Photographer Greta Wolzak's muted palette has a certain quality that makes us feel like we're wading about in a twilight dream. With snaps documenting life from Perth to the Netherlands, it's a wistful, calming place to be, and Greta gave us some insight into how that loveliness is achieved.



What is your name and how old are you? My name is Greta Wolzak, and I am 25 this spring.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born in the suburbs of Perth, Western Australia, and currently living in a small town called Voorschoten in The Netherlands.



How does where you live affect your photography? Living in quite a few places over the past few years has made me see so much beauty in the world, and I want to capture everything that is around me. I used to have a passion for photography when I was in high school, and somewhere along the way I stopped. When I started travelling I picked up the camera again and started taking photos again and rediscovered the same passion I had when I was younger. I felt so inspired by many other wonderful artists and people I met on the road, which has helped me to share my images and tell my story.

What kind of subjects interest you the most? Old unique buildings with tales to be told and anything green growing in suburban cites. I love nature, so when I see flowers and vines taking over a building it makes me smile. I also like to take photos of people who are in their natural state... it makes them look beautiful.

What do you shoot on (digital or analogue) and why do you choose to use that type? Because I have been travelling for so long I use digital, which I love and is great on the road, however when I’m back home in Australia I would love to get back into analogue because it requires more patience and has a more authentic feel. Also, my Polaroid camera is always fun because you never what the outcome will be.



Is there a running theme to the work you create, or do you just make whatever comes to mind? My mind is wandering all the time; I love coming up with new ideas and thinking of new ways to capture what is around me. I think expanding my mind with new ideas helps me grow as an artist and as a person. I do like to create little themes and go with that for a little while, but I always want to change and create new ideas.

When it comes to taking photos, do you have more of a controlled/set-up or spontaneous style? I’m a spontaneous person in general and as I have been on the road lately, I have to shoot spontaneously. I believe then my photos become unique and there is an epic tale behind the image. I love it when the weather turns to mist or snow and can create stunning images that I previously had wanted to capture in the sun. I love not knowing what the outcome will be.

Do you take the same care with personal photographs as you do with commercial/artistic work? I take care with all the photos I make; every photo is special to me and should always be treated like a piece of art.



What advice can you offer on finding your personal style or aesthetic? Discover. Go to art galleries and museums and meet other artists. Take as many photos as you want, be yourself and share your work, because you can be surprised by how much some people love your photos. Wander alone sometimes and find beauty in solace, and also wander with friends because they may have a positive influence on the images you capture and can always be used as your models.

What are your thoughts on the rise of mobile phone photography and Instagram? I enjoy Instagram as there are so many talented photographers, and you can always discover new artists. However, I still rather enjoy the intimacy of meeting a photographer and seeing their photo installation or buying a magazine/book with people’s work. I feel it is more special and far more interesting than seeing everything behind a screen.

What do you enjoy doing when not taking photos? Relaxing by rivers, listing to music and being in the wild. Drinking wine, home cooking and having interesting conversations with friends. Travelling on the road, finding wild flowers and discovering new places. Drawing with friends, good coffee and reading in the sun. Enjoying life.



Where can we see more of your work? wandering-folk.tumblr.com or on Instagram @Wandering_Folk