Name/ website:
Violetta Markelou
Violettamarkelou.com
What inspired you to get into photography?
I opened my first Vogue in middle school. I had a sketchbook where I would sketch the fashions I saw in the magazines. But only a few years later I grew frustrated because I didn’t feel I could draw well. My fascination with photography was ignited by continuously seeing the powerful images in fashion magazines. Particularly the images of Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon. The photo ‘Fred with Tires’ was the image that made me want to pick up a camera.
How many years have you been in business? How did you get your start?
I started my photography business in 2006 shortly after graduating college. It took a while to have the confidence to start a business of on my own, but after assisting other photographers I got a sense of what I wanted to focus on so I just went for it!
Does your work reflect you as a person? Can you describe your style? Yes absolutely. I think if you look closely at any artist’s work, you can see who the artist is very clearly. I can describe my style as “elegant, bold, textured, romantic, strong”
What’s the most challenging part of being in the photography industry?
Ha! How much time do you have??? There are many many challenges! But I would say just keeping your eye on the prize and not getting distracted or bogged down is on top of the list!
Out of all your work which one are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my Women Of Colour series which highlights women in our city who fully express themselves without dumbing themselves down. I am also proud of my F Cancer series which captures a dark time of cancer treatment for my friend Tara Papanicolas through fashion portraiture. We made art through some tough times!What’s your favorite part about being in the industry and where do you see your business five years from now?
My favorite part of being in the industry is meeting creative people. I’m inspired by other artists everyday! Working and collaborating with other artists keeps me wanting to create and keeps me inspired. I hope in the next 5 years I could shoot a campaign that inspires a sea change in thinking for young women.–
Yes! I am one of the featured artists in SUPERFIERCE hosted at The National Museum of Women In The Arts on October 19th ! It’s going to be an amazing event celebrating women artists in DC and for some great causes! YOU are invited so please come!
