Five Minutes With Stina Evjan

Stina Evjan is a photographer with a little bit of magic. One look at her photos and you can see she has a unique way of looking at the world and an incredible talent for capturing the most meaningful in-between moments that nobody else seems to notice.  On a personal level, Stina has both an ineffable charm and an infectious enthusiasm for what she does, and it is perhaps this combination that enables her to make absolutely anyone feel at ease in front of her lens. She is a true visual artist and also one of the nicest people you could ever met.

We chatted to Stina earlier this week as part of a new “Five Minutes With” series we thought we’d share with you! We’ve been checking in regularly with many of the women who we work with and who support our training program and broader social mission. It has helped us stay inspired and feel connected during this challenging time, and we thought it might do the same for you.

Hi Stina, what has been the most significant change you’ve experienced since isolation? How are you feeling about it all?

The most obvious one is that weeks go by without me picking up a camera, when normally I am out shooting multiple times a week. But the biggest impact has probably been the slower pace of life. It is like time has stretched out. It took a while, but I am actually starting to enjoy that. 

What do your work days look like?

I wake up at 8am, make myself breakfast and get myself ready to “go to work” by 9.30am. Yes, I am one of those that will put makeup on even though I’m just at home! I have three slots of work in the day, one before lunch and two after. Between them I have set times for creative outlets: knitting, reading or clay work. In the evenings I go for a run and then make dinner with the husband and watch Masterchef. Then rinse, repeat.

We’re obsessed with good morning and night routines at the moment! Any advice to share?

Just find one that works for you. I am not a morning person so I have created a routine that allows me to be super lazy then. I sleep late, stay in bed for up to an hour after I wake up, and lets me slowly get ready after. Easing into the day gives me such a better mindset! My husband on the other hand is usually up two hours before me to work out and do meditation and that works for him.

What’s helping you to stay inspired?

Other people! Staying connected to friends and colleagues have been super important to me. Recently I have also started doing weekly accountability catch ups with a friend who is also a photographer. These have really given me motivation and energy to finish things.

What do you feel hopeful about?

I’m actually feeling quite hopeful about the future. People are being deprived of so many elements of life right now and yes, things will absolutely be hard for a lot of people. But when we’re at the other end of it I foresee a lot of excitement, celebration and love. I’ve always been a bit of an organiser/dreamer at heart. I have found it really helpful to start making plans for future dinner parties, celebrations and trips, even though they’re far into the future, so that I can cram my life full of people again as soon as it’s possible.