marissa alden
Marissa Alden is a fashion, beauty and portrait photographer from Melbourne, Australia, based on the Mornington Peninsula.
Marissa has been published and exhibited world-wide, including for a variety of Australian and International brands - Stevie K Cosmetics, Saint Rose the label, Honey & Co Boutique, Cathleen Jia Bridal, Kester Black, Full Bloom Lingerie, Prissy Cosmetics, Shanghai Suzy, Pep Club (PH), Oh Deer Boutique, Jadewood Designs, Simmone Standing and more.
Marissa is available to hire for fashion and portrait work worldwide, including editorials, look books, campaigns, advertising and more.
Describe yourself and your work to us?
I first picked up a camera when I was 14 years old and took photojournalism as a subject at school. I instantly fell in love with capturing anything and everything, and eventually discovered my love for portraits and people.
I think I was 18 years when I first came across fashion photography and instantly loved it. I haven’t put my camera down since!
WHAT DOES LIFE AS A CREATIVE MEAN TO YOU?
I love creating and don’t feel like myself when I’m not working on a project. My brain never stops searching for beautiful things to photograph - whether it be people, clothing, locations, props etc.
Everything I see can be turned into a shoot concept. I love shooting in both natural and studio light settings and am always drawn to a pretty style - feminine with an edge.
I love focusing on the natural beauty of a model in my images, bringing a story to life through the styling and makeup. I prefer enhancing a models natural beauty and features, rather than taking away from that.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR INSPIRATION TO CREATE?
I’m inspired by anything and everything! A lot of the time I’m drawn to colours and patterns and I base a shoot around those. Lighting, clothing and models - it all has beauty that stimulates shoot ideas for me. Of course, I’m my harshest critic and I’m always driven to constantly improve my work and grow as a photographer.
What is one of your best experiences as a fashion photographer?
Both my L’Officel shoot and my first Sunday Life Magazine cover were major career milestones for me! Whenever I see my work in print I get so excited.
What was one of the hardest, challenging times in your career?
I think the very beginning was the hardest part for me. I didn’t really know much about the industry and finding clients with a basic portfolio wasn’t easy. There is no set path in photography, so it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re first starting out. It takes a little while before your hard work starts paying off.
Who ARE YOU working with right now?
I’m so lucky to work with a lot of incredible people. Sophie Knox and Claire Warmenhoven are two makeup artists that I work with a lot that are so talented and always so much fun to work with. My fashion and headshot clients are always amazing as well.
WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?
My dream collaboration would be with Grace Coddington - she is such an amazing story teller!
when you’re not working, What do you love to do to recharge?
I love going on day trips or visiting new places. I’m a big nature lover, so visiting somewhere with beautiful scenery always helps me to recharge. Otherwise, flicking through a book or watching a movie always gets me inspired.
What are your thoughts on how the industry is changing?
The industry is definitely changing alongside technology advancements. Today, everyone with a smartphone considers themselves a photographer, but I don’t think the demand for professional photography is impacted. Anyone can snap a photo on their phone, but not everyone has the eye or skill to capture a great photo. Most people still want quality images and the expert, professional eye.
What advice do you have for emerging creatives?
Don’t be too hard on yourself and never give up! The first few years as a photographer is all about trial and error and it can be easy to compare yourself to other photographers who have been doing it a lot longer and think that your work isn’t good enough. It’s a slow process but your hard work will eventually pay off.