Written By: Kelli Hiner

Scrolling through Instagram can be incredible experience. You get to see a multitude of people’s creative expressions and also share your own with the world. Instagram has truly changed the way that we connect and communicate with the people around us as well as those across the globe. While scrolling through our SEED Instagram feed, I found @among.wildflowers. Her eye for photography is incredible and you can see the passion that she has just by looking through her photos. Wanting to learn more about her interests I reached out to her and we connected over coffee. Her style of photography compliments SEED Peoples Market in many different ways. If you have ever been to SEED you probably noticed the wide variety of unique artisan goods that fill the store. At SEED we are committed to products with a purpose especially when they involve local artists. With the continuous rise of social media and photography I decided to asked her a few questions so that we could all get to understand her a little better and maybe even derive some motivation of our own. Read what she has to say below and feel free to interact!

SPM: Tell us a little bit about your photography background.

A.W: I became interested in photography during high school where I was able to take film and darkroom classes using hand-me-down film cameras from my dad.  I continued my education at Utah State University, where I majored in Art with an emphasis on photography.  Pursuing photography as my main career focus meant being able to travel to new places, meet all kinds of people, and have experiences I otherwise probably wouldn’t have had.

SPM: How do you remain inspired on a daily basis?

A.W: I’m the type of person who always has to be doing something.  I can’t just relax or sit still, and because of that I’m always able to find the motivation to create.  I’m still working on refining my focus and being able to create more cohesive works of art. Finding time to be outside is huge for me.  Whether I’m going on a walk around the block or at the beach with my dog or driving up to the Angeles National Forest for a hike, I’ve found it’s essential for me to get outside and clear my head with some fresh air - it’s like hitting the reset button.  I’m usually alone for this which allows me time to organize my thoughts, and then when I get home I write down the things that stuck so I don’t forget them.  I love reading magazines and blogs to get inspiration for photography and travel ideas and tips.  

SPM: What upcoming projects are you most excited about?

A.W: I’ve been trying to shoot more nature and landscape photography recently, and for me that means hitting the road and getting out of the city.  I’m planning to create a series of postcard sets that tell a story based around the landscapes I come across.  My next trip is home to Colorado by way of SLC, and then back to California through New Mexico and Arizona.  I’m excited to see some new and some old familiar sights!