Storyteller

Maltese born photographer Stephanie Galea exploded onto the high-end magazines early in her career with her edgy and distinct editorial shoots set in iconic Uber-kitsch very-Maltese (or Gozitan) urban village-scapes. Her beautiful work graces covers and major editorial projects with couture and pieces from fashion houses like Chanel, Givenchy and Hugo Boss in Vogue Italia, Vogue Portugal and Vogue Arabia amongst many others. We caught up with our favourite story-telling fashion photographer now based in London

When did you move to London and why?

I moved to London in 2012 to pursue my studies at Central Saint Martins UAL. I read for a masters in fine art photography as I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in this medium. I started assisting various photographers in London during my studies and developed an affinity for fashion photography which is what I mainly practice today.

What is it that you like about the medium of photography and how did you get into it as a career?

I love the tactility of the medium and the ability to tell a story and create a narrative through a single image or a series of them. I’m drawn to analogue photography and have been practising that way since 2012. I also shoot digitally for commercial clients.

I got into photography during my 1st year on the architecture course at University of Malta. There was a module on the subject and I was hooked. I haven’t looked back since!

Where is your favourite hangout in London and where do you go to get your art fix?

I do really love East London and have been living in the area for the last 10 years. I hang out in Hackney Wick quite often - there are many alternative bars and warehouse venues but also the canal, Victoria park and the Olympic Park.

I do love going to the Tate venues for my art fix and I am a member, though I recently discovered this great gallery in Bethnal Green called the Chisenhale Gallery - its a non-profit gallery and allows artists to exhibit experimental work which is not necessarily commercial.

How would you describe the difference between the process and experience between your commercial and personal work?

My career as a a professional photographer is very hectic! I don’t really have a routine and my days change depending on whether I’m shooting, doing admin, working in the darkroom, conducting meetings, or travelling for a job.

When I’m working on personal projects time does slow down, and I get to enjoy what I’m doing much more. I get to do exactly what I want to do and I am not told what kind of deliverables or imagery is needed! It’s more free!

What jobs and personal work are you working on now and do you have any exhibitions coming up?

At the moment I’m working on a few fashion jobs and will be going to the USA later this month. I am currently working on two personal projects; I am part of a collective exhibition in Malta at Society of Arts this July and I hope to have my next solo exhibition in December 2024!

London 2023

SAM VASSALLO