One of my favourite things about publishing a magazine is working with so many talented people. Our contributors really are the lifeblood behind our pages, with their fabulous photography, styling, words and illustration. This month we meet three ladies who have all contributed to our AW18 issue which has just published….
Kasia Fiszer – photographer
Kasia shoots regularly for 91 as well as other interior and lifestyle magazines. In the latest issue she photographed Lord Whitney’s studio (first pic below). She shares her work on her feed at @kfiszerfoto
If you weren’t a photographer what would you be?
I would be working with horses. My first degree was in Equine Business Management so I think I would go back to that.
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?
@clareepiper – her styling work is second to none and I would love to work with her one day
@wisniovsky – for photography with a dose of nostalgia and beautiful warm tones
@lisacohenphoto – for her stunning photography; especially her interiors photography, it’s something I aspire to myself
Top tip for aspiring interior photographers?
Learn to use daylight to your advantage, it really is the best available light
Keep it simple – no funky angles!
Might seem obvious but connect with people! At the start nobody will know who you are so change that and foremost BE NICE AND PROFESSIONAL, you never know who you might meet on the way that might become influential to your career as a photographer!
Favourite shop?
After my latest visit there, I would have to say CARO Somerset for a dose of beautifully designed products for your home and Magalleria in Bath for the independent magazine lovers!
Favourite flower?
Tulips in large quantities! Understated and so beautiful and there are so many varieties and colours to chose from; and they always make me think of Spring.
Favourite plant?
ZZ plant and mine has finally grown a new shoot!
Favourite city?
I would say Bristol. For me, it’s a perfect city for short day trips. I always come back home full of ideas for new projects. I love all the quirky shops and creativity that flows throughout the city.
Holly Maguire – illustrator
Holly’s illustrations are playful and intricate with a beautiful sense of colour. She illustrated our Creative Enrichment feature in the new issue. You can see more of her work at @hollymaguireuk
If you weren’t a illustrator what would you be?
I would probably be doing something similar! Maybe a prop maker or a cake decorator!
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?
@me_and_orla for her business advice, honesty and beautiful photography
@phoebewahl for her beautiful and heartfelt illustrations.
@wolfgang2242 who are a big family of adorable senior rescue dogs (plus chickens, a rabbit and Bikini the pig!)
Top tip for aspiring illustrators?
Create the kind of work you want to be hired for.
Favourite shop?
I love shopping small & handmade so Etsy is my favourite place for that!
Favourite flower?
Any kind of wildflower.
Favourite plant?
My Monstera that sits next to my desk!
Favourite city?
New York
Kay Prestney – stylist / writer
Kay is a stylist who also hosts creative workshops as well as writing regularly for 91. Her most recent piece was our Studio Tour with La-Eva, which you can find in the new issue. See Kay’s home, inspiration & adventures on her feed @kinship_creativedc
If you weren’t a stylist/writer what would you be?
When I was younger I always wanted to be a marine biologist and with the worrying plight of our oceans I would love to revisit that dream and try to do something to help.
Name 3 of your favourite instagrammers & why?
Oh goodness, there are so many feeds I love, but three I am finding inspiring at the moment are:
@aureliemazurek for her beautiful natural interiors and simple living
@hildemork78‘s stunning photography and inspiring Scandi recipe /craft ideas
@kathryn_davey who produces beautiful hand-dyed Irish linens using natural dyes. I am hoping to do one of her workshops next year to learn how to do this properly having experimented with blackberries this summer.
Top tip for aspiring stylists?
Find your style then look for like-minded creatives to collaborate with. Offer to help assist on shoots to learn what goes on behind the scenes and to make contacts. Look to the natural world for foraged props to keep your costs down. Always be on the lookout for inspiration- I find that echoing the changing seasons helps me to produce differing work throughout the year. This time of year I am drawn to textures, dried flowers and grasses and pops of mustard against a natural backdrop.
Favourite shop?
Ooh another really tricky one. I have lots of faves which are all small indie shops, but I particularly love And Hobbs (@_andhobbs) in Shere which is sited in an old forge. Owner Libby is so talented and has curated an absolutely beautiful space full of gorgeous homewares, she also collaborates with local creatives to host workshops.
Favourite flower?
I have always loved the understated chamelaucium (wax flower) for its pretty tiny flowers and it’s longevity. It also dries really well. That said, I confess to being a bit swept up in the tide of dahlia love at the moment thanks to @tamsynmorgans beautiful feed. I planted some white ones this year that pop beautifully at dusk as I look out into the garden through the kitchen window.
Favourite plant?
Technically a tree, but I will never tire of eucalyptus for its beautiful silvery green hue and incredible scent. I have planted some in my garden and it brings me great pleasure to cut branches to bring indoors or use for styling work. It also grows brilliantly speedily. Top tip: hang a bunch in your shower for an uplifting start to the day.
Favourite city?
Vancouver will always have a special place in my heart. I lived in Canada for a year in my early twenties and adored the laid back healthy lifestyle, the foodie scene, the creative vibe and the fact you could be on the beach one day and in the mountains the next. It was amazing to have the benefit of city life, but to feel so closely connected to breathtaking nature. I also adore Copenhagen, where my husband proposed!
I hope you enjoy a little peek into the creative lives of our contributors, we certainly do! Make sure you go and follow them for more on Instagram. x
