NUDE. Interview with Molly Olwig

 What inspired you to pick up the camera?

MO: My mom used to have her old cameras laying around the house when I was growing up, and my curious little self got hooked. 

How do you prepare for an upcoming shoot? Do you have any creative rituals that you practice before you start shooting?

MO: Re-visiting my inspiration pages and mood boards is definitely an important part before heading into a shoot. It helps me ground myself in the ideas I want to capture. I usually go for a walk beforehand, as well, and I have to physically re-touch every piece of gear I need to make sure it won’t evaporate after I’ve zipped my camera bag. 

Most photographers describe their photos as editorial, lifestyle, portrait, etc. How would you describe your work?

MO: I’d say my work is a blend of portraiture and editorial with a spice of fine art. 

There’s definitely no shortage of photographers in today’s day and age. How does your style of shooting separate you from the competition?

MO:  Getting to really know whoever and whatever I am photographing is absolutely essential to my style, how I shoot and the end result. It’s that exchange of genuine energy and movement that brings life into my images. 

What is your dream job as a photographer?

MO: Y’all really making me choose just one? Oh man, I’ll say one of my dreams would be to shoot a big campaign for Elie Saab for Vogue on the hills/in the lakes of Scotland. 

What’s one lesson you wish the whole world could learn?

MO: Genuine kindness is essential in everything we do. It’s such a powerful energy that can reverse and redirect any situation, and we’ve only got this one life -- being anything other than kind is a waste of time.