I met Viva when I took a photography class with her at Goldsmiths College in London, and from the first moment, I knew there was something special about her. Therefore it makes me so happy to see that she’s followed her talent and that her work has already been exhibited many different places. Here’s a short interview with her, and if you want to see more, check out her work here.
Name: Viva Antonia Meyer
Age: 31
Occupation: Photographer
Currently living in: Berlin
What makes you happy?
Working… Doing photography projects makes me really happy.
Where do you find inspiration?
Often in movies, old and new. But what really helps when I don’t have ideas is to just do something, take a picture or play with Photoshop.
When did you realise that you were going to be a photographer?
Quite late although photographing was always something I did. To say “I am a photographer” took some time, probably not until I started my Photography and Media Art studies in London. I am still both: a photographer and a copywriter.
How do you begin a new project?
Sometimes I do research, but mostly I just try to do something. So that can be anything from walking outside with a camera, asking people to model or – like last year – booking a trip to São Paulo.
Where’s your favourite place to work from?
I highly enjoy being by myself in new surroundings. In my current photography project I’m visiting cities for the first time and documenting what I see with my camera. All the other times I love working from my studio in Berlin.
Describe an experience you had, that confirmed you, why you are doing what you do.
I think it was more a feeling than a concrete experience. When I was working full time as a copywriter in an ad agency I started to miss making pictures very badly. I still love writing probably as much as photography, but with images I can do something without having to “explain” too much and show something that is really “me”.
Name one person who helped you get to where you are today.
My mum – of course! She is a photographer and it was surely inspirational for me to grow up with her black and white self-printed-in-her-own-darkroom photography.
What does photography/art mean to you?
Taking photos and making pictures means feeling at home and being pushed further at the same time. It’s a feeling that drives me with no chance of getting too comfortable. In fact, if I don’t work, I find myself very frustrated. And then, if something I felt like I should do is done and I actually like it – then that is the best feeling in the world.
Name one woman who inspired you on your creative journey?
My friend Ricarda Messner always motivated me with her energy and fun ideas. She was my first favourite model for my pictures and now she inspires me as publisher and artist herself.
Which challenges have you met in your work?
Sometimes I look on Instagram and think: why should I take any more pictures? Too much good and bad stuff is already there.
Which advice would you give to an aspiring photographer?
Try digital and analogue. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
See more of Viva’s work here.
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