Occupation: Photographer, producer, director
Instagram: @janasolom
Where were you born?
I was born in a small southern border city of Estonia, called Valga, which is situated just next to Latvia. Have an older brother and an older sister. The three of us are all working in the art field now, although father tried to get us away from art, thinking there is no value to it. But one cannot run from what the heart desires. Although in Valga there were no options of learning photography or cinematography or anything near to it. So I focused mainly on literature and languages, but had always my camera in school with me. I enjoyed capturing moments. Somehow I could memorize every event and face after I had taken a picture of it. It was sort of like a backup memory for me that allowed me to relive and feel moments that had already gone by. For now I have worked as a photographer for 10 years.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I focus on working with the emotion and energy of the person I capture - feeling the inner power.
Why do you do what you do?
For me, photography is also a way to connect with people I shoot and help them to overcome some fears they might have. My main interest besides photography is psychology. Somehow I seem to have a natural gift for it - to understand and guide the people I capture. It is the same with models and regular people. They all have their fears and it is such a joy to overcome those and create something strong and beautiful. Something that comes from within, the strength and beauty of the soul. But also trust and vulnerability, being open and vulnerable is the biggest strength one can have.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by wind, movement, colors, the soul and eyes of a person. Once you become fully present, it is so easy to get inspired, because there is so much beauty happening around as all the time.
Describe your personal style.
I have thought about it a lot and feared that I do not have a certain style and if this could have a negative influence to my work. But lately I started to realize, that my "thing" is power. It matters to me more, how the image feels, not certainly how it looks. I do love to shoot the same much with my Canon as I do with my film camera and even iphone.
Your ultimate must-have.
The thing I always have with me is my Contax T2 film camera with an Ektar100 film. Just love the colors of it. And also my diffuser or reflector - I do not know how I lived without those thing for the first years.
What superpower would you have and why?
You know what, I think I already have a superpower and I am so grateful for it! If we should ever meet, I will reveal it.
What is next for you?
Next for me, that is a good question. The world comes next. I plan to travel and drift now for as long as it seems that I can or should. At the moment I am in LA, soon going to Nevada and after that maybe to Guatemala or Hawaii or India - or them all. So whoever wants to collaborate, I am free as a bird and will go wherever life takes me.
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