5 minute read
Through the Lens
BY EMMA WILLE , MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Throughout our lives, we capture memories in photographs to cherish forever. And for Mia Ignazio, a collegiate member of the Lambda (Syracuse University) chapter, taking photos has meant uncovering her passion. “I’m passionate about creating emotional, raw work,” she says. “I believe photographing is one of the most beautiful things you can do and one of the most beautiful exchanges.” From her early fascination with capturing these beautiful moments, to overcoming her personal challenges through her craft, Mia’s journey is an example of the power of art.
Growing up in a small Massachusetts suburb, Mia fell in love with photography at a young age. “As a child on library visits, instead of picking through the newest books, I would beg my mom to photocopy images from old runway fashion show books so I could have my own collection at home,” she says. Her love didn’t stop there; at 7 years old, Mia staged a picture of herself and her sister, and since then the camera has never left her hand.
Mia continued to immerse herself in any form of photography or film she could. “My first taste of filmmaking was, of course, a little horror movie moment in 5th grade – [with] an iPod and a dream. Entering middle school, my interest in photography peaked, and I began staging photoshoots to do with my friends around town,” she says. She soon was manifesting her dream of being the “cool girl with the camera,” learning not by taking classes but by taking pictures and “finding out what worked and what didn’t.”
Mia’s efforts were soon interrupted when she was left with a severe concussion after an accident in high school. She says, “Reading was impossible for a year, going to school was a challenge, and my life revolved around finding new treatments. What saved me was tapping into my creativity.” Still dealing with daily headaches, Mia accepted that this pain would continue to be part of her life, and instead of letting it hold her back, she decided to embrace the unique perspective it offered her. She shares, “I believe that my chronic pain is a huge influence in the work I create and is a part of me.”
With college just around the corner, she knew that she wanted to follow her passion professionally, looking into schools with fine art photography and cinema production programs. When it was time to apply, Mia decided to showcase her experience with chronic pain in her art. “I created my own short film that I wrote, directed, filmed and edited and at the same time created an entire collection of self-portraiture depicting my struggle with chronic pain,” she says. Through her hard work and vulnerable projects, Mia was accepted into The School of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, majoring in fine art study.
Before taking the big leap to college, Mia made an even bigger jump into the photography world. The summer before starting school, she traveled to Iceland to participate in photoshoots for fashion editorials. “I was beyond terrified and intimidated. I was the youngest person there and kept my age quiet until the last day,” she says about her thrilling adventure.
The two-day experience was led by Cara Mia, Mia’s favorite photographer, and her creative team. On the set, Mia and the other photographers were presented with a wide variety of editorial set-ups full of gowns, suits and couture pieces. Along with taking photos, Mia met and observed famous photographers from across the globe, including Oghalé Alex (named by PhotoVogue as one of “The Next Great Fashion Image Makers”).
The whole experience completely shifted how Mia viewed creating art. “The first hour, I trekked up a mountain with 20 other photographers and looked out on top of a fjord – a pinch-me moment! It was truly surreal and cemented into me that this is the kind of work I want to do for the rest of my life,” she says.
Now in college, Mia has not only kept up with her love for art but has also begun to inspire other students. “On campus, I am one of the founders of Matchbox Films, an independent filmmaking house, and I’ve had the honor of being director of art and design. It hasn’t even been a full year, and we have more than 100 members,” she says.
Along with starting a new outlet for expression, Mia has fostered friendships that help fuel her creativity, particularly in Alpha Chi Omega. “I feel so much support from them in all my endeavors and especially in my creative work. I have found my forever family here,” she says. “Being a member has allowed me to find parts of myself I didn’t know even existed with people I know will be in my life forever.”
So, what’s in store for the future? Mia hopes to continue following her passion. “My intention for the future is to work for a fashion magazine in a beautiful city surrounded by people I love,” she says. No matter where she goes, Mia is sure to continue capturing life’s most beautiful moments.
