Connection is Everything

Photography By Moja Mwangi

Photographer Moja Mwangi opens up about her struggles with imposter syndrome, advocating for herself, and shares her photography series, “Atlanta’s Own: Class of 2022”.

Atlanta, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I used to be into concerts heavy before I started photography. I would try to take the best photos with my phone, and eventually, after expressing interest in it, my friend gave me an entire camera kit. Unfortunately, it wasn’t user-friendly, so I quit a week later. Two months later, another friend gifted me a camera, and it had the lens I was saving up for. I took it as a sign and decided to try shooting to see if I would like it. A year in, I started pursuing it full time, and 2.5 years later, here I am.

What have you learned along the way?

Being a creative profession is not for the faint of heart. You truly must love what you do to deal with all that comes with it. You’re a creative but also an entrepreneur. However, from that, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and put action behind my faith. And I’m much more accepting to change and consecrated in my faith before I started.

How would you describe your style ? What makes it unique?

The best way I can describe it is atmospheric. When I look at my photos, I feel an air around them, I like to think of it as God’s personal touch. It’s almost an indescribable feeling, but it feels almost familiar, like home if that makes sense.

Tell the story behind one of your images.

This is a photo of DavidtheTragic, it’s one of my favorites I’ve ever taken. It was at one of the first shows I ever shot. The organization that hosted the show was Lotus Rosery, they’re a cornerstone within the underground music scene in Atlanta. At that time, I knew no one and didn’t know or really understand the community I was entering to. Once I sent photos out, my journey really started within the music realm. A lot of the artists and people I shot there are still people I work with; some are even like family. I think about that a lot, and I’m grateful for it.

What are some things you have struggled with (or currently struggle with) as an artist?

Imposter syndrome and perfectionism have been areas that I have always struggled in and am still working on. I find myself unintentionally comparing myself a lot to my peers, they’re a talented bunch and are doing great things. Sometimes it feels like I am not doing enough. But I’m sowing more into my craft and am realizing that we all have something to bring to the table. No one has my eye or vision- not saying this from a place of ego, but from a place of knowing I bring a unique perspective that God has instilled in me. And that is more than enough to keep growing, keep creating, and keep sharing it.

When shooting portraits, what are some important things to remember?

Connection is everything. One of my favorite aspects of shooting portraits is getting to speak with the muse and foster a connection. Whether I have hours or minutes, I always find a way to connect. I believe it always ends up translating beautifully into the image.

You are sharing your project, "Atlanta's Own: Class Of 2022". What is this project about?

Atlanta's Own is an annual live experience that highlights various creatives in the Atlanta community doing what they do best. Whether you're in front of the camera or behind the scenes, it's me showing my appreciation for the city and what it provides culturally through the individuals featured.

What inspired you to make this project? Why is it important?

I am big on community and developing intentional relationships with people, and I believe the city has done so much for me. So, I wanted to contribute to the culture of Atlanta while providing an opportunity to help further connect the city. Although packed, we're in a place that can feel isolating, especially if you don't know many when you're first getting into the mix. So, I wanted a space that allowed people to feel comfortable putting themselves out there. But I also wanted to highlight creatives doing their crafts well, give them their flowers, and give the city something to look forward to every year. Atlanta's Own is an annual live experience that highlights various creatives in the Atlanta community doing what they do best. Whether you're in front of the camera or behind the scenes, it's me showing my appreciation for the city and what it provides culturally through the individuals featured.

What was the process in intentionally bringing "Atlanta's Own: Class of 2022" to life?

There was a lot of research and pre planning that went into this (conception of the idea started in 2019). I looked at artists I enjoyed listening to in the underground scene and asked friends who they were also listening to. From there, I researched each artist and curated what I believed would represent a spectrum of unique sounds encompassing hip-hop. Once I had my list of artists, I booked the studio time for shoots, toured venues, booked a venue, looked at printing services, researched and bought frames, etc. Overall, there was a lot of studying and brainstorming to see how I could build out the creative concept that is Atlanta's Own and bring it to life.

What is the underground art and hip hop scene in Atlanta like? How does it drive your creativity?

Personally, it's been very welcoming. Mostly, people have always been receptive to me and have supported me in any way imaginable, which I'm grateful for. I know not everyone can say the same. In many ways, it's like many other communities in that it has different pockets—some more mainstream, some more alt, and everything in between. But I think more than ever, now it's more accepting and connected than ever, or at least in a while. There's mutual respect for what everyone has going on, which is cool. Folks are finding their sound, vision, etc., and are being supported in it, which is beautiful. I think that is what motivates me a lot. You'll hear or see something you wouldn't have thought of yourself, appreciate it, and it inspires you to go harder in your own lane. There is always room to grow in your craft and being around others who are constantly trying to achieve their best, reinforces that fact in the best way.

What's next for you? What's next for the project?

For the past year, I’ve focused on creative direction and directing. I’m transitioning further into that line of work and shifting the type of photo work I do. For the rest of 2022, my work will be much more intentional, which I’m excited to share. As for Atlanta’s Own, it’ll be back in 2023 in a similar yet different fashion. I’m hopeful it’ll be something folks enjoy and appreciate.