Interview with Photographer, Mallory Barry
Mallory Barry is a photographer that has taken Instagram by storm, raking an impressive 21.5K followers on the platform. Mallory’s work is extremely stylised, commonly bursting with bright colour combinations and impressive editing and composition. Mallory is definitely one to look out for in the future, in your favourite editorial magazines. Oneul had the honour of talking with Mallory and gained the opportunity to ask her some questions about her art!
Here is what we learnt:
Hey Mallory, super excited to talk to you! Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Mallory Barry! I'm an 18-year-old photographer from Birmingham, Alabama, and I currently go to school at the University of Arizona.
Mallory Barry
Your work is stunning! What are some things that inspire you?
Thank you!! One of my biggest sources of inspiration comes from other photographers I follow on Instagram. I just love seeing others make photos using concepts and lighting that I never would have thought of; it pushes me to think more creatively and get excited to take photos.
I've also recently been watching videos of photographers giving guest lectures, which has taught me a lot about the business side of photography as well as the creative side. I'm also obsessed with Pinterest to help me when I have artist's block.
When did you start photography?
I got my first DSLR camera when I was 12, and I would take photos of squirrels in my backyard and occasionally some selfies and photos of my friends. Then I finally took a photography class when I was about 14, and I took a great liking to portrait photography.
What is your dream job/dream company to shoot for?
I want to work in a field that allows a lot of creative control, but I'm not sure exactly where I want to end up. I would feel fulfilled making unique cover art for musicians.
Photographing people like Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Rico Nasty, Lil Uzi Vert, etc. would be insane. But I'll be happy doing whatever allows me to take weird photos, so I'm pretty open-minded about the future.
Among your works, which is your favorite, and what is the story/message you wished to portray through it?
I recently started a photo series called "Play Like a Girl," where I take the negative connotation of that phrase and represent it in my own way. I bedazzle objects like a basketball or tennis racket to represent a stereotypical depiction of femininity but in an athletic setting to subvert expectations.
“Play Like a Girl” - shoot by Mallory Barry
Describe your photographic style
I like my photos to be very colorful and dreamy, and I love capturing sparkles with my star filter!
Are you detail-oriented or a ‘look at the bigger picture’ type of photographer?
When I'm shooting, I look more at the big picture (which sometimes makes me overlook important details, but I'm working on that) and when I'm editing, I focus on the smallest adjustments, which makes me go somewhat insane!
How did you develop your style?
Emulating other photographers' styles helped guide me because I had no idea what my own style was. By trying out various editing and shooting styles over the course of a few years, I found certain looks that I gravitate more towards.
Is there an art to getting a good photo? (Model, lighting, editing, etc)
I definitely think there is an art to getting a good photo because so much time and work goes into planning one concept for a photo shoot. I usually start by figuring out what the idea behind a shoot is and how to express that visually. I then find a model who fits the look as well as clothes for them to wear that elevate the concept.
Location scouting is probably my least favorite part; I spend a lot of time on instantstreetview.com or walking around aimlessly to find photogenic places that will lend to the story. In the end, it is always helpful to have a little luck on your side when it comes to getting the right photo.
What are some things you’ve learned that every aspiring photographer should know?
After taking photos for many years, I just want to emphasize that growth in artistic work isn't linear. Even if you have years of experience and confidence, you will still occasionally make work that you aren't proud of. It's important to work through these ruts and always be willing to learn more.
What piece of advice would you give young aspiring photographers?
Take photos because you're passionate about it. If you have a deep love for photography, it makes it so much easier to push through the less pleasant aspects and find success. Don't be discouraged if it takes a while to figure things out. I still learn new stuff about photography every single day, and I'm sure photographers that have been doing it for much longer feel the same way.
