NWU's Aspiring Photographer: Alison Evert

Alison Evert, a student at Nebraska Wesleyan, has been studying photography at the university for the last three years. Alison sat down with me to discuss the art of photography, influences, and her aspirations.

Andrew Samson: What kind of photography do you most enjoy in terms of subject matter?

Alison Evert: I don't know if it's a question of which one I enjoy most. They kind of transition, like fade in and out. I was really concentrated on nature when I began taking photographs. It transitioned into more architectural work and now I've gone into taking portraits. There's not one favorite. I'm still learning. There are things that you learn from all different subjects. You can learn things from nature that you can apply to architecture and so on.  Experience is the best teacher, so I try to keep a wide scope.

AS: What attracts you to photography?

AE: Art is a visual exploration of thought. I have chosen photography as my main medium of art because it allows me to become an observer and share my progression of thought throughout a body of work. I gain a sense of control when holding a camera that I don't feel when using other mediums.

AS: Where do you find your inspiration for your photography?

AE: My inspiration in photography comes from many sources. Looking at other artists' works, not just photographs, learning about the history of art, and experiences I have had and observed in others' lives. 

AS: When did you get serious about photography?

AE: I began taking photography classes during junior year of high school. It was then that I learned that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I began to grow as an artist when I started taking photography classes at Wesleyan. They helped me hone my skills and enhanced my ability to develop concepts and translate   them into photographs.

AS: Do you have aspirations involving photography?

AE: I plan to go to graduate school for photography and I'm studying abroad in New Zealand next semester where they have a graduate program. Hopefully my short stay will eventually turn into a long one. In the future, I have a long-term goal to become a photographer for National Geographic.

Alison's photography is currently featured in Elder Gallery's Juried Student Exhibition.