Allegra Villella's editorial style fashion photography will visually itch that spot that your eyes have been praying for. Each of her photos rest easy in an accomplished, satisfying way - the kind that makes you sigh out loud because they look so complete. Although it's obvious that her work is well thought out, Allegra has a way of making things look absolutely effortless. Her eye for design is inarguable and her unique color schemes are positively groundbreaking. They're the kind of photographs you look for in a magazine when you're trying to cut things out for a collage. Let's be honest though, when you'd go to cut that photo out of the magazine, your hands would shake because you'd be scared of messing it up. In that moment, you'd realize that your collage would have nothing without that photo. Really.
Allegra's style is soft and gentle, which makes it clear that she handles her photography with care. She has a new way of casting a glow on things to make them seem a little distant. However, this does not stop her from bringing the wow-factor. Actually, 'wow-factor' doesn't do her photos enough justice. It's more like a razzle dazzle pizzaz factor. Allegra's images consistently pop in a bright and spunky way, which make her photos unlike that of any other fashion photographer. Somehow she is able to create dynamic and in-your-face show stoppers and still retain those glamorous and illusory qualities. Her photos pack a punch in a dainty way, and with grace. If Allegra Villella's photography was a super hero, they'd kick your ass, but they'd clean up all of the blood right after and not leave a speck behind them, and probably leave a sweet note, too.
Something that Allegra seems to do consistently is to bring out the best in her models, her settings and herself. She is able to pose her models in a way that is eye catching and dramatic. A true master of what I'd call body language arts, she can make any pose look graceful. In the same sense, she can find something good about any shooting location, exploit those good traits and turn them into the subject of the photograph. It must be an honor to model for Allegra - who wouldn't want to be painted in their best light?
Like a loud whisper, Allegra Villella's playing with light and use of space convey a powerful simplicity. This is what ties her photographs together and give her series coherency. I've been following Allegra's photos for about five years now and I can say that while her style is consistent and unwavering, it is also ever evolving. It's clear that she is open minded and it has been fun to watch her grow into her art. One of many things to love about her is that her photos are so classic. Classic what? Classic Allegra. I've always been and always will be excited to see what she comes up with next.
Brynn Bear: Where do you call home?Allegra Villella: Portland, Oregon.
BB: How is the weather there today?
AV: The weather has been rather odd, actually. A little bit of sunshine, and a little bit of hail.
BB: How did you first get started with fashion photography?
AV: I got my first camera when I was thirteen and was immediately drawn to taking photos of people. My friends and I would dress up, do funky makeup, and call it a fashion shoot - I guess it just evolved from there.
BB: How do you get connected with artists or designers to shoot their stuff?
AV: It’s all about networking. You have to be extremely careful meeting people from online, but once you meet a few artists you see how many connections everyone has. The makeup artists know the best models, and the models know the best designers, etc. I’d cautiously recommend “Model Mayhem,” to connect with people, but beware of creepers.
BB: You're specifically good at catching your subject in dramatic poses, what taught you to have that eye?
AV: Thank you, I think looking at great photographers’ work (Richard Avedon, Annie Lebovitz, etc.) or any other art is a huge inspiration. You can recreate poses and moments but make them your own. Looking at professional work helped me figure out what was over-the-top, and what was just the right amount of drama for fashion. It’s usually more about the feeling behind the photograph than it is about the subject or the wardrobe anyway – so it’s important to be able to find that balance.
BB: Nikon vs Canon, do you care?
AV: I’m a Nikon girl, but I don’t think it matters much. They’re both excellent brands - I think it’s what you create with them that determines the quality.
BB: What sets you apart from other young photographers?
AV: I guess since photography has been a passion for so long, I have a bit of an advantage. I made mistakes, found a style I love, and have been building my portfolio ever since. Having a certain “look” to my photos has helped build a client base. I think that look just has to do with how I see things – I love telling stories and emotions in my work, whether that be with the colors, the set up, the lighting, or the makeup.
BB: Your brother is also an amazing photographer, have you learned a lot from him?
AV: He is definitely amazing! He was the first to encourage me to get into photography, so I owe a lot to him. He showed me how to use my camera, and how to start connecting with other photographers – I’m so grateful for that. But I think the best thing I’ve learned from him is to always keep exploring and creating.
BB: What makes the hard work worth it?
AV: Having someone tell me I’ve made them see something beautiful in what they thought was ordinary, makes everything worth it.
BB: What are the top five most played (or just favorite) songs on your ipod?
AV: Homesick by Kings of Convenience, Awake My Soul by Mumford & Sons, Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine (not because of Twilight!), Wallet by Regina Spektor and Mushaboom by Feist.
BB: If you had the whole day to yourself, what would a perfect afternoon look like to you?
AV: I think a trip to Alberta Street (an art district in Portland) to look at galleries, thrift shop, and enjoy tea and vegan desserts, would be just wonderful.
BB: What are your favorite flavors of Jelly Bellies?
AV: Mmm, it’s been so long since I’ve had Jelly Bellies! I think I like those pink ones with all the speckles on them – tutti fruity or something? Those are good.
BB: Did you discover fashion through photography, or photography through fashion?
AV: I’d say my passion for photography and telling stories through images came first. Fashion photography just came naturally after that.
BB: I noticed you're pretty stylish yourself, do you have any personal style influences?
AV: Growing up in Portland definitely helped influence my style. There are so many quirky people and styles, and it’s almost a cultural thing to express your creativity through your fashion. Living here helped me not be afraid of standing out or trying new things with my wardrobe.
BB: Is there an up-and-coming trend train you think we should jump on?
AV: Feather necklaces and earrings are definitely in. The more natural looking, the better.
BB: How do you hope to influence the fashion world with your work?
AV: I hope my work will show that there is no cookie-cutter beauty. No one is perfect, and it’s the flaws that make us all unique. The quirks, and the imperfections are much more beautiful to me than our society’s ideals of an airbrushed beauty.
BB: In your world, what's next?
AV: Once school’s out for the semester, I’m hoping to build up a bigger client base, maybe invest in a small studio space, and just keep pursuing what I love to do. I’ve also been thinking about doing a series of photographs of strangers on the streets. I love meeting new people and sharing their stories through my art.
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