Meet Lidya Dereje | Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lidya Dereje and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lidya, what inspires you?
People. When I think of myself and my story, it would be nothing without those who were or are in my life. There is so much beauty in being an observer of people because there are so many different characteristics, stories, or experiences at play. People are the reason we love. People are the reason we hate. People are the reason we smile. People are the reason we cry. It’s something about that phenomenon that has always been fascinating to me. People are all we got.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a portrait photographer who aims to individualize the representation of the African diaspora. My first introduction to the camera was as a child on a trip to Ethiopia with my family. I remember being so fascinated with the process of taking the world in and using this tool to portray a moment or feeling. I later reconnected with the camera during my studies in college, and we have been inseparable ever since.

Something I take pride in is the fact that photography has allowed me to connect with people in ways I didn’t know was possible. Through projects, I have met some remarkable people who are now really good friends of mine or have deepened existing relationships. It’s an interesting and intimate way of getting to know someone.

Over the past few years, I have learned that photography can be extremely humbling. There are moments when it challenges me or pisses me off and makes me wonder if it’s even meant for me. But I have found that it’s really about leaning into that discomfort and learning from it. It definitely is a work in progress which is something that I find comfort in — knowing that there is always something to learn.

My work is about reminding others that there is so much power in their perspective, so put that into action!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You can’t say you’ve visited Atlanta without eating wings, so I’d start off with a random wing spot (the sketchier looking the better). I love to thrift with friends, so I’d recommend heading over to Value Village or Lil Five Points.
I also recommend walking the beltline starting from Old Fourth Ward to Piedmont (in between you can get drinks, people-watch, and shop from local artisans).
Lastly, if you’re like obnoxiously into films (like me) hit up the Plaza Theatre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to send a shoutout to my family and friends who have pushed me to be myself unapologetically. I would also like to thank any of the models and curators I’ve worked with who have trusted me and my creative shenanigans.

Website: lidyadereje.mypixieset.com

Instagram: @lidyaxdereje

Image Credits
Photos by Lidya Dereje.