Travel photographer Lola is a Kiwi born and bred, and her work inspires the adventurer in all of us. She has a bubbly and life-affirming attitude that shines through her photography, and motivates us to get out and explore.

We’ve partnered with Lola in her photography exhibition, Aqua Frizzante. Driven by the calmness and solitude the ocean can bring, she focuses on movement and textures as she floats alone, with a more abstract approach than we’re used to. We can’t wait to see what she’s installed. Details below. 

Lola got into photography at a pretty young age, getting hands-on with any kind of camera she could, and shoving them into everyone’s faces. We asked her about her go-to spots, what inspires her, what's in her camera bag, and the challenges she faces as a landscape photographer.

She has a simple strategy to keep her passion for photography alive and kicking: She edits on rainy days or when the sun’s gone down … but if the sun’s shining, it’s time for something else! “I enjoy my life where I can,” she says. “My photography is fuelled by adventure, and getting out and living, so naturally I prioritise this.”

Getting into travel photography “just kind of happened … There is such a buzz around discovering new and amazing places with a bunch of legends. I like to think people respond to my photography because there’s a genuine rawness to capturing people getting stuck into some serious living.”

“I’m most inspired by my friends and our collective approach to life. It’s pretty easy to be inspired by people who will drop everything for a spontaneous adventure. New Zealand is also a huge driving force behind what I do, and I’m constantly in awe of our country and what it has to offer.”

Muriwai is Lola’s go-to adventure spot. “I love Auckland’s West Coast. It’s where I’ve created all my favourite memories and imagery (not surprisingly these almost always go hand in hand). My travel kit includes my Nikon D610 with a Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 and a Samyang 14mm 2.8. I try to travel really light. I’ll often take my 50mm 1.8 with me with the intent to use it for portraits, but never do because I always feel so intrusive asking strangers for their photo.

Lola’s advice to herself is to ‘create what you love and the right audience will come.’ “I think it’s so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is creating — especially using the massive platform that is Instagram, which at times can make me quite critical of my own work, and what people think of it. Remembering those words brings me back to reality and reminds me why I take photos in the first place.”

“When I went to Europe I spent a lot of time trying to set up the perfect shot. I put a lot of pressure on myself to really do the places justice, and didn't want tourists swinging selfie sticks in my photos. Because of this I felt the cities were quite stressful. When I got home I swore I would never try to force a scene again. That would be my advice — don't try and force it. Keep things organic, and as they naturally happen. The best photos in my mind, are when people don't realise the camera is there.”

Lola’s main challenges are learning how to run a business, and trying to not be discouraged when work temporarily dries up! “I’d say, like most creatives, I often find myself thinking that it would be easier to just throw in the towel and go get a normal job. Thankfully I have a great supportive network of friends and family around me, who support, encourage and convince me out of those moments.”

Lola's exhibition will be held at the Allpress Studio in Freemans Bay, Auckland from April 24th-5th May 2017. Click through to the Facebook event for more details.

Giveaway, giveaway, giveaway! We have one 18 x 12 Fine Art Print (of the same print above) to giveaway. To win, follow Lola and Queensberry on Instagram and tell Lola why you love the ocean, on this Facebook post here. Winners will be drawn 1st March, 2017. Competition is open worldwide. For Lola's terms and conditions, click here.

Alexandria x