Michaela Efford - Shoots Don’t Always Go As Per Plan, You Have To Learn How To Work With It (Photographer)

Photography is a skill and there’s so much to learn, so never feel disheartened when a shoot does not go the way to plan but see it as a way to learn from and what you would do differently next time.

1. Tell us about your background and journey. How and when did you realize your passion for photography and fashion?

I studied Art and History of Art at Reading University but I never actually studied photography. I’m self-taught in that. Funnily enough, one of my art lecturers always tried to push me away from photography and preferred that I made arty videos instead so for me, it’s funny that now I’m a full-time photographer shooting for fashion brands like Bulgari, Ralph Lauren and Shein.

I’ve always loved fashion so naturally; I knew that I wanted to go down that path. I only realised that I wanted to be a photographer in my final year of university but I don’t regret studying Art and History of Art. It made me know what my passion really was and I got to network with some amazing creatives.


2. What are the basic software that one must be aware of in your field? What is your favourite software to work with

My favourite software is Lightroom, it’s perfect for fixing exposure and colours in the photos. Along with Photoshop. These two are definitely a must in this industry.


3. You do fashion too. How can one become a successful fashion designer according to you?

I‘m a fashion photographer so my expertise may not be too good for knowing how to become a successful fashion designer as that's a different creative field. I would suggest searching upcoming fashion trends and using sites such as WGSN and making sure you stay true to your brand.


4. Share one of your favourite experiences as a blogger photographer with us.

I love getting to meet new people and creating different content with them. One of the bonuses of my job is that I get sent out to travel for work and being able to do photoshoots aboard and it always feels surreal.

Also, being a blogger photographer means when I do travel the local influencers who are based in those countries want to shoot and I get to connect with them all thanks to Instagram. It’s nice being able to connect with people across the world, it’s an amazing experience.


5. What has been the biggest learning from your jobs?

That shoots don’t always go to plan, but you have to learn how to work with it and in the end, you’ll still get amazing shots.


6. Who is your favourite fashion photographer? 

It’s so hard to pick one, so I have narrowed it down to 4 even though there are so many amazing photographers! The 4 are Nick Knight, Jessica Kobeissi, Lara Jade and Nadine Ijewere.


7. What is one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring fashion photographers?

Practice makes perfect! Photography is a skill and there’s so much to learn, so never feel disheartened when a shoot does not go the way to plan but see it as a way to learn from and what you would do differently next time.


- Michaela Efford (Photographer)

Michaela Efford is a London, street style and fashion photographer who actively works on various social media platforms with fashion bloggers to capture and create content for brands.

Website: www.michaelaefford.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelaefford_photography/


Interviewed By Akshaya Rathinavadivel