Dare to Dream
WHERE FASHION & BEAUTY COLLIDE
MALVIE Mag is a one-of-a-kind Fashion, Beauty and Art Magazine based in France - WE ARE THE PEOPLE! Feel free to contribute with: Fashion, Beauty, and conceptual submissions.
FOUNDER *
INSTAGRAM: @creative.marius
EMAIL: marius@malviemag.com
SOCIAL *
FACEBOOK - facebook.com/malviemag
INSTAGRAM - @malviemag
TWITTER: @malviemag
EMAIL: contact@malviemag.com
WEBSITE * www.MALVIEmag.com
SUBMISSIONS/INQUIRIES
For submissions, please visit www.malviemag.com/submissions. Once images are approved for publication, you give us the right to correct/edit/retouch pictures if needed. Images will never be sold or used for any other purposes other than to promote YOU and MALVIE magazine.
Letter from Valentina
Being an Artist and choosing to be an Artist is not always easy.
Some days feel like we can’t produce anything and it can be so hard to love your own art sometimes, believe me, I know. I’ve been there more times than I can count and I know I’ll be back in that same place a lot of times again. That’s what we get when choosing to live by our creativity, some days are better than others – we are not machines. But it is so worth it, isn’t it?
Hours and hours spent thinking, brainstorming, creating. Till you get the final work, the one that makes your eyes shine brighter and makes your heart and soul explode in love and relief. “I am great at it. That is what I am meant to be doing”. No feeling compares to that one, and that’s why we keep on working with Art. I mean, what would be of the world without it? The world needs Art, the world needs Artists, the world needs us, the world needs you.
The happiness and the proudness of seeing people loving your work, and being able to see how good you are, is one of the best feelings ever, and that’s why we from MALVIE are so happy to help you achieve it. Whether it is photography, modeling, styling, doing makeup or whatever kind of art it is that you work with, to showcase your beautiful work to the world is our mission, to make you feel appreciated is our mission. To be part of your story is our mission.
Thank you so much for allowing us to do that.
Valentina Roque Fashion JournalistFlowers
Photographer: Yulia Maltseva @yuliamaltseva_f
Retoucher: Dennis Starikov @dennis.sergeevish
Wardrobe Stylist: @kate.salivonik.style
Model: Santakssu @Open_up_models
Assistant: @Moottoka Assistant: @Viktoriaviktorovna._t
Frorist: @flower_fay_
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Ivamake @Ivamake
Fashion Designer: @tatiana_kotova_designer
Fashion Designer: @olyawhiteofficial
Accessory Designer: @elenamitaki.ru
Photographer: Katia Leoni @katialeoni_ph
Stylist: Alice Mancini @alicemancini_stylist
ICONIC Je suis?
Makeup Artist: Federica Ventura @federicaventura.makeup
Hair Stylist: Alice Di Giacomo @alicedigiacomo.diadema
Hair Stylist: Vittoria Milanese @vittoriamilanese.diadema
Model: Oliwia Kubiak @oliwiakubiak21 @Theonemodelsmanagement
Producer: Ferrari Fashion School @ferrarifashionschool
Makeup Artist: Diadema Academy @diademaacademy
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Katia Leoni
Katia, could you please briefly introduce yourself, and tell us about your first encounter with photography? Who has influenced you to start taking photographs?
I'm Katia Leoni a 23-year-old photographer. I have always loved photography since I was a child, taking crooked photos of everything that caught my eye. Growing up I realized I wanted to learn how to take pictures so, I started studying photography on my own. I'm currently attending a master in fashion photography at the Ferrari fashion school in Milan which has helped me become a better photographer.
How did you mode specifically towards fashion and beauty photography? What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion photography was a passion. I didn't decide to follow this path, but my shots led me in this direction. Fashion is a way of expressing oneself, through editorial projects I can express myself and people can see tha expression.
What inspires you and what gives you ideas to create your beautiful images? Can your ideas change depending on the model you are working with?
The inspiration for the projects I create comes from my mood, which influences the choice of the mood of the project that is then elaborated I am inspired by my sorroundings. The choice of the model is important but, the choice is based on the mood to be created. In any case, there are many aspects to be considered.
What is the best part of being a photographer?
The best part of my job is being in constant contact with inspiring people, who help me broaden my horizens. Practically, my favorite part is taking the picture, that's where you really start creating.
How do you prepare for your new shootings?
The preparation of a new shooting starts from the design, then the moodboard is created
with all the necessary references, and we discuss with the team, the stylist (who created the clothes from scratch in this project) looks for the clothes that best represent the chosen project. At this point, location and models are ready to be part of the project.
What would you say is your style of photography?
My photographic style is clean and linear, I like to work on the photo in post production to bring out all the details in the best possible way.
What role does social media play in your photography business?
Social media for a photographer today is so important, it allows you to share your projects, your ideas and your world with as many people as possible. With social media you have enormous visibility if you can exploit it in the right way. Now there are many sources on which you can share each project in different ways, in order to reach a large number of people.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and what are your hopes/ dreams for the future?
The highlight of my career so far has been the publication of my first cover but, in the last year, I had experienced many good moments related to my profession. My hope for the future is to grow and learn as much as possible in order to make something that is truly mine.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
You can find my work on my instagram profile @katialeoni_ph where you will also find the direct link to my website. On tik tok you can find me as @katialeoniphotographer
THE VIBE
Photographer: Bartosz Branka @bartoszbrankaphoto
Makeup Artist: Dorota Wójcik Sułkowska @dorotawojcik.mua
Stylist: Manny Lago @mlondon_styling
Model: Hannah Gillespie @hannahgillespie._ @Nevs
Hair Stylist: Caine Bugden-francois @cbfhair
Agency: Nevs @nevsmodels
Suit by Carpeluna, jewellery by House of Pascal Suit by Carpeluna, bag by Louis Vitton, jewellery by House of PascalMETAL HEART
Photographer: Nelia Hryhorenko @nelya_forelle
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Olga Malykina @malykina.makeup
Stylist: Elena Naryzhnaya @style_by_elenary
Model: Kateryna Iusupova @iusupova_kateryna
Dress: Olya Mak @olyamak_official
Jewelry: Giva My Jewelry @_givamyjewelry_
SUMMER FEELINGS
In this editorial, we would like to express the feelings of summer with our model Osceane dressed up in summer outfits. In all the photos, she expressed herself with positive attitudes, and her smile feels like summer too.
Photographer: Nan Li
@nanli.photography
Creative Director: Gaelle
Eyamo @van.models
Model: Osceane Awoumou
@moesha_km
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Theodore Essama
@thess.ess
Wardrobe Stylist: Ludovic
Maeder @ludovic.maeder
Li
I would like to give the viewers the impression that life can be better, and they are not only willing to but also able to be part of it.
When did your passion for photography start and what were the main milestones that turned you into the artist you currently are?
My passion for photography started after I bought my first camera around 10 years ago. I used to take it everyday and everywhere with me, capturing my life and surroundings. When I shared those photos on social media, many friends often said that I had photographic eyes, which encouraged me to develop myself further along the path.
I once thought I would never photograph people, because I saw myself as an introverted person, who often felt shy when interacting with people. Then one day I was asked by a friend to shoot photos for her. I was hesitating at the beginning, but soon I found myself quite enjoying the process. This was the milestone that marked the start of my “people photography” journey. The second milestone was the Milan fashion week. A few years ago I was travelling in Milan during the fashion week by coincidence, and I saw many models and influencers everywhere in the street. I started to take photos of them and quite enjoyed it. Since then shooting street fashion during the fashion week has become a routine. I went to shoot almost every Milan fashion week thereafter. I even got a chance to shoot for a real fashion show, which I always see as the second milestone in my career. Another milestone was my first publication in an international fashion magazine. I was very excited about it and this has strengthened my determination to become a fashion photographer.
Has your vision and style evolved or changed over time?
Yes. If we speak about fashion photography in particular, I had more of a street style at the beginning. During that time, I mainly captured fashion in the street in a candid way. Later, I started to develop more of a cinematic style, where I tried to create a film look in my photographs. During this time I cared less about clothing, but more on the mood and look of the photo. After that, I started experimenting with creative lighting and fashion poses. Now I am more into creating fashion narratives, or to create photographs that make people feel that they want to join the vibe and be part of the story.
How has photography influenced you as a person and what do you love most about being a photographer?
Photography has opened my world and sparked my creativity. What is more important is that I am now always seeing things from different angles in my life, as I am always trying to shoot in different angles during a photo shoot. It also has increased my people skills, because producing a shoot is like directing a team in a company.
What inspires you and what gives you ideas to create your beautiful images? Can your ideas change depending on the model you are working with?
I get inspired mainly by other forms of arts, e.g. films, paintings, architecture or even cartoon movies. I like making connections among different things. Another major source of my inspirations are works from historic photographers, e.g. Helmut New-
ton, Richard Avedon, David Bailey, to name a few. I often watch documentaries of how these influential photographers work in their time to learn and get inspiration from them.
And of course, my ideas change depending on the model, e.g. the look or the personality. There is no bad model, as photographers we need to find what works best for each model.
From your point of view, what makes the shoot successful?
A strong narrative in the concept and passion in my team. I always shoot with a narrative, no matter if I am shooting an editorial. I think a narrative is the baseline for any kind of artwork, because as an artist, you are not just creating a piece of artefact, you are actually building emotional connections to your audience, you are creating an experience for them through your art. This is especially the case for fashion photography, because you are creating a sense of transcendence for your audience, you are taking them into a new world - “Oh, life can be better, and I want to join”. So a solid narrative is the first and foremost thing, then I also need a passionate team to implement the narrative, my crews need to feel that they are part of the story. Whenever I see my crew’s happy face after a shoot, I know the shoot is successful.
In addition to being sharp and well lit, your photos are beautifully edited. What is your retouching/production philosophy?
I don’t like “overdoing” retouching, which often ends up in a plastic look. I prefer a natural look, and this is my top priority. Moreover, the retouching must fit the narrative. Talking about style, I usually like to have strong contrast and less saturation in my images, plus certain colors to set the tone.
Fashion can be a somewhat unforgiving industry with a lot of egos, how do you deal with it on set or behind the scenes?
There is a difference between self-confidence and ego, the former makes for great drive, the latter prevents you from being self-critical. For me, I always listen to advice and look for my flaws intentionally. But it is true that while working, I sometimes have to deal with other people with egos. I often discuss with them openly, and luckily I have never encountered problems because of this.
If you couldn't be a photographer, what would be your other career choice?
A designer. I would like to become an interior designer, or a fashion designer or even a programmer, who designs computer programs .… Basically I would like to be a designer of any kind . I simply love to create, to realise my vision, to be able to express my creativity in any area . Photography is just one medium that helps me realise my vision, there can be other means.
What is one last impression you want to leave in your photographs?
I would like to give the viewers the impression that life can be better, and they are not only willing to but also able to be part of it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far and what are your hopes/dreams for the future? Perhaps the experience of shooting in a Milan fashion show and a few editorial publications can be seen as my highlights so far, but I am aiming for more. I would like to create an art studio and do more art direction, production and commercial work in the future.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
I have an instagram account @nanli.photography, where I regularly post a selection of my recent work. I also have a website “Nan Li Photography”, where one can definitely see more of my work.
Pure Art
Photographer: Anatoly Ozarto @photozarto
Makeup Artist: Anastasia Mishina @macreddiva
Stylist: Diana Mazur @_dianamazur_
Wardrobe
Hair Stylist: Aleksandra Nikolaeva @sashaniick
place: Event Hall Studio @event_hall_studio
Model: Faruq Scholar @faruq_scholar
It’s been hard time trying to get back to normal but dressing up will never fail to get you back in normal. By normal we mean so extra.
Photographer: Jacqueline
Wardeski @wardeski
Model: Tess Alexandra Jansen
@tessalexandrajansen @Jay models
Wardrobe Stylist: Gina Awad @styling_gina_awad
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Anita
Adhami @makeup_stylistin_anita
sotrex a
Jacket : Missguided
Pants: Missguided
Shoes: Pretty little thing
Accessories : Missguided
Pants: Pretty little thing
Top: Pretty little thing
Shoes: Asos
Earring : Boohoo
Jumpsuit : Pretty little thing
Accessories: Pretty little thing
Shoes: Lost ink
Gloves: Asos
Shoes : Lost ink Accessories: Missguided
Jumpsuit: Mango
Fashion rules the world and we can prove it!
In this century, the style trends are dominating the world more than they ever did and controlling people’s way of dressing, doing their makeup, decorating their houses and living in general. It is like the 60s, when the ‘Flower Power’ concept came not just to bring flares and tunics, but to sum up the whole attitude of the people.
Nowadays, Fashion is bold and daring, what is the perfect reflect of this new generation that is not afraid to speak their minds, that have the urge to change the world and will dress however they want to dress. Fashion is not just about choosing clothes to dress your body, it is the essence of your personality and beliefs – and most designers are well aware of the power they hold.
Fashion trends have the power to unify women and men around the world at the same time that they allow people to portray their own individuality. Any period of time can be identified immediately just by the style of clothes the people were wearing, and this is just one of the many examples to show how powerful and all-encompassing Fashion is. Fashion can change from one second to the next, yes, but what never changes is the hold it has over society, and the major role it plays in the modern world. It is so important that to keep up with the latest trends, people will subscri-
be to fashion magazines, keep a keen eye on what has appeared in shops and runways and also on what has been there for forever. If they are famous, they might even have their own personal relationship with a designer who will keep them well ahead of the current trends, therefore, people who want to know what the new fashion lines are going to be will pay really close attention to what celebrities are wearing. Being ahead of fashion is for many, the ultimate achievement – although being too ahead is just as bad as being behind it.
Designers and other professionals of the Fashion Industry continue to point the importance they know people put on Fashion, and people continue to hang on to their every move. That’s why, as long as this carries on, Fashion will continue to maintain its dominant position in society. It influences not only what we wear, but everything we do, say, and even think. The best example right now is the fact that so many brands and companies are going green - that’s mostly because new buyers, the Gen Z, will not consume something that’s not eco-friendly.
Younger consumers are seriously concerned about social and environmental causes, which many think are the defining issues of our time. They back their beliefs with their shopping habits, which brings them to prefer
The Fashion Industry is, right now, one of the most lucrative ones in the whole world, and it has social and economic importance that goes without saying – but we are going to say it anyway.
Fashion trends have the power to unify women and men around the world
brands that are aligned with their values and avoid those that don’t. When brands noticed that, they started to integrate social and environmental themes into their products and services. Most of the Generation Z consumers believe that companies have a responsibility to address environmental and social issues, a thought that is a departure from the views of the previous generation, the Millennials.
However, this preoccupation is not exclusive for the Gen Z or for the Millennials. Even though they are the ones that worry about it the most, over the past three years a third of consumers worldwide have changed their ways of buying to incorporate new values and views. A new global way of thinking is emerging, and billions of people are using consumption as a means to express their deeply held beliefs. Signs of this evolving agenda can be found in places deeper than the consumers feelings, too. Fashion companies are getting “woke” (the new way of saying they’re alert to the injustice in society). Some Fashion brands and companies have attached collections and ranges to specific causes, and some are taking things even further and putting purpose at the heart of their strategy and operations. There are growing numbers of B-Corporations, which are certified to have considered the impact of their decisions on people, society, and the planet. In the fashion sector, the number of B-corps had risen to over 150 as of September 2020, compared with just seven in 2010.
Notably, environmentally and socially focused companies are considered by younger consumers to be better prospects as employers, and the vast majority say they would be more loyal to companies that are aligned with those values. That means companies can expect consumers to closely examine the level of continuity across campaigns and the nature of their strategic and operational decisions, as well as their tone.
Despite the many associated consequences that the companies might not enjoy, like working with some more expensive materials and paying more money to their employees,as well as the risks – it would be really bad to be seen as a greenwasher – some really big and important
brands will be willing to court controversy to express specific beliefs, specially the luxury ones, which will seek to attract younger consumer groups in order to keep their importance untouched throughout the generations. There are clear benefits from doing so, to them and to the planet, and the more that companies express an authentic view, the more that those who don’t will be exposedand boycotted. And while there is some worries about a counterargument that says that expression of controversial views may deter some customers, the calculation, is that the loyalty rewarded by its remaining customers matters more.
So yes, the world of Fashion can be incredibly glamorous and it is, indeed, absolutely fascinating, but it is also way more than that: it does rule the world in every possible way. And it is not just about dressing, thinking and acting – it can really help make important and very much needed changes.
Valentina Roque
Article by Photographer Anna Parfenova @annieparfi Makeup artist Lana Lion @lana.lion Model Dasha Spiker @fdashaspbPhotographer: Magdalena Rogozik @magartsfoto
Makeup Artist: Monika Oleksy @monikaoleksy_makeup
Model: Katerina Paciećko @katy_katerrina
Hair Stylist: Ewelina Wcisło
Creative Director & Photography: Mahsa Safdari @mahsasafdari
This Photoshoot got placed in a studio in Marina Del Ray.
Makeup & Hair: Andy Calero @purpledivo
Model: SEBASTIAN LYSÉN @sebastianlysen
Wardrobe: Turtleneck Sweater from MAISON MARGIELA @maisonmargiela
olor Stories
Stylist: monia pedretti @moniapedretti_stylist
Wardrobe Stylist: Monia Pedretti @moniapedretti_stylist
Photographer: Giorgio Figini @giorgio_figini
Makeup Artist: Gabriela Fernandez @fernenixbeauty
Model: Mariam Diarra @mariammdia
Assistant: Chiara Valente @valente.chiara
FRENCH FASHION AND BEAUTY MAGAZINE
Dress: Danilo Forestieri
Earrings: Radà
Dress: Davorin Cordone Maison Necklace: Radà
Dress: 1913Dresscode
Earrings: Radà
Dress: Davorin Cordone Maison
Shoes: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Ky-me
Necklace: Radà
Dress: Babylon
Earring: Radà
Shoes: Reserved
Dress: 1913Dresscode
Earrings: Radà
Dress: Danilo Forestieri
Necklace: Radà
Sunglasses: Icon
Bold Jewel
Photography : Martina Vargová @martinavargova.fotografka
Model : Berenika Laciková @_berenika__
MUA/HAIR : Viktória Vašková @wiktoria_visage
Jewelry : Zuzana Szabová @zuzanaszabova_jewelry
Stylist : Lucia Nigutová @lucka.n
Creative Director / Model Agency: COCOON @cocoonscouting
Earrings • Zuzana Szabová @zuzanaszabova_jewelry | Blazer • Terranova @terranovastyle | Trousers • TALLY WEiJL @tally_weijl | Top • ZARA @zara
Jewelry • Zuzana Szabová
@zuzanaszabova_jewelry | Blazer
• ZARA @zara | Top • ZARA @zara
| Jeans • Bershka @bershka |
Shoes • CCC Shoes & Bags @ cccshoesbags_sk
Racism goes against everything we believe here in MALVIE
Whether it comes in big gestures, like bullying and name-calling, or disguised as “jokes”, racism is violent. It is always aggressive and has the only purpose to oppress people. And that is something we can no longer tolerate. As we live in a world where people are being discriminated and even murdered for their skin color and genetic features, it is our mission to try to make life a little less scary.
You are not alone!
You deserve to be respected and appreciated for who you are, and nobody has the right or the power to say otherwise.
We know we cannot change everything on our own, but we are doing our best to help in any way possible and to show our support in the making of a society in which everyone is safe, respected and gets every opportunity they deserve.
We know it will take time for us to make big changes with worldwide impacts, but we can try and start somewhere. That’s why we created MALVIE Noir, a special edition destined to empower people of color and make their voices heard through the art. Also, in the immediate term, we are donating proceeds to a black led organizations that fights racial injustice.
Director: Neha Studios @nehastudios
Photographer/Creative
Model: Stephany @official_stehh @Marilyn NY
Artist: Rie Ogura @rieogura_makeup
Makeup
Hair Stylist: Roland @rolandbrummer
ButterflyEffect
FRENCH FASHION AND BEAUTY MAGAZINE
far from
Photographer: Neil Chakraborty @neil_chakraborty
Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Director: Pooja Prashar @pooja84prashar
Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Director: Divya Sharma @divi96sharma
Makeup Artist: Seerat Dhillon @makeupbyseeratdhillon
Makeup Artist: Mankirat Kaur @makeupbymankirat
Hair Stylist: Rahul Verma @rv_hair_art
Hair Stylist: Sangita Tiwari @_sanzy_
Hair Stylist: Nicholas Sen @nicholas_sen_909
Model: Gagandeep Plaha @gagandeep_plaha
Model: Isshaan @isshaan__
Assistant: Keshav Garg @chitra_karri
Costume Designer: Nsgaia @nsgaia
Shoe Designer: Banjaran @banjaaran
THE AFRO PUNK
Dress - Urban Outfitters
Tights - Gipsy
Shoes - Doc Martens
Necklace - Designb
Earrings - Goldsmiths
Vintage
Photographer: Joseph Osayande @_josayande
Wardrobe Stylist: Sharlee kelly @styledbysharlee
Model: Jennifer Malengele @jennifermalengele
@ProfileModelManagement
Hair Stylist: Hair: Kiara @Kiarascorzelli
Makeup Artist: Sian Curtin @siancurtinmakeup
Bodysuit - Yaura
Earrings - Rokit Vintage
Necklace & Bracelets- ASOS
Shoes - Models Own
Top - Mauve
Trousers -
In the style
Shoes - Doc Martens
Earrings - Rokit Vintage
Necklace - Goldsmiths Vintage
Bracelets - ASOS
Top - Mauve
Trousers - In the style Shoes - Doc Martens
Earrings - Rokit Vintage Necklace - Goldsmiths Vintage Bracelets - ASOS
Bodysuit - Yaura
Earrings - Rokit Vintage Necklace & Bracelets- ASOS Shoes - Models Own
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Joseph Osayande
Can you give us a bit of background on how your career evolved?
Started as a photographer in London wanting to find a way to redefine the standard perception of what is considered black beauty. While always paying homage to my African roots within the shoots I do, whether it is hairstyles makeup or outfits.
What's been the biggest highlight in your career so far?
My first online webtorial from Malvie magazine not too long ago.
If you could say one thing to someone younger who looks up to you, what would you say? Believe in your vision and understand it takes time.
Using one word how would you describe your art?
Authentic
Who is the person that inspires you the most and why?
Nigerian photographer known for his work with unique hairstyles found in Nigeria
If you can have the power to share anything with the world, what would that be?
Mutal understanding and empathy
What are your goals for the near future and do you have any exciting project you want to share with us?
My goals for the future is to have an exhibition in London showcasing African beauty in it's various forms.
FRENCH FASHION AND BEAUTY MAGAZINE
SUBMIT NOW
To Our Artist Edition
The Artist Edition is an Open-Themed ISSUE. We accept fashion, beauty, art, studio, fitness, tattoo, sensual (implied nudity only) and more. You can submit your work here: MALVIEmag.com/submissions
REBELLIOUS Madame
Photographer: Klaudia Gasik @klaudiagasik
Assistant: Darcey Axon @photosbydarcey
Fashion Designer: Sarah-Louise Koessler @sarah_louise_designs
Model: Alex Brogan @_alexbrogan @Boss Model Management
Hair Stylist: Amy Tasker @lovehairbyamy
Makeup Artist: Jenna Farmery @jenfarmery_makeupartist
Hair Stylist: Angelique Arnal @angeliquearnal
Photographer: Koval Aliona @aliona.koval
Makeup Artist: Дарья Верная @dizhka
Model: Liza Pyasetskaya @yeljzaveta
Élégant
Photographer/Retoucher: Yulia German @_yulia_german_
Wardrobe Stylist: Nika Lemle @nika_lemle
Makeup Artist: Ardak Barlan @ardak.mua
Model/Creative Director: Alexandra Brichkovskaya @sasha_napishet
Hair Stylist: Zaure Karatayeva @zaurebeauty
Dress Jammeme @jamemme Necklace Georgina Herrera @georginajewelryofficialThe Main ISSUE is a SINGLE and UNIQUE ISSUE that contains the most creative and well-executed editorials.
NAOMI!
Photographer: Franklin Aduda @franklin_aduda
Makeup Artist: Sandra Kraus @sandrakraus
Model: Naomi @naomis.ssh @Kult Models
Retoucher: Larinka @larinka.ms
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW With Franklin Aduda
PhotograPhy is an exPensive world Franklin
When did your passion for photography start and what were the main milestones that turned you into the artist you currently are?
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to Germany in 2015. While I had worked as a photographer and videographer in Nairobi, I decided to undergo a professional training in photography when I moved to Hamburg.
My passion for photograph and actually also videography started in my childhood. My father worked at the cultural section of the British Council. He introduced me and my siblings to documentaries. Meanwhile, we had a lot of picture books in the house. Therefore, I was always surrounded by the art of images. In my teen-years, I re-discovered photography through my childhood friend Eric Kilele, who always had a point and shoot camera whenever we used to hangout. Later on, when he went to study journalism, he would always come back and share how much fun it is to shoot using DSLR and SLR cameras. He also introduced me to high end glossy print magazines such as Vogue, Ebony,
or the hip hop magazine The Source. I always marvelled the covers of these magazines and enjoyed their content. The concepts of the presented work and their retouching were on another level. They were my initial point of contact and inspiration to get into photography.
Franklin, what are the biggest challenges do you experience in the photography field?
Photography is an expensive world where technology evolves faster than the blink of an eye. Thus, one of the challenges is to get a hold of the technology necessary for doing certain kinds of shoots – or coming up with creative alternatives.
Tell us a bit more about your project "Naomi!". Is there any particular message you would like to get across to the viewers?
My project “Naomi!” was birthed out of a long desire to shoot together with Naomi. She had contacted me ages ago, asking to collaborate on a shoot. We never really managed to fix a date; and then the pandemic turned up and turned everything upside down. I also became a new dad as my son Kieran was born at the end of 2020, when I went into paternity leave for a few months. Finally, I managed to rope her in for a spontaneous shoot where she incidentally also asked if I can try pitching the shoot as an editorial to you (Malvie Mag). With these images I wanted to bring out the many sides of Naomi in all her youthfulness, vibrance, charm, beauty, and also showcase her delicate nature too. She is such a multi-faceted individual, which I wanted to strongly underline. Ultimately, it shows how we all have different sides that have their own beauty to them.
What gives you ideas and what inspires you to create your beautiful images?
My images reflect my world. The people in it play a central role in my creative work that gives birth to my images. I am generally drawn to people; I find the geography of peoples’ faces very interesting. I live in world balanced between light and darkness. Some of my best ideas were the products of a long distillation process.
You bring a very high production value to your work. What is your retouching/production philosophy? How important is Photoshop in your final images?
My post-production philosophy is fairly simple in that I prefer to retain as much creative control as possible while shooting without being tethered to a strict protocol. I started working with the Retoucher Larinka last year and since then she handles all my beauty and editorial projects. She understands my style and delivers stunning results – all the while keeping up my tight time lines.
At the same time, as probably for many photographers in the 21st century, Photoshop and Capture One play a huge role in my creative process. They are the two legs that I stand on, since I shoot tethered at least 90% of the time.
From your own experience, what are the biggest challenges for an independent photographer?
The times are changing and more amateurs are gaining the tools and skills necessary to shoot pro quality work. This means a lot of undercutting. I have the impression that photography as a field is now going through some growing pains.
Who or what was your biggest influence in photography and why?
I am inspired by bold and playfulness of Lindsay Adler’s work, strength of Tamara Williams’s beauty shots, high contrast and avant-garde masterpieces created by the late Irvin Penn as well the flamboyance of Mario Testino’s beauty and portraiture.
How important is it to stay up-to-date on the latest trends to be successful in what you do?
I would say it’s really important because the industry is very dynamic and only those who can keep up will survive. One has to be at the forefront to remain relevant.
What are you usually looking for in a beauty model? What is an "aha" factor for you?
Before I choose a model, I usually have the idea of the shooting I would like to do fully crystallised in my mind so that makes the decision process easier. I thereby develop a preference for specific features for the particular shoot I am doing, for instance freckles like Naomi, or a gap tooth, full lips, glowing skin, and of course always the energy. We all emit a certain kind of energy and most the time I can tell if it’s going work or not. It’s a vibe thing.
What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?
I am currently working on growing my portfolio more towards beauty & wellness (cosmetic world) as well as more conceptual still work for the cosmetic industry. My goals for the future are to shoot campaigns for the top brands such as Chanel, Dior, Fenty et al. This is the direction I want to head out to. At the same time, I enjoy showing the diversity of the world in my images, which I will continue doing.
Where can we see more of your works and get connected with you?
You can see more of my work on my website franklinaduda.com or follow me on Instagram @franklin_aduda
TIFFANY X MARTIN
Photographer: Kelly Selena Bermeo @kelscaptures
Fashion Designer: Abigail Morales @tifffmay
Model/Retoucher: Martin Mway @martinmay
Model: Tiffany May @tifffmay
ANGELIKA'S INTRODUCTION
Photographer: Kendall-Kinmiar James Cunningham @kinmiar
Makeup Artist: Sandra Lynn Smith @sandralynnbeauty
Wardrobe Stylist: Laura Narmon @lauranarmonfashionstyle
Model: Angelika Revenco @alintush88
Photographer: Vlad Popov @vladpopovart
Assistant: @stellalitovinskaia_
Model: Maria Chetverikova @ms_chetverikova
Makeup Artist: Tatyana Kuznetsova @Ktatyana_makeup
Fashion Designer: @vic_andy
Light in the eyes
DEVIL WEARS PEARLS
Photographer: Mina Dishlenkovich @moshicreative
Makeup Artist: Jovana Markovic @jovana.mua
Hair Stylist: Dimitrije Vokic @monsieur_mode
Wardrobe Stylist: Marina Peric @marina_raspberry_
Retoucher: Kris Retouch @kris_retouch_
Accessory Designer: Ladolalu @ladolalu
Model: Stasa Calovic @calovicstasaa