Most of the photographers that have been been interviewed on this blog have been men. Therefore its a refreshing change to here the views of a female photographer. We had the chance to interview London based photographer, Emile Muller. Her photos have an element of femininty, sincerity and simplicity that is rare in photography. I hope you enjoy her  deep and insightful anecdotes on the art of photography.

1.When did you first become interested in photography?

A lot comes from my first shooting; I was 11, I photographed my Barbies on their horses, stripped of any scale indication, in a field just outside my home. When I come to think of it, almost 20 years after, I have trouble realising that I never stopped producing since then, following this fantasy of making things beautiful, to my taste.

2. Which artists/photographers have influenced your work?

I try not to be influenced by others’ work; it is more like a network of things, simple things, situations and anonymous people but mostly from the past. The clothes I use are generally my mom's 80's outfits with some others I find here and there. I also work within the realm of the documentary, especially in the Balkans where I find inexorable sources of imagery; there is this strong nostalgic feeling that I so much adore. In the same spirit, I'm fascinated by gesture and composition in rather beautiful paintings from Laurens Alma Tadema.


 3.Your style is very feminine and ethereal. What influences the themes of your photos?

I follow my instinct and my feel for the light, I try to gather the alchemy of what's reflected before me and I see that as my strength. I don't impose myself a restrictive theme, on the contrary, I simply create conditions for the model to express herself. I tell her that we're going to have a good time and no matter what, it will be worthwhile. My style is spontaneous, do-it yourself; I use my own (my mom's) clothes, some outfits from the model and a very limited crew (I recently started to work with a make-up artist and used to do everything alone before that). The person I photograph defines my theme and I capture the emotion when it happens. Maybe I have a lighter approach than would some photographers, I don't like stiff poses, exaggerated expressions. I want my pictures to have a touch of reality to the fantasy.

4.Most photographers are men. Does being a woman affect your photos?

 To a certain extent maybe, there is a different relation to the desire from a woman's point of view, it is more the depiction of an ideal and an expression of personality through style we can relate to. The masculine gaze tends to be more "physical", where the sublimation is obtained with more artifice. I don't think it is a general rule though and I'm sure you can find woman photographing this way and vice-versa.


5.You have worked with Jade from Britain's Next top model. I think she has an amazing look. What was it like shooting her?

Funny you should ask, because before the end of the shooting when we exchange our Facebook contacts and I noticed she had a fan page, I wasn't aware at all of who she was (I moved from Switzerland to London a year ago). Even though I always have a good contact with the girls I photograph, Jade was really special for me. I was stunned by how sweet and nice she was. She is a real angel; I kept in touch with her and consider her a friend.

6.You have worked with models from some of the world's top agencies. Do you have a favourite?

I am really happy that these agencies put their trust in me so quickly. Before moving here, I only had a limited number of pictures made with my friends, everything happened fast. I have a very good contact with Models 1, the quality of the models is of a very high standard and it is all easier when the rapport is harmonious. I would like to work with Next and FM (with whom I'm already in touch) in the near future.

7.What qualities do you look for in a good model?

It is not only about bone structure, leg length, height and striking features. The narrative they are able to carry, their special thing is what makes the difference from a beautiful girl to a good model. I am not fond of the classic beauties, I think presence is more important then attitude.

8. What’s the most important quality a photographer needs to have?

Passion and accept you want to possess emotion, beauty and joy to the extent of making them alive on the image.  Be true to yourself and never lose the ability to communicate to others, share your uniqueness, what you see and what you feel through the medium. Be proud to leave a trace. Someone once said: “every image one takes is a self-portrait”.

9.You usually work on location. Where is the strangest place that you have done a shoot?

I do like the outdoor better, my locations have nothing extraordinary, I shoot my pictures in the streets, buildings of my neighbourhood (Bethnal Green), I try to keep a degree of everyday life in my images.

10.Finish this sentence. You would be surprised to know that...

…surprise is not an option.

11.In 10 years, your dream is to be…
…insouciant of tomorrow.