Interview: Photographer Sabrina Macabre (Switzerland)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I'm a class ‘98 self-taught artist: I draw, paint, write, craft stuff and, last but not least,

photograph. All of my art is meant to celebrate obscure and macabre aesthetic, that's

the reason of my pseudonym “Sabrina Macabre”. The genres I prefer are dark, conceptual and fine art photography, because they fit my personality; that's also the reason why I mostly shoot self portraits or work with very close friends, it makes easier to express some concepts I have in my mind. In the last three years I’ve been trying to explore many layers of my own personality from the soul to the body: as they change, changes the way I picture the subject as well, evolving into something new...

How and when did you get into photography?

I received my fist camera at the age of 15, but I started photographing seriously only when I was 19. At that time I was shooting a series called “In search for I”, which signed the beginning of my journey.

What does photography mean to you?

Expression. A visual way to communicate even the deepest and invisible feelings, regardless of all the different languages around the world.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I celebrate dark concepts and aesthetic picturing my subjects with a macabre twist and sombre palettes. What’s usually disturbing for others, like taboos, does not stop me but rather inspires me.

Where do you get inspiration from?

From philosophy, personal thoughts or traumas, and, of course, feelings; sometimes other people’s stories catch my attention, and I try to interpret them my own way or pay them tribute.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Absolutely, I plan really carefully all the photo set's details (concept, location, makeup, accessories, weather, subject...), even though most of the times I have to deal with unforeseen obstacles.

Studio, on location or both?

Outdoor/indoor locations and natural lighting. The art of getting by plays an important role in my creative process, I’ve always had to deal with lack of equipment, so I learned how to get the best from any situation, mostly with natural light in various locations.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I’m an hobbyist but I’d love to become a professional, even if I usually prefer to be free to express myself without paid commissions and deadlines.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The “Fear Itself” set was both one of the most challenging and most gratifying I’ve ever did.

I wanted to reinterpret the iconic Stephen King’s character “IT”. I struggled a lot to

build the perfect formula to catch its spirit through my own eyes and philosophy, but I'm very satisfied with the result.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I’m “team Nikon”, and my favorite lens is definitely the 85mm f1.8, one of the best for portraiture, in my opinion.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Find your own style, be genuine and don’t hold yourself back just to please other people: there will always be a cheaper option for your client, but if he really likes your style and your vision, then you’ll be the only one who can achieve the result he's asking for. I think it's very important to make people understanding this, in photography and in all other artistic professional contexts.

What do you think of our new magazine?

The impressive quality of the selected material makes the magazine an extremely interesting way to discover new talents.

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