Petra Collins Answers Questions From Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez, JT, and More| I-D Asks
Why It Matters
Collins' candid articulation of her analog‑first, emotionally driven practice offers a blueprint for creators seeking authenticity in a digital‑saturated era, influencing visual trends and reinforcing the cultural value of tactile artistry.
Key Takeaways
- •Photography is cathartic for Collins, feeling on‑set like top world.
- •She prefers shooting women, expressing disdain for photographing men.
- •Japanese artistic passion inspires her, valuing handcrafted dedication.
- •Collins chooses film over digital to preserve tangible, timeless moments.
- •Her exuberant 'wow' and 'gorgeous' become signature on‑set affirmations.
Summary
Petra Collins sits down for i‑D Ask, fielding a rapid‑fire mix of fan questions from celebrities like Selena Gomez and Olivia Rodrigo to curious followers worldwide. The conversation reveals her playful personality and deep‑seated artistic convictions, ranging from personal rituals on set to broader cultural influences. She describes photography as a cathartic act that makes her feel "on top of the world" and admits she prefers shooting women, openly stating she "hates men" in that context. Collins praises Japan’s relentless passion for handcrafted art, citing the country’s creative energy as a major source of inspiration. She also explains her devotion to analog film, calling it "painting with light" and arguing that digital images drift into the ether, losing the tactile permanence she values. Memorable moments include her trademark outbursts—shouting "wow" or "gorgeous" on set—and her candid confession that these exclamations began as spontaneous reactions to striking visuals. When asked about a fictional pop‑star project, she references 1990s icons like Britney Spears, noting how hyper‑sexualized imagery shaped her desire to reinterpret fame through a contemporary lens. She also likens her photographic process to filmmaking, emphasizing narrative, costume, and sound as integral components. Collins' responses illuminate a creative philosophy that blends vulnerability with empowerment, emphasizing communication with subjects and a tactile, analog aesthetic. For peers and emerging artists, her insights underscore the importance of authentic emotional expression, cultural immersion, and the deliberate choice of medium in shaping a distinctive visual voice.
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