Interview with Nicoline P Malina

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Nicoline in the city

Our cover model for this month is comfortable both in front of and behind a camera. Nicoline Patricia Malina is a model, but she’s first and foremost a fashion photographer. Tyara Putri talked to her about her passion for (shooting) beautiful women and coming back to Indonesia 18 www.timeoutjakarta.com  June 2010

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Photo credit Top photos: model: Dara @ B-Mgt, stylist: Aldi Indrajaya, make up by Adrian Suryapradipa @ B-Mgt Bottom photos : model: Laura Antonietta, make up by Qiqi Franky & Team. Locations: Glodok, Sunda kelapa & Kota Tua

Nicoline in the city

So how did you first get into photography?

And from there, how did you become a fashion photographer.

I first got seriously into photography back in 2004, when I was still an art student in Holland.

Taking pictures of the streets have always been my ‘getaway’ from the homework and boredom.

I learn best by doing, so I never took any classes in photography, but I read my camera manual and I spend a lot of time studying at other people's photos, watching movies and going to museums for inspiration. My first fashion shoot was in 2005, when I dressed up my flatmate. I liked the feeling of creating something beautiful with gorgeous girls.

Is that what made you decide to pursue fashion photography as a career?

Well, fashion has always been my passion since I took fashion design classes back in late 90's. I enjoyed sketching designs, but I prefer photography. It's like creating a sketch, but instead of charcoal and papers, I paint with the light. The magic of fashion photography is the imaginative flourishes and narrative elements a photographer can add to the piece, combining the beauty of women, the elegance of clothing and the creativity of art. I love shooting women, they could wear the most edgy, complicated, pretty or ugly dresses and with the right photographer, still look fabulous.

What camera and lenses do you use these days?

Recently I've found a new love, my Sony Alpha 900. I know I'm Sony's brand endorser, but I can honestly say I love it to death. She (yes, I've decided it's a she) gives me everything I've ever asked for in a digital camera; crisp details, vibrant colors, and huge resolutions (24.6mp) for creating billboard-size photos.

What types of fashion assignments do you enjoy most?

I love magazine jobs. I get to work with amazing people, talented fashionistas, fabulous models and gorgeous dresses.

You’ve worked overseas a lot. What made you choose to be based in Jakarta now?

I was born and raised Indonesian. Though I've spent my school years in Europe and been greatly inspired by European art and culture, I've come to realize that Indonesia has even more wonderful diversity in terms of culture than most countries in Europe combined.

I have great admiration for the incredible collection of cultural traditions and philosophies in Indonesia. In fact I was so inspired by it that I developed a concept for a photo series I titled 'Wonderland' that is meant to highlight Indonesian heritage and express my pride in this great country.

I chose to stay in Jakarta because it is the capitol of the fashion industry in Indonesia.

Everybody who works in fashion throughout the country goes through here.

What do you like about Jakarta?

The glitz. The glam. How happening and exciting it can be.

What are you favourite spots around the city for taking shots?

Anywhere and everywhere, although I very much love the Glodok area and Sunda Kelapa Harbor for their vintage feel.

If you could take a photograph of anyone in the world who would it be and why?

Monica Bellucci. If you ever watch any of her movies, you wouldn't even have to ask why.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Hard to say. Well, this year it would be the exhibition of the first part of ‘Wonderland’ at Senayan City. I've got the second and third part of the series coming very soon.

Last but not least, if you could give our readers just one useful tip about photography that would be…

Don't think. Just shoot.

June 2010 www.timeoutjakarta.com 19

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present

JAKARTA THROUGH YOUR LENS

ITION

THE EXHIB

Come see all the amazing photos from our ‘Jakarta Through Your Lens’ contest, large and in real life, at this special exhibit being held at Pacific Place. Meet the photographers, the TOJ team, and see Jakarta like you’ve never seen it before!

14–19 June 2010 Pacific Place, Ground Floor With a special workshop on ‘Jakarta in the Photographer’s Frame’ conducted by Priadi Soefjanto on Saturday, June 19 - 2010

Sponsored by:

Supported by:

20 www.timeoutjakarta.com June 2010

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