YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta

Marta

Interview with the London-based photographer

For this year’s BHM, YEOJA Mag’s Fio chatted with 5 talented artists to find out more about their lives, creative practices, the way their Black identity informs their work, and how 2020’s BLM movement has impacted their lives. YEOJA Mag first sat down with Marta Camarada (@_martymarts​), a London-based photographer with Angolan heritage whose work focuses on connecting authentically with people through her photography:

YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta
Photography: Marta Camarada

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Marta: I’m Marta, and I’m from Angola. I’ve been moving around and growing up in different cities in Africa since I was 7, and then I moved to London when I was 18. I take photos; mainly within documentary, portrait, and travel photography genres. I also work in digital advertising and creative partnerships.

When did you start photography, and what and who inspires you when you shoot?
Marta Camarada: I started shooting on my iPhone 4, so whenever that was! Inspiration is difficult to pin down, but I would say most of my inspiration comes from people. I’m inspired by people’s lives and their stories, everyone has a story and we’re all protagonists in our stories. I love meeting people and getting to know their stories, so that’s what inspires my photography whether I’m at home or abroad.

YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta
Photography: Marta Camarada

Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
Marta: I don’t remember my very first shot, but I took a photo many years ago on my phone over the Stoke Newington train tracks (in London) and that’s when I decided I wanted to keep taking photos. It was just a beautiful photo, even though very little thought went into it. I’ve been trying to find it so I can print it!

What motivates you to capture people from all around the world? Do you have a specific message you want to share with your audience through your pictures?
Marta: Beyond connecting with people through photography, I’m passionate about capturing and portraying Black people in all our forms in every corner of the world I find myself in. There’s an obvious lack of representation of Black people in photography and media in general, and I guess it wasn’t my initial mission when I started shooting, but over the years I’ve become increasingly intentional about documenting us. I want Black people to see themselves in my work and hopefully be inspired.

YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta
Photography: Marta Camarada

Your images capture beautiful journeys and beautiful people. Could you tell us a little about your journeys and how you plan your trips?
Marta: Thank you! I make it a point to visit a new city every year; I grew up in different countries so travelling feels like a familiar and non-negotiable part of my life (pre-Covid that is). I try to be very flexible and relaxed about my planning. I look at flights first, pick dates based on flight prices, and then the rest works itself out. Though I have to say I don’t travel half as much as I wish I did!

How much has your black heritage influenced your creativity?
Marta: I would say it’s influenced my creativity as much as everything else that makes me me has. It’s who I am, I’m creative and I’m also Black. I don’t know anything else outside of that, as our experiences shape our realities. My Black heritage influences not only my art but every other aspect of my life. Beyond being Black I have a lot of random interests, for example – I’m obsessed with sharks and space, all of my interests influence my creativity.

YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta
Photography: Marta Camarada

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Marta​: ​I hate the idea of having a greatest accomplishment. I’ve made a lot of progress in my professional and emotional life so it’s a difficult one. Recently, my proudest accomplishment has been befriending myself.

How did the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 affect you and your mental health? How did you react to the situation? How has racism generally influenced you?
Marta: I’m a Black woman living on Earth. Racism affects me even when I’m not aware of it. The BLM movement in 2020 felt especially traumatic. With a global pandemic and lockdown, we were all constantly exposed to the violence, ignorance, and also really offensive shit online. It affected me deeply. I spent a lot of time in tears and reflection, so it was a very heavy time.

YEOJA Mag - BHM 2021 - Marta

It was the first time I felt the collective grief so deeply, it was powerful and I’m ultimately grateful for everything I learned in the process. It also showed me the power of community, and how much more work there is to do.
What advice would you give to other young black gxrls today who want to become a photographer?
Marta: Don’t limit yourself in terms of what you shoot, connect with other creatives and collaborate with people. If photography is what you want to do full-time, then make a roadmap for yourself, create a vision board with your dream clients and shoots, and share your work online. You’re the architect of your own reality.
_
Images provided by Marta. To follow Marta on Instagram, please click here. For more interviews, click here. For more BHM articles, click here.