TR: If you could describe your creative process in one word, which would that be?

MT: Amalgamation. I don't really believe in pure originality - I think everything has been influenced or inspired by something else to create something new. I think my creative process is purely an amalgamation of things or artists I feel aligned toward, putting them all together to make it my own.

TR: What does collaboration mean to you?

MT: I think collaboration is one of the most beautiful aspects of any kind of creative work. It really makes me feel so grateful that I get to collaborate with a person or a team of people and they put just as much thought or effort into the shoot as I do. We're taking ideas in our heads and problem-solving together to make it a reality. It's a very special energy to be able to witness.

TR: When did you start your career with photography?

MT: I took my first photography class my freshman year of highschool. Fortunately, my highschool was one of the last ones in the state to have its own darkroom - so I first learned black & white film photography there. That sparked my initial interest and the love grew from there. I became so obsessed with taking photos that I would often skip lunch and develop more photos in the darkroom. I began taking photography more seriously in 2020 during the quarantine, when a model friend needed photos for her book. I agreed to help her out, and we shot three rolls of film. I didn't think much of it until her agency posted the photos and I saw the good reception they were receiving. That was the year I realized I could do this professionally and started building my portfolio and booking clients from there.

TR: What inspires you when editing?

MT: I've always been drawn to really rich, vibrant colors. I also put a lot of attention into textures when I'm editing. I've always loved how 90's print magazine ads looked, and I feel that texture and the way the colors come out is always informing my editing style. I also combine a lot of cyber/sci-fi aesthetics and pairing them with this 90's print texture, this idea of new and old coming together.

TR: Is there a book you've read or film you've seen that has inspired you lately?

MT: I watched "Enter the Void" a bit ago and haven't been able to get it out of my head. I'm becoming more multidisciplinary in my work, and the opening title sequence in that film alone is so insane. It really makes me want to incorporate more graphic design and SFX elements into my photography.

TR: Do you have any short term aspirations you'd like to pursue?

MT: Yes! I'm teaching myself 3D rendering right now and I want to start incorporating it into my photography. I would also love to get more of my work published.

TR: How do you take your coffee?

MT: I order a cold brew with a little milk in it and then I'll add some simple syrup to it. I'm obsessed.

More of Mia’s work can be found on her website or instagram.