We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ina Keys. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ina below.
Alright, Ina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on happens to be connected to one of the most challenging experiences in my life…In 2015, during the beginning of my junior year of high school I was suddenly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease where my pancreas produces little to no insulin: Type 1 diabetes. I had no idea what was going on, but I knew instantly things wouldn’t be the same. Constantly pricking my finger, injecting myself with medication I could barely pronounce, and calculating my favorite foods before I ate. With no known cure and not many support resources. I dove further into my passion, Photography and Cinematography. Over the next few years, I produced independently, as well as, participated in several projects and documentaries. However, in 2021 I was able to partake in GCUFF Links, that focused on budding filmmakers. The program pushed us to think big and to understand the importance of how to create a film and where to start. I had a difficult time trying to find a story that was worth sharing and even, at one point, questioned my gift.
During this time I was working as a server at a retirement home. One day I noticed my coworker, Angel, was wearing a device that I was all too familiar with. She was Type 1! We clicked instantly and during our first conversation we came up with the idea to share our story. It all came together and that is when I created my documentary “I Could Never Inject Myself.” we had the opportunity to shoot our documentary twice and have it premiered at three different film festival events. During these events we decided to create our Instagram page @Icouldneverinjectmyself and started connecting with so many others all over who dealt with Diabetes as well.
Ina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Ina Keys, I’m from Cleveland, Ohio. I’ve been passionate about my craft, Photography and Filmmaking most of my life. When I was younger I would sit around the house searching through old family pictures or even watch home videos from vhs tapes. I always enjoyed looking at memories of my loved ones or even, myself. During that time, my late grandmother, Michelle purchased one of my very first digital cameras. She noticed my gift before I even noticed. As I got older and more knowledgeable on what I could do with my craft, everything started to flow. The end of 2016 my late grandmother wanted all her loved ones to gather for Christmas pictures. Of course, I captured them and even set the timer for me to join in. Everything felt so right during that time, if only I knew that was the last Christmas with her. I look back at all those memories I’ve captured with my family and just smile. Capturing those intimate moments mean the most. I wouldn’t trade my gift for anything. I’m not sure where my craft will take me but knowing I’m doing something I love and cherish deeply pushes me even more.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
The main resource during my creative journey was connecting with others that were in my community. Getting out and asking questions, participating in local events. I didn’t realize how powerful connecting was until I saw it for myself.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and filmmaker is capturing those moments and sharing them with people all over. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Inakeys; @Hervidism; @Icouldneverinjectmyself
- Facebook: Ina Keys
Image Credits
All photos by Ina Keys