Finding Beauty Between Armenia and Pennsylvania: An Interview with Photographer Nellie Adamyan

Photography is more than just taking pictures. Anyone who doubts this need only look to Nellie Adamyan, a photographer originally from Armenia, now living in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. In this edition of Photographer's World Weekly, we had the pleasure of interviewing her. She shares her journey into photography, her creative process, and the inspirations and passion that drive her work: “Nowadays, photography consumes every spare minute I get.”

How She Got Started in Photography

“Have you ever stopped to take a longer look at a picture that completely consumed you? That’s how it began for me. Except I wasn’t looking at pictures. I was looking at captivating, raw life moments that materialised fast and disappeared instantly like dust particles floating in the quiet morning air.”

“I felt like I had to do something with how I could see things, not knowing that my heart craved photography. When I got my first camera, I didn’t even know how to use it. I learned the basics and started exploring the magic of photography, and that’s how it all began.”

Nellie’s first camera was a small crop-sensor Fuji, chosen after careful research to fit her budget. “The brand Fuji is renowned for its rich colors. It helped me see how colours can impact the feel of the composition.”

First Success on Facebook and Unsplash

As she began sharing her photos on Facebook, she was met with unexpected enthusiasm. “The reactions were unexpectedly positive from the very beginning despite my self-doubts.” The real turning point came when she earned her first editorial feature on Unsplash. “It took me a year and a few hundred pictures to get featured on the editorial feed, and I’ve made it there several times since.”

Defining Her Personal Style

When asked to define her photography style, Nellie keeps it straightforward: “Bold colours, beautiful details, well-thought-out frames.”

Her inspirations are a mix of renowned photographers and photographers she follows on Instagram. “There are several photographers I am connected with on Instagram whose work I follow closely and get immense inspiration from. Surprisingly, almost all of them shoot film, which makes me think about trying analogue photography. I love Vivien Maier, Saul Leiter, Helen Levitt, and Yousuf Karsh, who was, by the way, of Armenian descent.”

The Creative Process: Spontaneity and Precision

Nellie's approach to photography is a balance of meticulous planning and instinctual spontaneity. “Depending on the type of shoot, I will plan meticulously or just grab my camera and run out. If it’s a shoot for a client, I plan every small detail, from pinning the address on Google Maps to adjusting my camera settings according to the location and time of the shoot. But if I hear the migrating snow geese, and I know I have thirty seconds to catch them, I just run out barefoot, probably with half a sandwich still hanging between my teeth.”

Staying Motivated and Finding Inspiration

For many photographers, staying motivated can be a challenge, but Nellie finds endless inspiration through the photoraphers she follows. “Instagram is an amazing place to find motivation. I never lack inspiration because of all the wonderful photographers I follow. Everybody seems to get better and better, and I want to keep up with them.”

Minimal post-processing and editing

While post-processing plays a role in her work, Nellie prefers a minimal approach. “My edits in Lightroom Classic are minimal—I usually adjust the highlights, contrast, and texture. If I have to make dramatic changes to save an underexposed or a messy composition, I may discard the picture because it may end up looking unnatural.”

Adjusting the Camera Settings

Nellie's goal is to get things right in-camera to reduce the need for extensive editing. “With time, I learned to adjust my camera settings and compose my frames in ways that will minimise my post work.  There isn't much enjoyment in the process for me. It's more of a mechanical task to enhance the look and feel of the picture, and I find myself more excited about the final result than the editing process.”

Simple but Effective Workspace

“My workspace for editing photos is a messy dining room, and there's always one of my kids standing beside me—either wanting something or sharing their latest news while I'm working. If I edit after bedtime, I like to have a glass of red wine and listen to music. My laptop is an Acer Predator G3-571, which belongs to my husband. It's an older model that we've had for a while, but it still does the job perfectly. I'll keep using it until he wants it back.”

Camera and other gear

“I’m currently using the Sony A7R III. I was looking for a reliable full-frame camera, and this one had great reviews. I haven’t had many cameras to compare it to, but what I really enjoy about it is the larger sensor compared to my first camera. Along with the A7R III, I use a SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art lens. It’s incredibly sharp and perfect for portraits, nature, and travel photography. I’m also considering the Sony FE GM 50mm f/1.4 prime lens for portraits.”

Hobbies outside of photography

When Nellie steps away from the camera, she loves to read. “Now and then, I pick up a good book to feed the deeper core of my soul. Ask me for a recommendation, and I’ll spread a little catalog of choice world literature pieces on your table; it will begin with Bulgakov.”

Advice for Beginning Photographers

“Learn your camera inside and out and be brave to step out of your comfort zone.”If you think it’s not going anywhere, take a break. If photography is your thing, you cannot stay away from your camera for too long.”

“Take your time when shopping for your camera gear. Do not invest in equipment without thorough research. Photography equipment is costly, and you don’t want to buy cameras, lenses, or other equipment only to realise it wasn’t exactly what you wanted.”

And for those experiencing creative blocks, Nellie suggests stepping away and finding inspiration elsewhere. “I take a break, and I often read photographer biographies.”

Future projects

This summer, Nellie wants to expand her travel photography. “I want to capture the rich colors of modern Armenia. I also look forward to adding some rural life series to my portfolio.” When asked about the future of her photography career, she takes a relaxed approach. “I prefer not to plan when it comes to photography. It brings me immense pleasure, and I will continue shooting and taking up new projects, for sure.”

Thank you !

A huge thank you to Nellie for sharing her words and work with us this week! And of course, thanks to you for reading.

If you’d like to see more of Nellie’s work, you can find her here:

📸 Unsplash: @nellie_adamyan
📷 Instagram: @lii__adam

Do you enjoy this kind of content? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter below, and you'll get the next edition of Photographer's World Weekly—packed with inspiring stories, great photography, and creative insights straight to your inbox every Sunday!