vol II: Photographer stellA

ANIMA SESSIONS VOLUME 2

Some people leave an impression long before you know what they do. I first met Stella during one of my first jobs, when we worked together in a second-hand shop. At the time, I had no idea she was a photographer. What stayed with me instead was her warmth. Stella has a way of making people feel comfortable almost instantly, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Looking at her work today, it's hard not to recognize that same feeling in her photographs. Her images are intimate, honest, and quietly beautiful, capturing people in a way that feels natural rather than staged. In this conversation, we talk about finding beauty in everyday moments, trusting the creative process, and why sometimes the most meaningful photographs are the ones you never planned.

How did you first get into photography?

I got my first camera for my birthday when I was around fourteen. It was just a basic Canon, but I immediately started taking pictures of my friends. We would go outside, come up with little ideas and just have fun experimenting together.

Looking back, I think that's where it all started. I realised how much I loved taking the ideas I had in my head and turning them into something real. Ever since then, I've fallen in love with photography, and I've never really stopped.

Where do you find inspiration?

I don't think there's one specific place where I find inspiration. It's more the people around me, everyday life, nature, colours, little details, it's really a bit of everything.

I love fashion photography, but even more so, I really enjoy photographing everyday moments. Not everything has to be perfectly planned or styled. Sometimes the simplest moments become my favourite photographs.

My biggest inspiration is probably the people around me. I especially love photographing my friends because I already know them so well, and I feel like I can really capture who they are.

Do you prefer photographing one person or groups?

Definitely one person.

I think there's something really intimate about photographing someone one-on-one. Whether it's someone I've known for years or someone I've only just met, being in front of a camera can make people feel vulnerable.

I really enjoy creating an environment where people slowly become more comfortable. After a while, they almost forget the camera is there, and that's usually when my favourite photographs happen.

Has photography changed the way you look at everyday life?

 Definitely.I think I notice much smaller details now than I used to. Sometimes I can look at a whole scene, but at the same time I'll notice this tiny little corner and think, 'That would make such a nice picture.'

Photography has definitely changed the way I look at the world because I pay attention to things I probably wouldn't have noticed before.

Is there a project you dream of doing one day?

One of my biggest dreams is to go on a solo photography trip.

I'd love to travel somewhere that isn't necessarily very well known or touristy and just spend my days exploring with my camera.

I want to photograph the people and the place from my own perspective, without really having a plan. I think it would be really special to experience a place that way.

Hopefully that's something I'll do next year.

What would you tell other women who want to get into photography?

Just start.

Pick up any camera, it can even be your phone. It doesn't have to be the newest or the most expensive one.

Just start experimenting and photograph whatever stands out to you. That's how you'll discover what you actually enjoy photographing.

I realised quite early on that I love taking pictures of people.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just go out, take your camera with you, and allow yourself to photograph whatever catches your attention.

Has photography changed since it also became your job?

There is definitely a difference between photographing something for yourself and photographing for someone else, but I wouldn't say that one is better than the other.

It's honestly such an honour when someone chooses you to photograph them. It makes me feel incredibly grateful because they're trusting me with something that's important to them.

Something I've also learned is that people don't always see photographs the same way I do. Sometimes my favourite image isn't the one they choose, and sometimes they'll absolutely love a photograph that I almost didn't include.

Learning to put my own judgement aside and trust that someone else can connect with a photograph in a different way has been a really interesting part of the process.

What has helped you grow the most as a photographer?

I think it's really just learning by doing. Every gig I do, every shoot I do and every edit I do teaches me something new. I feel like I grow a little with every project and expand my knowledge every time I pick up my camera.

I've never taken a professional photography course, so everything I do is self-taught. There are still camera settings and editing techniques that I know I want to improve. Whenever something doesn't work, it motivates me to keep learning. Every experience pushes me to become a better photographer.

Is there a favourite shoot that stands out to you?

One of my favourite shoots was for the AMFI graduation show a couple of years ago. The students needed photographs of their graduation collections, and it was such a fun experience because there were so many creative people involved.

There were designers, photographers and models, and it really felt like everyone was inspiring each other. We were outside, the sun was shining, there was music playing, and it was just a really nice atmosphere.

I also loved the photographs we created that day. It was one of my first bigger gigs, so it gave me a lot of confidence. Looking back, it's still one of my favourite shoots.

2023, LINA ATTARD FOR AMFI BY STELLA MIA LINDE

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start getting photography jobs?

I think it's really important to surround yourself with people in the industry. Even Instagram can help you connect with people, but I honestly think meeting people in real life is even more valuable. That's how people get to know you.

I also think offering your help is really underrated. Especially in the beginning, there will probably be projects that aren't paid, but they can lead to so many new connections.

And if you have an idea involving a person or a brand, don't wait until someone approaches you. Reach out yourself. If you have a vision and think someone would be a good fit for it, just ask. Sometimes all it takes is sending one message.

Can you tell me about one of your favourite photographs?

One of my favourite photographs I've ever taken is of my dear friend Nina. We went to Oosterpark in Amsterdam just to spend time together and take some pictures.

There were these beautiful flowers, and she was wearing a top that matched the surroundings perfectly. I simply told her to stand there, and she immediately found this pose that looked so beautiful.

I'm really happy that I was able to capture that moment the way I did. I love the colours in the photograph, but what makes it so special to me is the friendship behind it.

Nina and I already share such a close bond, and being able to translate that into a photograph makes me really emotional. I feel like our friendship is really special to both of us, and somehow I was able to capture a little piece of that. Seeing her in that photograph, looking so beautiful and glowing, makes me really happy.

2025, NINA SOMMERFELD BY STELLA MIA LINDE

Another shoot that is really close to my heart was with a recent shoot my friend Magdalena. At first, I was a little hesitant because the weather was really bad. We had hoped for blue skies, but instead we got wind and rain.

In the end, we decided to take a leap of faith anyway and just go to the beach. Looking back, I'm so glad we did because the shoot turned out even better than we had imagined.

There were raindrops on the camera lens that created this beautiful blurry effect. It was something we had wanted anyway, but somehow nature gave it to us. We were freezing the whole time, but the photographs turned out really beautifully.

I think that day reminded me that, instead of waiting for the perfect moment for something to happen, sometimes you just have to do it. It will probably surprise you, and it might even turn out better than you imagined.

What I love most about those photographs is that they really captured everything that was happening that day. The wind, the rain and the waves all became part of the final image. While we were standing there, it almost felt like we were being blown away, but when I look at the photographs now, everything just makes sense.

I also always love photographing my friends because there's already so much trust between us. When a shoot turns out the way I hope, or even better than I expected, and the location surprises you too, that's always the most fulfilling kind of day.

2025, MAGDALENA HOLZER BY STELLA MIA LINDE

How did moving to Amsterdam influence your photography?

Moving to Amsterdam opened up a completely new world for me. Being away from home also meant starting a new chapter, and with that came the chance to rediscover myself.

I suddenly felt much more comfortable trying new things, and I was really lucky to have friends around me who encouraged me to do exactly that. They pushed me to put myself out there and gave me opportunities that allowed me to explore photography from my own perspective.

Through them, I started photographing events, markets and different creative projects. It was also a really nice way to meet people, build connections and slowly find my place in Amsterdam.

Looking back, I'm really grateful for that because photography helped me feel at home in the city very early on.

What does motion mean to you?

I feel like everything about photography is movement. It starts with coming up with an idea or planning a project, then actually going there and taking the photographs, and afterwards there's the editing.

It's not just about what's happening in front of the camera, but also everything that's happening behind it. Every part of the process feels like movement to me, not only physically, but mentally as well.

Every project sets something in motion, both for me and, hopefully, for the people who see the photographs.

Interested in seeing more of Stella's work? You'll find links to her Instagram and contact. Be sure to explore her photography and follow along as she continues to capture people and places with warmth, honesty, and intention.