“Photography has always been a way of pausing time, a means of connection, and a deeply personal journey of storytelling,” says Fischer Wallace.

Growing up in a large family, it was a sibling who first placed a camera in her hands, unknowingly setting her on a lifelong path. Her father had health struggles since she was young, and over time, capturing images became her way of making sense of the world—of understanding, processing, and, ultimately, holding onto moments that might otherwise slip away.

Like many, Wallace has a pandemic story. Hers is about moving in with an elderly couple and documenting their lives through her lens. It was a time of transition, of witnessing, and of quiet reflection. It reinforced her belief that the most beautiful thing is “not knowing herself but knowing her view.”

For Wallace, photography is not just about taking pictures—it’s about seeing people as they are, not as a projected image. She strives for an "environmental portrait"—one where the subject is in their own space, comfortable, honest, and authentic. This is why she takes time to walk with her subjects, to study them, to talk and observe. If someone doesn’t like the way they look in a photo, Wallace believes they haven’t been photographed correctly yet. “My role as a photographer is to find the thread that connects us, to bring out something true,” Wallace said.

Her work explores themes of self-narrative, history, and the fostering of personal storytelling. She is drawn to emotions of self-acceptance and the small, often overlooked details that make up a life. “I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of family and connection—perhaps because of my own experiences, perhaps because I have always been someone who watches.

At its core, my creative process is about making people feel seen. Sometimes, that means silence. Other times, it means asking the right questions. But always, it is about creating a space where they can be themselves,” Wallace said.

In a world that often prioritizes perfection, Wallace chooses instead to celebrate presence. Every job, every day, every location holds an opportunity for creativity. Photography is her way of finding those moments, of preserving something real in a fleeting world.

About the Episode:

Join us on The Anna Jinja Show for a powerful exploration of creativity and connection! This week, photographer Fischer Wallace and Athens' Poet Laureate Stephanie Kendrick share their collaboration journey, blending photography and poetry to tell deeply personal stories.

Discover how their artistic pairing inspired Stephanie’s moving poem, "A Prayer for Distortion," weaving themes of trust, vulnerability, and personal growth.

Stephanie Kendrick is the 2023/24 Poet Laureate of Athens, Ohio. She is the author of In Any of These Towns (Sheila-Na-Gig Editions, 2022) and serves as the editor of the local poetry newsletter Periodical Poetry. With a Master’s in Social Sciences from Ohio University, Stephanie is deeply involved in her community, including through her work at the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Her poetry has been published in notable journals such as Gyroscope Review, Still: The Journal, and Poets Reading the News.

Fischer Wallace is a talented photographer and mental health advocate, employed with the Athens Photo Project, where she explores the intersection of art and recovery. Through her work with Recovery Reframed, Fischer harnesses the power of visual storytelling to reframe narratives around mental health, offering new perspectives on healing and resilience. Her photography is deeply personal and reflective, using creative expression as a means to foster connection, challenge stigma, and inspire others on their own recovery journeys. Fischer's dedication to both her art and advocacy makes her a powerful voice sharing why art works and why it matters. 

Whether you're passionate about visual or literary arts, this episode will inspire you to see the world—and yourself—through a new lens. Don't miss it!

About the Writer

Kailyn Shalosky, a native of Warsaw, Ohio, is committed to preserving and growing arts accessibility in Appalachia. She graduated from Muskingum University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Production and Theatre, where she gained extensive experience in lighting design, stage management, and putting other people’s stories into the world.

Now pursuing a Master’s in Arts Administration at Ohio University, Kailyn focuses on fostering collaboration and creativity in Appalachian arts communities. She is so grateful to be working with Anna on her newsletter and sharing the stories of other artists who work with Anna. Alongside her studies, she works as a barista at Donkey Coffee and Espresso, embracing the opportunity to meet the lovely people of Athens.