Meet Nova Liz | Concept Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nova Liz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nova, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I like to consider myself a concept photographer. The concepts behind my work are created 100% authentically from things I have experienced- typically on the darker side of things. I use photography to express mental health struggles I’ve experienced, such as: bipolar disorder, dissociation, eating disorders, abuse, and more. Though it can be a little scary to share such vulnerable, dark work, it is instantly rewarding when someone reaches out to me and says my work resonated with them. It’s so easy to think you’re alone in your struggles when everyone on social media seems so happy, but what people don’t realize is a lot of it is fake, or very staged/edited. From personal experience I realized not many people take the time to let people in on their true experiences and really connect with people emotionally. I think by sharing my most vulnerable, deepest self and hardest struggles, I reach the people who yearn to be seen and find relief in knowing they’re not alone. I remember countless times scrolling on social media feeling like there was something wrong with me because I didn’t look like everyone on my feed, and even if I’m only able to reach ONE person and let them know it’s okay to be different and stand valid in their emotions, I feel fulfilled. By breaking down my walls I aim to help others break theirs down and heal- through art, community, and love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first photography love was concert coverage. I am obsessed with music and there came an opportunity for me to take pictures at a local concert and I fell in love- no going back. I worked with music e-zines for a couple of years covering 50+ shows in the span of about 2 years and I really thought concerts would be what I shot forever. However, there was a really rough period in my life and I ended up moving to a different city (for the 6th time). This was also when the COVID lockdown started so it was a really difficult time for me. I couldn’t go out and make friends, so all I did was sit in my room and experiment with my guitar and camera. It was truly my only outlet at the time so I dove head in. I’ll never forget the first photoshoot I did that really opened my eyes to concepts and experimental work. I grabbed some string lights for warm lighting and in one of the shots I accidentally moved mid-click and looking back at the photo with the streak of light sent a chill down my spine. The rest of the shoot I was tossing around the lights and really just flowing with how I was feeling and to this day, 3 years later, that shoot remains at the top of my favorites list because it’s really when I discovered how freeing it is to experiment and let my brain roam.

Having gone through significant, prolonged trauma starting at a young age, I developed severe self-worth issues, drug abuse habits, didn’t know how to process or feel my emotions, and really it was all a mess. I didn’t know how to ask for help but it seemed like no matter what I went through, photography and music got me through it with a smile. Through this art I was creating, I was learning how to express myself and not only love my appearance, but learn to open up emotionally by sharing my art with others. Once I saw people connecting to it I really starting diving deeper into the concept aspects and creating stories to not only help other people heal, but myself too. It really felt like the shoot itself was the healing tool. From dressing myself up, to setting up the camera, to the trial and error of posing and lighting/settings, to getting cleaned up, to sitting to edit for hours, to viewing the final product, the whole process encompassed a rollercoaster of emotions and it always feels so rewarding and complete to finish the process.

If there was one thing I want people to know about me and my art, I would want them to know I care. I truly, genuinely care. I had to go through some pretty awful stuff alone, and now I just aim to be the person I never had for others who are going through similar issues. I want my art to serve each person individually. Whether my work encourages wounds to close, or it reminds that they still need healed, or it simply lets people know they’re not alone, my art is whatever you need it to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit while I lived in Raleigh, I would guide her through a week of relaxation and connection. Through my time there I came across several outstanding local restaurants and coffeeshops, stunning parks to take photos and longboard at, amazing venues to catch a show and so much more!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My very dear friend, Nick Kiely, is also a photographer, based in Raleigh, NC and his passion and creativity played a huge role in the start of my photography career, always inspiring me to work a little harder and step outside my comfort zone.

His insta: @nickjkiely

Website: novalizphoto.com

Instagram: novalizphoto

Image Credits
Nova Liz