Next in our ongoing Photographer Spotlight series is Magdalena M.
Magdalena is a Toronto, Canada based editorial and commercial portraiture photographer and art director. Her work has been featured by numerous lifestyle, fashion and design magazines and brands.
She is also the Editor-in-Chief at Avidly Home Magazine.
DIYP: What is your specialty? What do you love to photograph?
I specialize in editorial and commercial portraiture – I also shoot interiors and fashion. I love photographing people, and I find editorial to be my favourite, my process becomes a lot more creative and experimental.
DIYP: How long has it been since you first started taking photography seriously – what has that progression been like?
I started freelancing over 12 years ago after switching careers from fashion design. I was driven and creative, but I had no idea how to run a business. Freelancing is very challenging, so I kept learning through my successes and failures. I shot fashion editorials and portraits for many years (and everything in between) and eventually became more specialized in the commercial aspect of photography. I’m always going to be an artist first, but now I know how to think like a business person.
DIYP: Are there any particular images you’ve captured that stand out as being especially meaningful or satisfying for you?
It’s so difficult to pick just one image, and that image always changes.
DIYP: What challenges do you face capturing the shots you want to capture?
It really depends on what type of work I am shooting. I challenge myself most when shooting personal work because there is absolute freedom, and I want that work to be my best.
DIYP: What motivates you to put in the effort to overcome those challenges?
I love what I do. Its easy to be motivated when the person you want to outdo is yourself.
DIYP: What gear do you use? Why?
I use Nikon body and lenses. For portraits I mainly use a 50mm or 85mm lens. For interiors I use a wide angle 14-24mm and 50mm.
DIYP: Is there a market for your work? How do you make money?
I make money shooting portraits and interiors. I also sell stock photos at Stocksy United.
DIYP: How do you promote yourself and your work?
DIYP: What are your goals for your photography career in the next year, 5 years, long term?
My goals always tend to be the same: get better, make art, make money, travel.
DIYP: Do you have any tips or advice for photographers who love your work and would like to photograph something similar?
Keep shooting. The best way to grow is by trying new things.
FIND OUT MORE
To find out more about Magdalena M and to see more of her work, you can view her website here: Magdalena-M.com
For Magdalena’s portrait and commercial work you can follow her on Instagram @magdalena.m.photo or find her portfolio at Stocksy and Behance.
Magdalena’s work with interiors can be found at InsideLookMedia.ca and on Instagram @insidelook_media
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