Femfits: An interview with London-based photographer Stafi Beloti-Samaki

Instagram is a truly wonderful thing for young, aspiring creatives. Such a statement was certainly confirmed when I stumbled across "shotbystaf", a photography account (not to mention with over 5000 followers) started by Stafi Beloti-Samaki. When I found out that Stafi also has her own zine, I was even more spurred on to contact her and gain some blogging and general creative advice. I wasn't disappointed, and since then I have continued to follow her Instagram and even contribute to her zine creatively too.

So, without further ado, please read on for a Q&A with Stafi:

1. When did your love for photography start?

My love for photography started in 2015 I guess when I did my work experience at a photographic film studio. At first, I was into planning events and administration but gradually got into photography and ended up loving it!

2. Who or what are your favourite subjects to shoot? To be honest I'm not too sure! 3. Your love for film photography is undeniable. What do you like so much about it? It's one shot. Like it makes you think a lot more when shooting because you don't want to mess up a shot. Getting it developed can be very expensive! 4. When you do shoot digital, what camera do you use? I use the Olympus Muji II which was a lucky find for me. I found it in a charity shop for a fiver which was a bargain! These film cameras usually sell for over £30 pounds, so to find one in a charity shop for £5 was amazing. I sometimes use Fujifilm disposable also. 5. How did you come about producing zines? I wanted to create something that I related to and knew other girls would too.  6. Which artists/photographers/people inspire you artistically the most? To be honest I don't really have any. I'm inspired and motivated by so many people and things such as Pinterest, Instagram and just real life. 7. What is your favourite part of coordinating your zine, Femfits?  The people! I've met so many people and so many beautiful friendships have been made. 8. What are your top photography tips for aspiring photographers? Be you! And don't feel limited because creativity is infinite. 9. Future aspirations? Have my own studio and to feel proud of my work.

10. Your Femfits zine is truly inspirational. What was your favourite part of producing that zine, especially during the shoot?

Thank you so much! My favourite part of creating the zine has definitely got to be the people I've met and seeing the friendships created from it. Makes me super happy!

Thank you again, to Stafi for agreeing to answer some questions and please do check out her Instagram: @shotbystaf