Get to Know the Photographer: Yamini Nambimadom

Mar 2

Mar 2 Get to Know the Photographer: Yamini Nambimadom

MODA Blog is lucky to work with a talented group of photographers. Today, we would like to showcase first year Yamini Nambimadom.

Tell us a little about yourself!

Well, for starters, I'm currently a first year in the College and will probably end up studying Public Policy and Comparative Human Development. I've fallen in love with a plethora of art forms because small releases of creativity are great motivators for me. On campus I've been really involved with Off Off Campus and MODA, which have provided me with incredible creative outlets as well as friendly and supportive communities. I love venturing around the city and taking in doses of culture, but I'm also just a simple fan of coffee shop hopping on campus. I love being busy and constantly active because I'm really just trying to experience and produce as much as possible with the time I have.

Why did you pick up photography?

My dad bought a DSLR when I was in middle school, and as he was learning to use it he would show me a few tips and tricks. By my sophomore year, he got a new camera and sort of stopped using the old one, so I started playing around with it, taking it everywhere with me, and capturing as much as I could. Even though moments change so rapidly, photographs don't, and that's what I like about them. They're such incredible indicators of time and of growth as well as incredible ways to turn the world into art, which is a really special experience.

Where do you draw inspiration?

I'm an avid people watcher and just a generally observant person. If something catches my eye, I take note of it and try to work it into a possible plan for a future shoot or just a quick capture for Instagram or something. I also love looking through other photographer's portfolios to get an idea of different styles, which I often draw from and experiment with into my photos to try new things.

What’s your favorite shoot you’ve ever done?

I don't know if I could call this a "shoot" but I spent a couple weeks last summer in Tanzania, where I had the incredible opportunity to be very close to a lot of beautiful wild animals. Over those two weeks, I took some of the best photos I've ever taken, including some great shots of lions, cheetahs, and leopards in the Serengeti.

As far as human models are involved, my favorite photos I've taken are probably either from a spontaneous shoot I did with Off Off I'm the fall, because the colors are breathtaking, or pictures I took for my good friend Isabella back home. She's so beautiful and her beauty radiates through the image and makes me feel really happy inside

Do you have a favorite location to go to shoot in Chicago?

Not yet! I'm new around these parts, so I've been trying to seek out new places every time I shoot, with the hopes that eventually I'll end up falling in love with a couple.