Conversations with Yael (Nov) Donay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yael (Nov) Donay.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I don’t remember exactly how I got started with photography, but I do remember that for my 9th birthday, I received my first polaroid camera which I still use on occasion.

I studied Art History and Photomedia at the University of Washington where I met and worked with some incredible artists, both faculty and fellow students. Though much smaller than New York or Los Angeles, Seattle has an incredibly vibrant and supportive arts community that really nurtures younger and typically underrepresented artists.

After undergrad, I moved to Los Angeles and completed my MFA at ArtCenter College of Design. At ArtCenter, I expanded my creative practice to include sculpture, fiber, and installation, but always find myself returning to photography. Whether working within the context of fine art or commercial and editorial shoots, I think photography is an incredible tool for story-telling and connecting with people.

I have also had the opportunity to share this appreciation for art and image-making through teaching and curatorial work at various institutions in Los Angeles.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As anyone in any creative field will tell you, you’re always hustling. It can be incredibly challenging to get your foot in the door when pursuing a career in the arts. Almost every artist I know has spent years piecing together part-time jobs to support their goals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since becoming a mother a year and a half ago, I have become more mindful of how I spend my time and exert my creative and physical energy. After an extended pause from work to focus on my family, I have shifted my professional attention back to my photography practice and have slowly begun taking on more projects in recent months. As my time is much more precious and limited these days, I have made a deliberate effort to focus on working with other creatives, artists, and brands that I feel connected to and inspired by. I collaborate with my clients to create images that best represent their work in a beautiful and thoughtful way.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Omeed, is my biggest advocate. He has always supported me in all of my interests and pursuits over the last 14+ years. He is also my best PR! I can be extremely shy about sharing news of projects or gallery exhibitions, and he is always the first one to proudly brag. He has also helped nudge me to assert myself and fight for fair compensation for my work.

I would also like to thank my dear friend Sael Bartolucci (yes, same name except just swap the Y for S). Sael is a wonderful human, artist, and designer whom I met at ArtCenter. She founded the brand House of Hiatus and has invited me to photograph her work since their first collection. This opportunity allowed me to move into and explore the world of editorial and commercial photography while still staying true to my aesthetics.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yaelnovphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelnov/