Meet Awono from Chumukedima in Dimapur Nagaland –  a self confessed “old homebody” who is blissfully using up her time as a photographer cum storyteller, and a pet caretaker.

We met up with her over tea and after slowly and wonderfully we saw a lot of her personal work unfold over the conversation – which until then, were sitting precariously on her laptop and an old photo case. Just a tad bit too shy but finally she agreed for an interview with Roots & Leisure. 

“I’m kind of in-between being a professional and a hobbyist.”

• What is your style of photography?

I am more into portraiture and prefer working in natural light.I like taking pictures of friends and my sister. They understand how I work so it’s a little less headache for me. I still shoot with films (analog). I would love work with films as much as possible but these days it’s not easy finding film rolls in Nagaland. And there is probably only a handful of shops that develop them. Of course, there are digital works too.

• So where do you get all the inspiration – for these lovely works of art?

I am inspired by music, books, movies, light, emotions, works of other Creatives etc. God has been kind to me. Through this field of work, I have also met people who are an amazing source of inspiration.

“I recently read this somewhere ‘We need to care but for two things: First, that we always do our best and second, we do what we do through love for Christ’ If we are faithful up to the measure of our ability and the opportunities that come our way, and if love sanctifies what we do, we are sure of our Lord’s approval”

• Where can people view your work? 

You can see some of my work that have managed to find their way to social media are in my Blog and some are in my Instagram.

Awono is a freelance photographer, who has worked for events, weddings, labels, fashion shoots and more. If you wish to connect with Awono for a personal project, we can help you get in touch – and make sure she responds  Drop a message [HERE], and we will get back to you.