The Connector interviews Ashley Trawinski, a 21-year-old second-year photography student from Warsaw, Poland.
When did you start photography and what does it mean to you?
Photography has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I was born my mom would take photos of me constantly (I suppose as all moms do). I always had an interest in photography, especially after I got my first professional camera in my early teens. I started taking landscape/ nature photos, I would take my camera everywhere. As I grew older my interests changed, the things I enjoyed changed and that included photography as well. I shifted my focus to taking portraits/ fashion photography photos. Photography is a huge part of my life since I don’t see myself doing anything else but this, I loved taking photos the day I got my professional camera and I have not stopped ever since then. When I take photos I like to capture the moments that we are currently living in, documenting that particular moment in people’s lives.
What is your photography process? Describe the type of photography you like.
My typical photo process is I usually ask a friend if they want to be my model and then scope out the location of where I want to shoot the photos, but sometimes I end up walking around until I stumble on a location that inspires me. Most of my photos are portraits and fashion-based photographs, although at times I change it up a bit and try some street photography or landscape. I also enjoy what comes after taking the photographs, the editing process. From light editing to extreme intentional editing. Some people may not agree with me one this but I really enjoy editing my photos.
Photo by Ashley Trawinski. 
Photo by Ashley Trawinski.
Who or what inspires you?
I take great inspiration from photographers such as Tamara Williams, Jessica Kobeissi, Joey L., and Peter Lindberg. I always look at their photos and get inspiration for my own work.
How does SCAD help your creative process?
SCAD assists me in a lot of ways, it helps me to be more confident in my creative abilities, as well as building relationships and connections in the industry. SCAD has also pushed me to be my best self and to have the confidence to try new techniques that I probably wouldn’t have tried on my own. It challenges me every day with new creative tasks.
Photo by Ashley Trawinski. 
Photo by Ashley Trawinski.
Do you have any advice for other artists?
My main advice for other artists is to make connections, this is key if you want to go far in life with your degree. It’s all about networking and getting to know people in your major as well as others because you will never know if one day you will be able to collaborate on something great.
What are your future goals?
My future goals are to have a job working as a fashion, commercial or editorial photographer traveling around the world, gaining experience and meeting new people.
Photo by Ashley Trawinski. 
Photo by Ashley Trawinski.
