“People also forget that taking good pictures isn’t the only thing that makes you a successful photographer, it means at times you’re also a director, researcher, producer, accountant, social media manager, retoucher and so much more. With every new shoot or project, you learn more and handle it better.”
Making Moves: The Women Shaping the Future series showcases trailblazers within the industry who are boldly disrupting the scene, both in the forefront and behind the scenes. Whether you’re a creative, sportswoman, volunteer, mentor, or business owner, we want to showcase you to inspire those who are following your journey so far and to pass on your valuable knowledge to the next generation.
In our latest feature of our Making Moves series, we sat down with Offspring Community member, photographer and creative Meara to discuss the significance of celebrating women in the creative industry, her career path thus far, and her plans for future projects.
INTRODUCING MEARA
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Meara, I’m a Dutch photographer and creative based in London. I’ve always loved the art of photography and the power of visual storytelling. I moved from the Netherlands to Yorkshire as a kid and grew up in the countryside surrounded by nature.
I recently started @kallistastudios as a side hustle, I make hand woven bags, camera straps and more. I’ve always been creative and love making practical things in all different colours that suit everybody.
Can you tell us about your career background, where it all started and how you got into the photography and the sneaker industry?
I’ve always been into fashion and sneakers but only really discovered the scene once I moved to London for uni when I was 18, and since then I’ve met so many amazing people and worked on a lot of projects with the likes of Nike, Complex and Hypebeast.
INFLUENCES & EXPERIENCES
Who or what has been a significant influence in your life and career, and why?
My dad was always passionate about art and photography so growing up we had cameras from early on, and being in the countryside was great for photographing landscapes and nature. He introduced me to the world of photography, and we share a love for William Klein, Joel Meyerowitz and Vivian Maier.
For as long as I can remember photography has fascinated me in how someone can tell stories and share history through images. I have an ever-growing collection of photography books and often go to exhibitions, book launches and events.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the photography, and what keeps you motivated?
Observing life and the challenge of trying to capture moments as I see them always keeps me motivated. My main goal with photography is to empower people to tell their stories and show real people in in their best light and in an honest way – giving them a voice through imagery.
Making those connections and friends on set allows me to delve deeper into someone’s personality and really let it shine through in the imagery we create together – it’s very much a team effort from both sides of the lens.
I’ve been really lucky to work with a lot of major brands, including Nike and adidas. I also love travelling and finding people whose story I can tell out on the street. I was recently in New York and did a lot of street photography there. This wasn’t for work, but it was really nice to get back to just shooting out of curiosity and finding inspiration in everyday life.
Can you speak to your experience as a woman in the industry and how have you navigated that?
I’ve encountered situations where people may underestimate me or prefer working with male photographers. However, I’ve learned to navigate this by staying true to myself and focusing on the job and imagery at hand. All women I know in the industry look out for and support each other. I refuse to let stereotypes or biases dictate my success.
Photography can be a bit of a boys’ club, and most freelance photographers are men. As a woman, breaking into the industry and gaining recognition can be challenging.
WORK & CHALLENGES
Your work explores a range of different photography styles; is there one particular style you have found to be your favourite?
My photography style is quite varied, ranging from fashion and portraits to street style and documentary photography. If I had to choose a favourite, I would say street style and documentary photography speak most to the authenticity and integrity of the work I want to achieve. My favourite projects are where I can combine that with editorial or fashion aspects, such as photographing artists in their studios or other creatives in their element.
What are some challenges you've faced in your career so far and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest personal challenges I've encountered is self-doubt and comparison. As a freelancer there are times when social media can be overwhelming when you see other people achieving things you’d also want. I’ve been passed over for shoots or clients have preferred another photographer, which can make you wonder if you’re good enough. I think it’s important to remember everybody has moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, but we can’t let it define us.
How do you define community, and what role does it play in your work?
Forging friendships with people from different backgrounds and careers who have different viewpoints is invaluable. By actively engaging with and contributing to my community, I’ve been able to form meaningful connections, expand my network, and elevate my working methods.
Can you speak to the importance of highlighting and supporting women in the industry, and how this informs your approach to growing your platform and initiating new projects?
My aim is always to empower and advocate for women, from making them feel comfortable if I’m shooting them, to trying to find majority women led teams on set. I think there’s something powerful about having an all-woman team.
I’ve made it a priority to champion other women in the industry. Whether it's through mentorship, collaboration, or amplifying their work, I believe in lifting each other up and creating more opportunities for women in photography and art. By having a supportive community and advocating for gender diversity, we can make the industry more inclusive.
Having supportive friends and community is so important. A community that centres themselves in common interests and looking out for each other.
What are some important lessons you've learned from your community, and how have they influenced your work?
Having lots of friends who are also photographers and creatives has really given me insight into different working practises and approaches. Whether that’s how to write an email to a potential client, advising each other on rates, to lighting in the studio, sharing knowledge lets everyone progress and succeed.
People also forget that taking good pictures isn’t the only thing that makes you a successful photographer, it means at times you’re also a director, researcher, producer, accountant, social media manager, retoucher and so much more. With every new shoot or project, you learn more and handle it better.
Can you speak to how your past job roles have prepared you for your current position and how they have helped evolve your skillset to where it is today?
I’ve worked for a few brands as their in-house photographer, which had both pros and cons. It gave me a lot of experience and the opportunity to expand my portfolio, but it also meant having less time for other creative pursuits and projects. I think I work best as a freelance photographer where I can work more flexibly and meet new people all the time whilst incorporating all the different photography styles I love.
THE FUTURE
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Long term I want to be recognised as a go to photographer for raw and honest imagery that tells the subject’s story with integrity. I want to find meaning and purpose in everything I do, I think I’m on the right path but as a creative, the work is never done.
Are there any projects you hope to explore next?
This year, I really want to work on bigger projects, work with more brands and new people, and always travel more. I’d love to do some more fashion and advertising campaigns, street style projects as well as grassroots projects supporting various communities. I’d love to explore more documentary photography in different countries. I want to use the power of photography to drive positive change.
TOKENS OF ADVICE
While it can be challenging to navigate this industry as a woman, there are several things that you can do to succeed and help establish yourself. With our new series ‘Making Moves’ Meara would like to pass on some tokens of advice for those looking to break through into the sneaker space:
1. Believe in yourself
It’s hard work and everybody struggles with it - daily mantras, journaling, therapy – whatever works to build yourself up, do it! There’s only one of you and that is your superpower.
2. Network
Build a community around yourself and contacts in various creative fields that you can learn from and give back to. Reaching out or meeting new people can be so daunting, but most people are friendly and happy to help or advise. Go to galleries, book launches, panel talks, assist other photographers – learning from those who have been in the industry longer than you can give amazing insight.
3. Don’t compare
Everyone’s journey is unique, and comparing yourself to others only detracts from your own growth and success.
4. Find joy in everything you do
Passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and infusing joy into your work can elevate your creativity and inspire others.
5. Be kind
Kindness goes a long way in the industry, and treating others with respect and compassion will always come back to you.
“I no longer need to prove myself. I just need to create.”
Check out more from Meara on Instagram @mearakallista and @kallistastudios
If you would like to share your story and get involved in our new series ‘Making Moves: The Women Shaping the Future’ contact: OffspringHQinfo@office.co.uk
