Can you tell us about your journey as a photographer and how you developed your passion for this art form?
I started very young, letting art take over me. I began taking pictures with one of my father’s cameras at the time, capturing everyday family moments, and later with my first cell phone.
I’ve always tried to preserve memories through photos, convey emotions, and observe people’s reactions when they see the photos. This made me realize that photography can evoke internal emotions and provide a mix of emotions when viewing a captured moment, whether it be funny or from a different perspective.
You mentioned a cell phone. Do you think the quality of photos can be the same as those from a camera? I’ve heard opinions that some new phones may be better than cameras.
Well, there are old cameras that have lower quality compared to certain phones, especially when compared to older compact cameras.
What was your very first camera?
I don’t remember the first one I started using because I was too young. But my first camera was a Canon T3i.
How old were you when you took your first pictures?
I can’t remember precisely, but I think I was around 15 years old when I started taking pictures.
What about your parents? Do they support your career, or did they have „other plans“ for you?
They had their own plans for me; they wanted me to become a doctor! But today, they fully support my career.
What genre or style of photography do you specialize in? Why did you choose this particular genre?
I am a self-taught photographer, although I graduated in communication design a few years ago. I initially started with portraits of women, capturing their purest and most beautiful essence. As I grew up, I began exploring other areas focused on family, events, and commercial photography.
If you had to choose, what do you enjoy the most? Family photos, events, commercials, or natural women?
I would definitely choose Natural Women. They possess a magical quality that is surreal, and I always find myself in awe of it.
How would you describe your creative process and approach to capturing photographs?
My creative process involves a lot of observation and understanding people-their true selves and their emotions. I study how to convey speeches and emotions through photography.
Whenever I have a job, I allow the person to feel free and willing, as it leads to better results. I aim to extract the best expression or possession from each individual for that particular project.
What if you meet someone who is very shy, who has never stood in front of a camera, and has no idea what to do? Do you guide them?
Yes, I always guide them. I strive to make them feel relaxed until they become comfortable and free to engage with the ideas I bring to the table. I also aim to show them a side of themselves that they are not familiar with.
How do you select the location for your photo shoots?
The choice of location largely depends on what the client wants or if they have a preferred place. Ultimately, it is about the emotion conveyed in the picture, and we take that into account when deciding on the shooting location.
Sometimes, certain photos are considered „cliché“ or kitschy, especially family photos. Do you avoid that, and if so, how?
I try to avoid clichés as much as possible. I aim to capture the essence of the family without resorting to cliché poses. However, if the family specifically requests it, I am willing to accommodate their preferences.
Can you share some of your favorite projects or assignments you’ve worked on and what made them memorable for you?
In April, I launched the exhibition MERAGAI. Meragai is the combination of the words MERAKI (meaning to do something with soul, creativity, or love, to put a piece of who we are; Greek) and IKIGAI – reason to start, reason to live (Japanese).
MERAGAI is an ode to female identity, rescuing the power of being a woman, bringing to the naked eye the bipolarity of her multi-universes and embracing this set of emotions that make her a unique being. It is a journey through dreams and desires, always with a view to rescuing the beauty of one’s most intimate being.
One of the things that made MERAGAI memorable was the fact that it was a project that managed to stir the emotions of each person who saw the paintings and heard the stories of the women who identified themselves during the exhibition. The messages transmitted left a lasting mark within them that day.
Can I understand it like you prefer working with women?
Yes, I do prefer working with women because I am one, and I understand the experiences, complexities, fears, and insecurities that women go through. Being able to help and bring out their real beauty through photography is very rewarding for me.
What is the status of women in the arts in general in Mozambique?
Women, in general, are still in the process of conquering their space in the arts, so we are still growing in that aspect.
I think this is a worldwide problem. Can you mention some really amazing women artists who you adore and who deserve respect and a career?
I have many reference artists in Mozambique, such as Ana Cristina Antunes, Yasmine Forte, Iria Marina, Taila Carrilho, Jess Jane, and more.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a photographer is being a woman, as people often underestimate my abilities based on my gender. Additionally, my small stature sometimes leads people to doubt my competence. Harassment has also been a challenging factor for me.
Overcoming these challenges has been possible through the trust and confidence that clients place in me when they seek my services and provide positive feedback. It gives me the strength to keep moving forward.
Harassment? Really? Do I understand it right that in Mozambique people choose more male photographers than women?
Yes, partly. There are more male photographers than female photographers, and Mozambique is a very conservative country in this regard. People tend to choose a male photographer over a female photographer for certain jobs.
How do you stay inspired and continue to push the boundaries of your photography?
To stay inspired, I often look at the work of other women photographers both in Mozambique and around the world. My photography style presents ongoing challenges, allowing me to explore various spectrums and forms in the art of photography. I’m always testing and pushing the limits to bring new perspectives.
What kind of equipment and gear do you typically use for your shoots?
Cameras, lenses, flash, external lights, backgrounds, and others.
Are there any particular tools or accessories you can’t live without?
For my shoots, I typically use a Canon 6D camera and a 50mm lens. As for accessories, my computer is essential. I prefer to keep my equipment minimal and focus on capturing the essence of the moment.
And what camera are you using now?
I am currently using a Canon 6D.
Can you walk us through your post-processing workflow? What software do you use, and what are some of the techniques you employ to enhance your images?
My post-processing workflow starts with making a backup of the photos on the Cloud and external disks to ensure the preservation of the material. After the backup, I proceed with selecting images and editing them using Lightroom and Photoshop.
I aim to maintain the naturalness of my photos and preserve the fidelity of the captured moment. I apply minimal filters and adjustments to create a harmonious and clean image.
How do you approach working with clients or subjects to ensure their vision is captured in the photographs?
I always strive to understand the client’s purpose and the message they want to convey through the photos. We create a mood board and discuss ideas regarding locations, models, clothing, accessories, and poses that align with their vision.
And what if there is a customer who tells you they don’t care, they just want to look like a supermodel (even if they are not skinny), and expect you to do everything to make them look hot and skinny using editing programs?
In such cases, I explain in the contract that I don’t alter physical appearances beyond small adjustments. I ensure that the person looks like themselves in reality. If the client insists on major alterations, I recommend another photographer who can fulfill their specific requirements.
Can you share a specific example of a time when you faced a difficult client or challenging situation during a shoot? How did you handle it?
There have been occasions when clients had specific demands or expectations that didn’t align with my style or beliefs. In such situations, I engaged in open communication with the client to find common ground and ensure the best outcome for both parties. It often required compromise and a lot of discussion to reach a resolution.
Have you ever turned down a job? If so, why?
Yes, I have turned down several jobs when they didn’t align with my personal vision, beliefs, or photography style. It’s important for me to maintain artistic integrity and work on projects that resonate with me.
How do you keep up with the latest trends and advances in photography? Do you actively participate in any photography communities or attend workshops and conferences?
The internet has been a valuable tool for keeping up with the latest trends and advances in photography worldwide. I also attended the „World Press Photo Exhibition 2018“ in Maputo, Mozambique, and have participated in some Maputo Fast Forward conferences, an annual creativity and innovation event.
Can you talk about the role of lighting in your photography and how you manipulate or use it to create the desired atmosphere or effect?
My photography style focuses on natural and documentary-oriented images, without extensive manipulation of lighting or the environment. I aim to capture freedom, exploration, and the essence of each story without relying heavily on artificial lighting.
What do you consider to be your signature style or unique feature in your photography? How do you differentiate yourself from other photographers?
My signature style is characterized by faithfulness to the story and image being captured, naturalness, minimalism, freedom, and confidence. In Mozambique, where heavy edits and studio photography are more common, my approach stands out by preserving the authenticity and reality of the subjects.
Can you discuss the role of narrative in your photographs? How do you use composition, framing, and other techniques to convey a narrative?
The narrative in my photographs always aligns with the intended story, brand, or message. Through composition, framing, and other techniques, I create images that convey the desired emotions and messages. I use techniques like exposure adjustments to give a sense of movement, depth, or proximity, depending on the story I want to tell.
Have you ever come across creative blocks or periods of self-doubt as a photographer? If so, how do you overcome them and find inspiration again?
Yes, I have experienced creative blocks and periods of self-doubt as a photographer. To overcome them, I seek inspiration in books, movies, conversations with others, or by simply going out and exploring different angles or styles of photography. Trying new approaches and taking breaks can often help reignite inspiration.
There are a lot of photographers who don’t like Instagram or Pinterest. What do you think about that? And where can we find your work?
I personally appreciate both Instagram and Pinterest as social media platforms because they offer a wealth of inspiration and creative content. However, it’s understandable that not everyone resonates with these platforms, and that’s completely fine. Everyone is free to make their own choices.
You can find my work on Instagram: @ludmiladreis.ft
Who is your favorite photographer?
I have several favorite photographers, but one of them is Júlia Almeida.
What would you never photograph?
I would never photograph a satanic ritual (laughing).
What is your biggest dream?
Changing mentalities about freedom, self-esteem, etc.
Are you working on it already? And how?
I’m working on it. I have conversations with young people, women, and women who like photography. Whenever I can help people with anything, I try my best.
Do you have a motto of your own?
Be yourself, be free.
What do you do when you are not taking pictures?
I work on design, write, dance, or have fun with friends.
Writing, that sounds interesting. What was the last thing you wrote?
I keep a journal of how my week is going, things that I did, and how I feel about it. That’s the last thing I wrote.
Is there any country you want to visit because of photography?
I would first like to explore my own country because it is huge and has a variety of cultures. Outside of the country, I would love to visit Amsterdam, the city of bicycles.
What qualities should a good photographer have?
A good photographer should have a solid understanding of photography, a genuine passion for what they do, patience, and a discerning eye.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to be a photographer?
Start exploring your perspective and telling stories through it.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to make a significant impact through an upcoming explosion.
