “How do I make this look different from how I usually see this subject?” This mindset helps me to create intriguing photographs and challenge myself as an individual artist. If my photograph makes someone else see something differently as well, then cool.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
I don’t know if society has made me change as an artist, but I do feel particular motivated to be successful, being a woman. I know that there are a lot of women photographers, but I also know that most of the successful commercial photographers are male, so that does give me an extra push in drive for success.
I have also written my honor’s thesis project about the psychological impacts of boudoir photography on the subject, focusing on women. Although my research for this project was done through interviews, and secondary research, I did get to see first-hand how this kind of intimate photoshoot can impact the confidence in the subject. In a “man’s world” it is so important to empower women, with every chance we get. If I am given the tools and talents to do so, I will take advantage of that.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The best place to see my work is on my website: www.emilyzollophotography.com or on my Facebook page “Emily Zollo Photography.” The best way to support my work? Hire me! I have just graduated college and am ready to work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilyzollophotography.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyZolloPhotography
Image Credit:
Emily Zollo
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
