Christina Stoever uses film to capture candid memories of youth and friendship. Earlier this year her work featured in British Vogue.
Meet Christina Stoever
What inspired you to take up photography?
Access to disposable cameras as a child instilled my dream of being a photographer—I loved the surge of excitement that came from dropping film off and receiving images back. I was able to relive my pastimes in a tactile way, which quickly became my favourite way of expressing myself.
Preserving memories and encapsulating feelings have always been major driving forces in the images I capture.
In what unconventional places do you find inspiration?
The rapid transition from winter to spring to summer. I am Michigan-based at the moment so more than half of the year the landscape is grey, gloomy and lifeless—which really affects my mental health and creative output. But then April comes around, and signs of life begin to show—the green abundance shifts me back into a more content version of myself.
When I am really feeling creatively stumped, stepping back from my craft and pursuing other outlets (creative and otherwise) challenges me and restores my spirit. Alternating my hobbies allows me to think about my creative approach and outlooks in a fresh way.
Whilst the slow, grey season gets me down, it does force necessary reflection on my craft and self.
How do you want your work to be remembered?
I want people to remember how my images made them feel.
We asked Christina to share her bucket list concept—the creative vision that she hopes to one day bring to life...
Life on the road
We’re in the Italian countryside, or maybe the seaside... Okay, both! It's summer and we’ve rented a dingy convertible for the week. The light is hazy and dream-like and La Femme D’Argent by Air is playing in the background…
We're prancing around in beautiful clothing: Sandy Liang dresses, jackets by The Series NY, Zou Xou sandals and accessories from Edie Parker—'we' being all of my friends.
My favourite shoots are the ones where I’m with those closest to me—or the ones where the models are so down to earth that I leave the job with a new friend. I love to collaborate with the people in my circle who I know are building their own little creative empires, no matter what their craft may be. It inspires me so much watching someone’s seedling of an idea come to fruition!
This all derives from past experiences and moments I've lived already, mixed with a heavily romanticised take on some photoshoots I've dreamt up in my head.
Find more of Christina's work on her Instagram or her website.
