An Interview With Photographer Zoya Lynch

If you’re looking for some inspiration, let me present to you the photography of Zoya Lynch. Her work is a careful combination of art, outdoor adventure and the natural beauty that surrounds us every day. And I’m not just saying this because I am a proud older sister! Objectively speaking, Zoya’s photography takes hold of the viewer and invites them into a world so rich and exciting that you come away from it with plans for that next epic adventure spinning in your mind. Yet simultaneously, there is something very meditative and calming about her work, leaving the viewers with a sense of unity with the natural world.



Being her bossy older sister, I had the privilege to speak with Zoya about what gets her going and what she’s aiming for next. Here’s a little peek at what’s happening with her these days:

What gets you up in the morning?

Coffee! I am lover of all things made from beans. Coffee, hummus, bean salsa and all other bean related foods get me up and going.

How did you get into photography?

When I was 13 or so, everywhere I looked, I couldn't stop framing photos in my mind. I would constantly see things and think "I need to take a photo of this." I begged my mom for a camera, and she finally gave in.

At first I was really into taking overly contrasted black and white photos of graffiti and stuff. Luckily I grew out of that phase quickly. I moved to BC when I was 17 and started shooting life in the mountains.

What inspires your work?

My photography is actually really inspired by long breaks from my camera. I usually take two months of off shooting every spring to work as a tree planter. Long, solo days working in the bush always take my imagination to the next level. Usually my most creative thoughts and ideas are manifested when I am tired, hungry, and can barely find the strength to plant another tree.

What are you working on these days?

I just finished 21 days of skiing on the Blackcomb Glacier in Whistler. I was working as a the photographer at Momentum Ski Camps and it was a blast. Now I am taking some time off to shoot weddings, climbing, running and biking.

Any plans or goals for the upcoming ski season?

Hopefully lots of lodge time, hut trips, and winter camping! Got lots of things on my list to explore, ski, and shoot...



You can find more of Zoya’s work at www.zoyalynch.com, and be sure to check out her winning slideshow for the 2014 Deep Winter Photo Challenge below.



By AI Blog contributor: Lucy Lynch