Je Suis Silvia Sala
.
Instagram: Silvia Sala Photography
Website: https://silviasalaphotography.com/
Silvia Sala is a photographer based in Venice, Italy, a city renowned for its picturesque canals and romantic ambiance. Her work focuses on capturing unique, candid moments of couples, often set against the iconic backdrop of Venice’s waterways and historic architecture. Each photograph conveys a distinct narrative, distinguished by her use of diverse color palettes. During a recent visit to Venice, our team had the opportunity to discuss with Silvia her artistic approach and dedication to her craft.
Where were you born? I was born in Bergamo, a very beautiful town not far from Milan, Italy.
Where do you reside now? Since 2011, I’ve been living in Venice.
Who or what sparked your interest in photography? I’ve loved photography since I was a child. Around 2001–2002 my dad bought a digital camera, back then they were new, expensive, and not even that great in quality. I still remember being so proud of a simple photo I took of a bee on a flower on my balcony. I loved the idea of capturing beauty and freezing time. As I grew older, especially around 14–15 years old, that passion only grew stronger. I photographed everything: my friends, nature, little everyday details. Everything felt worth preserving, because life is beautiful and the only way we have to freeze time is through photography (and sometimes writing, which is another passion of mine).
Can you recall the first photograph you ever took that made you think, "This is what I want to do"?
There isn’t one single photo, but I always felt this was what I wanted. When I was in elementary school, our teacher took us to visit a local photographer, who showed us how light changes a portrait. I was only 8 or 9, but I instantly fell in love with it and started saying I wanted to become a photographer when I grew up.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when you were starting out, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part was my own mindset. I grew up believing it was “impossible” to become a photographer: too competitive, too unstable financially, too many risks. But the pull was too strong. I started while keeping a side job, and once I realized I could actually make a living from it, I went all in. Best choice I ever made. Over time I’ve learned that growth never stops, I keep working on both my photography skills and my business and marketing strategies.
What is your philosophy on post-processing and editing?How much of the magic happens in-camera versus on the computer?
Editing is half of the process. Every photographer has their own style, and the way you edit changes everything, warm or cold tones, moody with shadows, or bright and airy. Of course, you need to master your camera and light first, but editing is essential. Unless you’re shooting film and leaving it all to the lab, digital photography isn’t complete without thoughtful post-processing.
How has the evolution of technology (AI) impacted your artistic process over your career?
As a portrait and elopement photographer, I don’t think AI will ever replace what I do. Who would want AI-generated photos of themselves in a place they’ve never been, or of their actual wedding? That said, AI is useful for small improvements, like removing unwanted people or distractions from the background, reducing noise, or rescuing a shot in poor lighting. I never manipulate my photos too much because I want them to feel real but AI can help polish without taking away authenticity.
What advice would you give today to your younger self when you were first picking up a camera?
Keep going! Keep exploring, bring your camera everywhere, and don’t worry too much about the result. Dare more, experiment more, and don’t get stuck in perfectionism. (That’s still advice I give myself even today!)
What makes a photograph "great" instead of just "good"?
Sometimes it’s luck: the perfect light, a fleeting shadow, a spontaneous moment. But most of all in my opinion a great photo tells a story. You should be able to feel the emotion of the people or the spirit of the place portrayed. It has to communicate something deeper. That’s why I’m more drawn to storytelling than to overly posed editorial images.
What is the one question you wish interviewers would ask you, but they never do?
"If you weren’t a photographer, what path do you think you would have followed?" I actually think about this quite often, because photography has always felt like my true vocation. I became so focused on it that I never really allowed myself to imagine another path. I studied languages in high school and university, so I guess that could have opened different doors. It’s difficult for me to picture a life without photography, but I’m sure I would still be freelancing, I’m definitely not made for a traditional 9-to-5 job. Most likely I’d be doing something like a little B&B with unique experiences for guests or even a creative space or coworking studio where people can connect and share ideas.
Je Suis Marta Contreras Simó
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Occupation: Photographer, AI Artist and Mum of Tommy! Instagram: @mylovelyviews
Where were you born? I was born in Barcelona, Spain. My mum is from Barcelona and my dad from Sevilla, another spanish city.
Where do you live now? I am currently living in Barcelona, but I do spend some of my time in l'Empordà, Girona in Spain too.
In one sentence what is unique about your work? I am trying my best to create with my imageries , powerful and fashionable women from around the world.
Why do you do what you do? Create more and more, in my aesthetic mood.
What inspires you? Women from all around the world.
Describe your personal style. It's quite aesthetic, fashionable but particular, loving super big hats. Not everybody loves It, But I love them.
Your ultimate must-have: A Super Big Hat.
What superpower would you have and why? I don't have any superpower, but, if I'll have the chance to ask for one, will be to stop with all the wars in the world and let the childrens be free and safe.
What is next for you? I am working in so many projects all over the world at the moment, and doing an Exhibition in Barcelona. Next is now for me!
Je Suis Danyellah Polnareff
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Occupation: Artist and Photographer
Instagram: @danyellah_photography
Where were you born?
Born in Ivory Coast, west Africa to a black mother and a white (French) father. I moved to Paris at 4 years old and attended the best schools in Paris. I was raised with both cultures, I speak my mom’s dialect but have a very French education.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I am obsessed with Plastic Art and can’t stop using my creativity and imagination. I have a vital need to create.
Where do you live now?
I live in Palm Springs, CA. To me, Palm Springs is a vortex of health and wellbeing where artists can freely express themselves. I could not have chosen a better place, this element is my second skin… even with 120F in the summer!
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I intend to shape your vision no matter where you come from in life.
Why do you do what you do?
Feelings! I need to put my art into form to translate my vision. My work is my way of transcending to another level of communication. If I can create an emotion in the person who looks at my art, I feel content; I had achieved my goal. It’s is almost like a therapy for the both of us, a deep connection is born.
What inspires you?
When I was younger I was obsessed with the French Impressionism movement. I was astonished by the use of the light and the shadow. The structure of the composition, how the artist could lead your eye to the light, or one particular side of the painting. I kept asking myself how could a human eye be able to analyze this duality and make it alive on a canvas. In a way photography is about the balance between the power of the light and depth of the shadow. When I discovered I had a talent for photography I realized I was simply expressing my inner self. My duality, my mixed ethnicity is what defines me. Today my photography is my identity.
Describe your personal style
I am a “clastidy” girl. Yes, I made it up? Lol… Well I am classy and trendy at the same time. Femininity is my way to go! No matter what day of the week. Call me crazy but I still wear high heels to go to the cleaner like a real Parisian.
Your ultimate must-have
A men’s white shirt, oversized please, Aubade lingerie paired with leather pumps.
What superpower would you have and why?
Heal people’s soul with Love. Because once you reach the energy of Love you reach the ultimate level of abundance.
What is next for you?
“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.'”-Forrest
Je Suis Jana Solomon
I already have a superpower and I am so grateful for it! If we should ever meet, I will reveal it.
Occupation: Photographer, producer, director
Instagram: @janasolom
Where were you born?
I was born in a small southern border city of Estonia, called Valga, which is situated just next to Latvia. Have an older brother and an older sister. The three of us are all working in the art field now, although father tried to get us away from art, thinking there is no value to it. But one cannot run from what the heart desires. Although in Valga there were no options of learning photography or cinematography or anything near to it. So I focused mainly on literature and languages, but had always my camera in school with me. I enjoyed capturing moments. Somehow I could memorize every event and face after I had taken a picture of it. It was sort of like a backup memory for me that allowed me to relive and feel moments that had already gone by. For now I have worked as a photographer for 10 years.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I focus on working with the emotion and energy of the person I capture - feeling the inner power.
Why do you do what you do?
For me, photography is also a way to connect with people I shoot and help them to overcome some fears they might have. My main interest besides photography is psychology. Somehow I seem to have a natural gift for it - to understand and guide the people I capture. It is the same with models and regular people. They all have their fears and it is such a joy to overcome those and create something strong and beautiful. Something that comes from within, the strength and beauty of the soul. But also trust and vulnerability, being open and vulnerable is the biggest strength one can have.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by wind, movement, colors, the soul and eyes of a person. Once you become fully present, it is so easy to get inspired, because there is so much beauty happening around as all the time.
Describe your personal style.
I have thought about it a lot and feared that I do not have a certain style and if this could have a negative influence to my work. But lately I started to realize, that my "thing" is power. It matters to me more, how the image feels, not certainly how it looks. I do love to shoot the same much with my Canon as I do with my film camera and even iphone.
Your ultimate must-have.
The thing I always have with me is my Contax T2 film camera with an Ektar100 film. Just love the colors of it. And also my diffuser or reflector - I do not know how I lived without those thing for the first years.
What superpower would you have and why?
You know what, I think I already have a superpower and I am so grateful for it! If we should ever meet, I will reveal it.
What is next for you?
Next for me, that is a good question. The world comes next. I plan to travel and drift now for as long as it seems that I can or should. At the moment I am in LA, soon going to Nevada and after that maybe to Guatemala or Hawaii or India - or them all. So whoever wants to collaborate, I am free as a bird and will go wherever life takes me.
Je Suis Jenna Davidson
Occupation: Mostly opened to every kind of styles, but I'll say mostly fashion photographer.
Instagram: @jennadavidsond
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Monaco Monte-Carlo and I'm Franco-British.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
The power to capture moments that still gives you these same emotions 40 years later.
Why do you do what you do?
To me it's natural. My goal is to share my passion, to show people how I see things in my vision of the world and all the personalities I've met. The colors, the environment, clothes, expressions. Showing what I captured in this person, why and how I took this picture. Critics and people's view on my work is magic. I take photographs to capture souls. That's all.
What inspires you?
Everything. Life is inspiring. Music gives me tons of ideas.
Describe your personal style.
Hippie Chic. Staying natural, fun and elegant.
Your ultimate must-have.
COCO CHANEL red lipstick, always useful.
What superpower would you have and why?
I would like my brain to get to 100% of its capacity, that's THE power to be and do to everything you can imagine.
What is next for you?
To meet every kind of artists, to travel more, make more photo-shoots and wish my website will grow with time and work.
Je Suis Yuliya Naganova
The only instrument I use for creating my unusual emotional photographs is my smartphone
Where were you born?
I was born in sunny Tashkent and spent 15 years of my life there. Cold, windy and absolutely gorgeous Saint-Petersburg became my second home city for the next 12 years. In 2011 I moved to London and fell in love with this city! But sometimes life's plans are not like ours and I had to leave UK after 4 years and moved to USA in 2015
Where do you live now?
California
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
The only instrument I use for creating my unusual emotional photographs is my smartphone
Why do you do what you do?
There should be people who bring beauty in our world. I'm one of them:) Fine Art Photography for me is an amazing method of self-expression and sharing the rich world of emotions with the viewers.
What inspires you?
Flowers, beautiful lines and textures. Besides of that, I find inspiration in women’s portraits, soft and cozy daylight, interesting shapes, shades and pleasing music.
Describe your personal style?
Unusual, elegant, emotional, evoking thoughts, inspiring, touching
Your ultimate must-have.
My smartphone
What superpower would you have and why?
To be able to take pictures with my eyes:)
What is next for you?
To continue to follow my passion
Je Suis Andrew S. Klug
Get to know photographer Andrew Klug.
"What distinguishes me is my sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds, and speaking 4 languages"
Occupation: Producer // Fashion Photography.
Project management in the production of commercial photography/stills campaigns, specialized in fashion photography >> art buying + locations + casting + budgeting + planning + crew + equipment + permits + travel + logistics. On set // on location >> scheduling + coordination + management of crews and other resources.
Based in New York, work with a small boutique called Shake Productions. We work mostly for a handful of regular clients, which include Macy’s, Banana Republic, Cole Haan, Clarins, among others. We operate as local production in NY + LA + Miami + the Bahamas and Caribbean. We also travel extensively for some of our clients — this past year we have brought Macy’s to Mexico City, Morocco, Aspen, among other amazing trips.
Instagram: @andrewklug
Where were you born?
Grew up in Calgary, Canada. Speak 4 languages English, French, Portuguese, Spanish. Have lived in Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, and now back to New York. Career path has been unusual. Formerly a corporate lawyer, MBA from an Ivy League university, did a few months of investment banking on Wall Street worked on one of the largest takeover deals in history (Budweiser). Have owned an art gallery in NY specialized in Brazilian photographs. Have been involved in startup projects including my last one, a project to stream curated narratives of visual imagery to Smart TV (like Spotify for visual imagery). While working on projects got involved in stills/print production (fashion photography), since the past year and a half moved back from LA to NY to devote myself full time to being a Producer.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Other producers may offer expertise and execution, which I strive to deliver as well. What distinguishes me is my sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds, and speaking 4 languages.
Why do you do what you do?
Being a producer allows me to use my left brain (analytical) in support of the creative projects of others, while giving me the freedom to pursue my own creative projects in my own time.
What inspires you?
Being in nature, particularly the West. I love the dry climate and sparse landscape of the American West (USA + Canada). In between jobs I often escape to my lake house in the Canadian Rockies (in British Columbia). While based in New York City (in Gowanus, Brooklyn), I do get away as much as possible to be in nature.
Describe your personal style.
Maybe it has to do with my background from the world of corporate law and banking, but I can’t but adhere to the highest standards of rigor, attention to detail, and structured processes. That being said, I don’t take myself too seriously and like to have fun in all situations, even stressful ones. There is always room for a good sense of humor. Life is too short!
Your ultimate must-have.
I am not materialist, and really there is nothing I could want that I don’t already have. Subscribe to minimalism, not only as an aesthetic, but also as a frame of mind. I keep my physical possessions to a minimum.
This extends to my own visual arts practice.
I produce work that is information/digital in essence, made from processes that include painting, drawing, and photography. But the work itself remains digital, immaterial, and hence perfect, not subject to defects and decay as in the case of physical objects.
For that matter, some of the contemporary art that interests me the most tends to be conceptual, non-object-oriented, and involving the participation of the receiver (relational aesthetics).
Artists who have most influenced me include Donald Judd, Sol Lewitt, John Baldessari, Lawrence Weiner.
Realize I’m getting pretty far off the interview here, but following is an artistic project of mine.
The very point of Like Art is to confront the question of whether this constitutes, like, art... or not? The Facebook page that conveys Like Art contains no posted images or status updates, other than its creation event and the following statement of purpose: "The sole purpose of this Facebook page is to convey an artwork consisting of the set of users that 'like' it."
Deceptively simplistic, this almost 'non-page' belies its true complexity in terms of the artistic issues being explored. The boundary of what constitutes art first moved from the representational towards abstraction, then towards conceptual art defined by artistic intent as opposed to the hand of the artist, and finally from having a pure author towards involving the receiver with relational aesthetics. Like Art constitutes a limit case of this progression: the artwork consists merely of a collective expression of intent, in the form of 'likes' to a Facebook page, where those 'likes' serve no purpose at all other than to create the artwork in question. Like Art is therefore a non-object-based, conceptual artwork whose process of creation is a) perpetual and b) involves the participation of its receivers, drawing upon notions of relational aesthetics and actor-network theory. Furthermore, Like Art probes the new modes of social media interaction that have literally transformed society in very recent times but, for the most part, have not yet been profoundly reflected in art.
Like Art was inspired by the following artists and their work: John Baldessari (particularly I Am Making Art, 1971; I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art, 1971; A Painting That Is Its Own Documentation, 1968; and Pure Beauty, 1968); Tino Sehgal (particularly This Is Good, 2001 and This objective of that object, 2004); and Lawrence Weiner (particularly Declaration of Intent, 1968).
What superpower would you have and why?
The ability to fly. Because what an amazing visual trip it would be, to fly over everything. The closest I have come to experiencing that is being at the top of a mountain.
What is next for you?
The last few years of my life were all about what was next for me. Now I have found myself in place that makes a lot of sense, career-wise and in regards to quality of life. I devote my energy to delivering the highest level of service to my clients, and my own artistic projects in my free time. Wash, rinse, repeat. Finally, after a long road of searching, I am fully satisfied in the here and now. That’s what’s next for me!
Je Suis Angie Silvy
Photographer and owner of Sterling Silvy
Occupation: Photographer and owner of Sterling Silvy
Instagram: @angiesilvy@sterlingsilvy
Where were you born?
Sydney, Australia
Where do you live now?
Based in San Francisco & work in LA
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Elementary Modern and uncomplicated
Why do you do what you do?
I love taking photos and what seeing things differently than most people.
What inspires you?
I get lots of inspiration from my Traveling, creative people and generally when I am in my own space
Describe your personal style:
casual chic, a blend of Sydney and California
Your ultimate must-have:
Sunglasses!!! good denim, a great day bag, and fun sneakers
What superpower would you have and why?
To see the forecast the new trends on social media and be the first to use them.
What is next for you?
next - I am still working on Sterling silvy and our clients and have to travel content for stories coming up now till the end of the year.
Je Suis Agus Cattaneo
People inspire me. Different people inspire differently.
Occupation: Fashion forecaster, consultant, professor, photo journalist and professional speaker
Instagram: @iamaguscattaneo
Where were you born?
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
In street style I look for trends, not at people in a photography way. I take in consideration the entire look, and I pay attention to details in an outfit. Everything that I do, I do with passion. I love teaching, I devote a lot of time to prepare and teach my class, take every student individually. I also love traveling around the globe.
What do you do?
I am an accountant who worked as an auditor at Deloitte and Touche. Due to a car accident, I changed the route of my life and went into fashion. I had my clothing brand for two years in Argentina (I was selling also in Chile, Brasil, and Greece).I moved to new York when I was 24, went to Parsons and got certificate in Fashion design, and did Master at Global Fashion Management at FIT. It is a program that runs in three schools at the same time so each semester I had the opportunity to go travel to another city. First to Paris(to IFM) and later to Hong Kong (to Hong Kong Polytechnic), then Mainland China later to study. So with the three schools and cities you get a 360 overview of the industry: In NY retail, In Paris luxury and in China and Hong Kong supply chain.
Why do you do what you do?
My job is very diverse, and I love to keep it that way. I love to be a professor one day and the following day to be out on the streets documenting what is happening in fashion week and the day after I am giving a seminar on Retail trends for example, and that’s my life… different days, different suits… I do many things, but all of them implies traveling. And that’s very important to me.
What inspires you?
People inspire me. I love to watch people, their behavior.
The fact that I travel a lot I get to meet different people.
Different people inspire differently.
Describe your personal style.
All black, everything! I feel very comfortable wearing black.
I am a big fan of tailored pieces!
Your ultimate must-have.
A nice piece of jewelry.A statement necklace or ring. Not overdone. One statement piece. It could also be a nice pair of shoes, wow i am a big fan of shoes. The key is to feel comfortable in my clothes during the day.
What superpower would you have and why?
Teleporting. Because I love doing such a variety of things.
I am very broad in life. I love to meet new people and often there
isn’t time
What is next for you?
New York trip is next for lifestyle documentary for three Argentinian
department stores. In July I am in Paris teaching Fashion forecasting at International Fashion Academy IFA. I am also taking photos of couture. In May I am in Chile to give seminars about fashion films as a marketing tool. I am also giving seminars in Buenos Aires in May on The Streetstyle: the New Runway: It is about what I do during
fashion weeks, how do I process all and have specific trend reports. In September all Fashion weeks begin with New York, followed by London, Milan and Paris. And in October I am moving to Paris for good.
Je Suis Michael O'Neal
My history with art direction and design have greatly influenced my photographic style.
Occupation: Photographer & Creative Director Instagram: @moneal Where were you born? Staten Island, New York. Where do you live today? I currently live in San Francisco with my wonderful and photogenic Australian Shepherd, Preston instagram: @prestopups. There's definitely something about this city with it's dramatic natural beauty within reach. In one sentence what is unique about your work? I think my history with art direction and design have greatly influenced my photographic style.
Why do you do what you do? I feel that I have to. Also to hopefully show people some beauty and challenge them to get out and explore.
What inspires you? Natural and timeless beauty of the American west, wildlife, music, narrative, design.
Describe your personal style. As you can see in my picture, I stick to classic denim, five panel hats and Nikes!
Your ultimate must-have. My Canon EOS-1D X! It's heavy but you never know what you'll need to capture.
What superpower would you have and why? Time travel, there's just no other option.
What is next for you? I'm expanding MO Studio and building my team. It's pretty exciting and scary at the same time. I'm not thinking too much about long-term future, just trying to book clients and have some time for creativity along the way.
Je Suis Wolf189
My work is drenched by truth and committed to the moments.
Occupation: Photographer/Creative director/Branding Specialist/Operations Analyst Instagram: @wolf189 Website: www.wolf189.net Where were you born? We as family are mostly Russian however we have lived all around the world and have found a new home in the USA in recent years. In one sentence what is unique about your work? It is drenched by truth and committed to the moments. Why do you do what you do? As a visual artist and enthusiast I have explored various mediums for expressing myself, and photography and videography have been one of the closest forms to the reality surrounding us What inspires you? Good cinema, music, art, raindrops, animals and love. Describe your personal style. It is fluid, honest, minimally altered, immediate, yet well composed and well exposed. Your ultimate must-have. Water What superpower would you have and why? Being alive What is next for you? Tomorrow
Je Suis Rosemary Pritzker
I just returned from Peru with a newfound passion for the jungle, which is so alive and colorful and magical. I’m now working on several strategic ways of helping the Amazon
Occupation: Photographer, Life Coach, Activist, Musician. Instagram: @roseslensphoto Where were you born? I was born on a homestead in rural Wisconsin where my parents grew all of our food, but I grew up in Boulder, Colorado. In one sentence what is unique about your work? There is a vivid, ethereal quality to it that allows the viewer to see the beauty in anything. Why do you do what you do? I love exploring the world and capturing true beauty, whether that’s a flamenco dancer in the streets of Sevilla, or the Empire State Building reflected in a puddle. What inspires you? The idea of living life from the heart, living to the fullest, and capturing that in beautiful, colorful images. Describe your personal style. I would say my focus is mostly on artful documentary portraiture that often has an otherworldly quality to it. Your ultimate must-have. A 128GB CF card, so I rarely need to change cards. And, comfortable shoes ;) What superpower would you have and why? Teleportation. I travel a lot and am always wishing I could travel more, I want to be everywhere and do everything! There’s so much beauty to experience in the world! What is next for you? I just returned from Peru with a newfound passion for the jungle, which is so alive and colorful and magical. I’m now working on several strategic ways of helping the Amazon and plan to return soon, camera in hand, ready to take a million photos.
Je Suis Kathryn Wirsing
Trust and belief in the direction of your passion.
Occupation: Photographer Instagram:@katwirsing Where were you born? I was born on Long Island, New York Where do you live now? I live in Queens, New York with my fiancé and calico cat Chloe In one sentence what is unique about your work? I believe the genuine connections I make with my subjects on set shows through beautifully in the final images. Why do you do what you do? For better or worse, I define who I am as a person through being a photographer.It's not just what I do, it's who I am.I've always needed to create, even at a young age.I can't imagine myself in any other profession. What inspires you? People and their lives inspire me.The way the light falls on things and places everyday inspires me.New York City and it's endless possibilities inspires me. Describe your personal style. 90's grunge throwback?I dress for comfort because I find myself in constant awkward positioning while shooting.I'm usually always in jeans, chelsea boots and dark tops. Your ultimate must-have. Trust and belief in the direction of your passion.Oh and a super comfortable bed to come home to at night after a long day of shooting. What superpower would you have and why? The power to teleport.I hate waiting and have a slight fear of flying in airplanes so being able to instantly be somewhere overseas would be a dream. What is next for you? Working with some incredible ballet dancers on a few personal projects and some social media collaborations with a few designers in NYC.I love shooting fashion, beauty, dance and environmental portraits.Looking forward to collaborating on projects with creative people
Je Suis Cate Cameron
People and animals inspire me everyday
Occupation: Photographer Instagram: @catecam, @cameras4change Where were you born? Born in Alberta Canada, grew up in Calgary.Lived in London, Los Angeles and now in Vancouver, but splitting my time between there and Mexico. In one sentence what is unique about your work? I have been told that my work is a blend of a classic journalistic feel with a strong modern sense. Why do you do what you do? There are many reasons.I love my work and feel fortunate to be earning a living as a photographer.Besides the fact that I get to work as a creative in so many different places and situations, it is a very intimate and interesting job - looking through the lens at someone.I am interested in the complicity between the photographer, the camera and the subject.Ultimately I am drawn to people, their stories and to creating connection. What inspires you? People and animals inspire me everyday, nature inspires me and puts me on track and keeps me grounded. Describe your personal style. Classic Utilitarian, normally clean lined, dark, or monocromatic seperates, lots of natural textiles. Because I work on a movie set, I want clothes that are non reflective (dark), and don't attract too much attention, soI have to wear alot of black, and grey.When I am working in Mexico or other places in field, I like to wear lighter, more colorful clothes.Its a good balance. Your ultimate must-have. A great bag, always on the search for the perfect one, saddle leather, utilitarian, classic and clean design, comfy over the shoulder and hopefully holds a camera.For more hard core gear carrying, I am using the patagonia blackhole, it is very waterproof, holds my computer and a camera too, as well as a surprising amount of clothing if necessary, yet it is a manageble size and looks good! What superpower would you have and why? to still age but with less physical restraints, would love it if I did not need to wear glasses! What is next for you? I have an upcoming exhibit called "The Flowers are Talking" in Vancouver on April 7 2016, I am excited to share this body of work on the Huichol in Jalisco.I am also enjoying creating community development programs for my nonprofit Cameras4Change as well as other collaborators. I am currently in the post editing stage working on a documentary about the capacity for photography to assist people in empowering themselves, and I am patiently waiting to go back to the Huichol communities I worked in and spend some more time, this is my most passionate personal work.
Je Suis Holly McGlynn
The color palette and sense of fun. Meet photographer, Holly McGlynn
Occupation: Fashion photographer Instagram: @hollymcglynnphotographer Where were you born? Born in Kent, England but raised in Dublin, Ireland. Now living in London. In one sentence what is unique about your work? The color palette and sense of fun. Why do you do what you do? Telling stories through photos just makes sense to me, it’s like a native language, second nature. I love every part of the process from developing the mood board and scouting locations to choosing the model and creative team. There’s also the business side of creativity that not every talks about. You’ve got to be able to market yourself, negotiate fees, understand contracts etc. Luckily I enjoy those aspects as well because you can’t have one without the other. What inspires you? Successful women. I get such a buzz out of seeing women carve out success in different fields, it spurs me on. Describe your personal style: A bit contradictory, like pairing a mini skirt with a huge chunky knit jumper. If I could only wear one outfit for the rest of my life it would probably be that, finished off with a pair of snazzy heels. Your ultimate must-have: Time with my family. What superpower would you have and why? Disapparate (that’s teleportation to muggles). Think of the time I would save cutting out trans-atlantic flights or London commutes. What is next for you? I’m developing a side-venture completely separate to photography. It’s still in the concept stage but watch this space! I had the idea on a plane so maybe replacing travel with disapparating isn’t always a good idea…
Je Suis Lauri Levenfeld
Creating striking, emotional imagery that gets at the soul of the individual, along with the style.
Occupation: Fashion, Celebrity and Lifestyle Photographer/ Founder & Creative Director for Instagram: @laurilevenfeld /@theprojectforwomen Where were you born? I am a born and raised California girl who says like way too often. In one sentence what is unique about your work? Creating striking, emotional imagery that gets at the soul of the individual, along with the style. Why do you do what you do? I am continually inspired by women and their stories of growth and juggling. What inspires you? Fashion, Art, Travel, Family. Describe your personal style. A whole lot of bling, a minimalist at times...and a bit Rock & Roll. Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller are two faves. Your ultimate must-have. Currently obsessed with liquid-gold lame skirt by Ralph Lauren at NYFW16 and always obsessed with anything by Hedi Slimane/ YSL. What superpower would you have and why? To fly. So I could get to all the fabulous women I want to cover with a quick, easy ride. What is next for you? The launch of the Black Swans, a private membership club via the TPFW platform.
Photo by Andrea Posadas
Je Suis Ashley Batz
I cry every time I watch Chef's Table. I cried during the tech rehearsal when I was at the Super Bowl. I am so inspired by the people who work to make things and who offer a piece of themselves as they put everything they have into their creative process.
Occupation: photographer Instagram: @ashleybatz Where were you born? I was born in Marin County and was fortunate to grow up in a very Italian family - my grandparents are both from Monte di Procida (small town outside of Naples), and I spent every day after school there and every day over the summer. In one sentence what is unique about your work? I hope to make real connections when I'm photographing and tell and underlying story of my own experience. Why do you do what you do? Susan Sontag said it best when she wrote, ‘To take a photograph is to participate in another person’s mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time’s relentless melt.’ With each photo I take, with each shoot that I complete, I’ll have encountered more people and have been able to connect with them in the way that I connect with the world. Not only are they able to understand me better and see me in my most comfortable surroundings, I am able to know them. And honor them. I'm also wildly passionate about being creative, thinking about how a photo transcends out of our fingertips and into the world, and bringing delight with all whom I encounter. What inspires you? I cry every time I watch Chef's Table. I cried during the tech rehearsal when I was at the Super Bowl. I am so inspired by the people who work to make things and who offer a piece of themselves as they put everything they have into their creative process. Describe your personal style. I've decided I dress like a "hot tomboy," though I don't consider myself hot. I think it's my silly way of saying that I love sneakers, sweatshirts, ripped jeans, and anything that has an urban, athletic edge to it. Your ultimate must-have. Cool sneakers and sweatshirts. All day every day! What superpower would you have and why? Teleportation for sure. That way I could easily do photo work in all kinds of places! What is next for you? I'm currently working on some major portfolio pieces of which I'm extremely proud. I'm also constantly verbally and mentally manifesting my debut in Vanity Fair or Vogue one day...
Je Suis Michael Mel
Inspired by balance. I like when things are in harmony, this is how I relate to beauty and fashion.
Occupation: Fashion and beauty photographer Instagram: @4mmfoto Where were you born? I was born in Russia, came to the United States 20 years ago and love my San Francisco!
Surprisingly, I come from a technical background. Never thought I would enjoy doing photography, but it seems that it came as the right counter balance, and made me feel more complete.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I would let others answer this question. What you see in my photography
comes with a little part of my soul. I hope it gives some unique feel to it.
Why do you do what you do?
Photography inspires me, and I want to pass
it on to other people who I communicate with, and who admires the art I create.
What inspires you?
I would say balance. I like when things are in harmony,
this is how I relate to beauty and fashion.
Describe your personal style.
This is hard to explain. I don't know if I have it.
It comes to me as a some kind of inspiration when I'm working on my projects.
It's an intuition which helps me steer clear of obstacles in any given situation.
Your ultimate must have: I must see the ultimate goal. If there is a goal,
I will figure out how to come close to it, and achieve it finally.
What superpower would you have and why?
Time travel. Sometimes I want to experience different things and I don't
always have time to be in different places at the same time.
What is next for you? Getting to know more talented people, build a network with other artists, create more beauty.