helen mitt: Watch out- She's never leaving me

Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your photography work?

I am Helen Mitt, a model, creative director and a photographer based in Estonia and Japan. I shoot editorial photographs for brands and create personal projects for fellow photographers and models.

Can you tell us about how you got started in photography?

My photography journey started with feeling inspired by other works. I used to be mainy a painter actually, and looking for inspiration for my paintings, I started to feel more and more in awe of the creations I was seeing, wanting to recreate such powerful work myself.

What was your passion driving you during your journey? Who or what prompted you to begin?

Like in many cases I believe, I had someone who was in the styling industry and she started to take me out on sets to just chill at first. She was the person who showed me the processes that went into creating a beautiful photograph, and when I showed interest in participating, she was my safe space to start experimenting without any shame or fear. She is indeed the model standing next to me in these very photos as well.

Could you walk us through your photoshoot planning process?

To me it starts with a feeling, some tingling idea that won’t leave my head until I bring it into visual form. So I start thinking about the concept, the energy I want this shoot to have, and the people who would be the right crowd to help me realise this vision. We then choose a location, props, outfits and everything else while keeping the vision in mind. I think the balance of a strong vision and the trust to let the shooting process do it’s magic is the most important part of my process.

As a photography expert, what sets your work apart from other photographers?

I think if you create any form of art from your heart you can not be like any other. You can inspire people, for sure, you can make people relate, of course, but every single one of us is different and if we trust our own intuition it’s very hard to go wrong and become like someone else.

Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?

Sometimes I just see a shoot that has already been made and I want to take some elements from there to recreate with my own twist just for fun. Other times it’s a feeling, or something I see around me, something that happens on the street or when I look out of my window. There are these very small special moments where inspiration sparks and I know I have to follow it.

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment you've had as a photographer and what experience you gained from that?

I was taking photos of a very dear person for me for a brand shoot, and there was a moment I just started laughing and told her that I don't think I can ever take mundane photographs of you, I just love you too much. That moment was very significant for me because it made me realise that when I love the concept, or the person I’m taking photos of, my love will show on the photo, and it cannot in my case come out bad when love is involved.

What are the most important components of an extraordinary photograph, in your opinion?

When the photograph tells a silent story. When I look at the photograph and it absorbs me, because the moment has been captured so perfectly.

How do you strike a balance between your artistic expression and your client's expectations during a shoot?

A photographer friend of mine once told me that there’s a difference between how you see your client and how they see or want to see themselves. I believe there is depth to these words and I always remind them to myself when working with a client.

How do other artists influence your work? Are there any other photographers you look up to? Who?

Robert Mapplethopre will always stay in my heart and encourage me to have courage, everflowing ideas. I sometimes look at his photographs and immerse myself in the energy of his creations, it always inspires me to look within myself and bring out the same depth he had.

How do you enhance your vision after a session by post-processing your photos? Do you have a best-kept secret for editing processing that you'd like to share?

In my case, less is more, but more is fun. I tend to try out different versions of editing, some of which go way beyond any sense of sensibility, but I always encourage people to try and have fun, you don't have to publish everything you create.

Can you tell us the story behind creating the photographs you submitted?

The girl standing next to me in these photographs is one of the dearest people in my life. Her unconditional love has helped me more times I can remember, and I wanted to portray the strength she brings out in me with these photos. Just the knowing she exists is enough for me to keep going when it’s tough.

Where can we view more of your work and connect with you?

Instagram: @helen__mitt

Cr Dir & Model: @helen__mitt

Cr Dir & Model: @heliise

Photo: @mj_fotokunst

Via @officialkavyar