olivia rae james photography interview
We were mighty impressed with this talented lady's shots, so we sat her down for a bit of a photography pow-wow.
Whether snapping away at couples tying the knot, frosty landscapes in Iceland or a delicious Sunday lunch, there's a freshness to Olivia Rae James' photos that's almost as refreshing as a deep gulp of water. We were mighty impressed with the talented lady's shots, so we sat her down for a bit of a photography pow-wow. 
What is your name and how old are you? Olivia Rae James. I'm 24.
Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in Nashville, Tennessee and now live in Charleston, South Carolina.
How does where you grew up and where you live now affect your photography? Although I was born and raised in the south and now live in another southern city, I've never considered myself southern and have only recently come to appreciate the south's rich culture.
Charleston hugely affects my photography - I love capturing the slowness here, the year-round blooms, the narrow streets, the interesting people. One of my favourite things to do is just walk around my neighbourhood, camera in hand.
What areas, things or people in your neighbourhood do you most like to photograph? I love all the houses, hidden gardens, the different colours and textures of each wall, the quaint storefronts and rundown buildings overflowing with ivy. It's also a great place for people watching - people who have lived here for 70 years, people on vacation, college kids, society people.
What do you shoot on (digital or analogue) and why do you choose to use that type? Digital. I'd like to learn more about film and just bought my first film camera, which I'm thrilled about!
Is there a certain camera or type of film that you wish you could own? Hasselblads seem pretty dreamy.
Is there a running theme to the work you create, or do you just make whatever comes to mind? I love the challenge of figuring out how to present something, to tell the story you want to tell --is it going to be beautiful or dark or ethereal or goofy? However, most of my favourite photographs are natural moments I happened to capture.
What kinds of ideas and things are you working on at the moment? I just finished up a series on love and partnership, which is a subject I love to explore. I also do a lot of weddings and engagements this time of year, which is nice in Charleston because summer weddings are miserably sweaty.
What kind of subjects interest you the most? People, always. I love capturing people in their element. Also flowers, landscapes, food, interiors, my grandmother. Real life happening.
Do you prefer to create set-up photographs, or just wander the streets until you see a photo? I love capturing real moments and I love setting up photos, bringing a vision to life. In general I prefer more candid looking photos, so in true candids or set-up shots I think that sense of informality comes through.
If you were to teach a photography appreciation class, what kind of lessons would you try to teach your students? That there is no "right way" to shoot, and to ignore everything you're taught. Art school would have broken me. Trial, error, and intuition are the way to go!
What are some of the challenges that you are facing in modern times as a photographer? The internet is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's an incredible tool that opens up the entire world to you - on the other hand, you have the entire world to compare yourself to. I have to make a point to get out and find inspiration in other places than my computer.
What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a photo? Finding some clay and algae on a hike with friends in the mountains and rubbing it all over our faces.
What other budding photographers do you love? Not exactly budding but to name a few: Andrew and Carissa Gallo, Max Wanger, Hugh Forte, Parker Fitzgerald, Jamie Street, Chantal Anderson.
What do you enjoy doing when not taking photos? Cooking, reading, travelling. Snuggling my pup and hanging with my boyfriend.
Where can we see more of your work? On my blog, oliviaraejames.com/blog - and more of my daily life on instagram: @OliviaRaeJames