Inspirational photographers- Kelia Anne MacCluskey

Image Credit(s): Kelia Anne MacCluskey

Thumbnail Design: Bethany Hutchison

Kelia Anne MacCluskey is a Los Angeles photographer and art director represented by agency DMB Represents. MacCluskey received a BFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2016 and has since worked for clients such as Playboy, Netflix and TIME magazine alongside celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Sydney Sweeney. MacCluskey’s work is said to ‘teeter on the line of absurdity […] [with] strong and conflicting visuals’ (Unknown I, 2024) (Unknown II, 2024)  

Olivia Rodrigo, Joe Biden & Sydney Sweeney for TIME captured by: Kelia Anne MacCluskey

MacCluskey’s style of photography appeals to me due to the vintage style of her compositions. Although she often utilises simple compositions the styling of her subjects, props and backdrops used alongside post-production colour grading are often very reminiscent of eras such as the 60s and 70s. This appeals to me as nowadays, due to individual’s short-held attention spans, individuals rely on fast-changing microtrends in order to stimulate and excite. MacCluskey however strips these trends away and reverts to the past in order to evoke a sense of nostalgia and provide respite for individuals who may easily get swept up in the here and now. MacCluskey highlights that beauty and creativity can still be found from past influences and iconography.

As an individual interested in circular and sustainable practices this style of photography which incorporates echoes of the past appeals greatly to me. I hope that, as I continue university, I can utilise some of the vintage and second-hand pieces within my own wardrobe and exemplify how, although these items may not be ‘trendy’ they can still hold power. MacCluskey inspires me to stay truthful to myself and to lean into my own interests. Although it is important to remain somewhat ‘trendy’ and current throughout my practise this can still be achieved in an environmentally conscious way and in a manner which feels true to myself.

 Image Credit: Kelia Anne MacCluskey

I have decided to analyse a set of images captured by Kelia Anne MacCluskey for Kimpton Hotel’s partnership with Fotografiska New York. These images were part of a wider exhibition titled ‘STAY HUMAN’ which was grounded in the idea that ‘in our world of rapid innovation and constant technological changes, people crave more authentic connections, personal experiences and humanity’ (Unknown III, 2020).

In these images captured by MacCluskey the individual has photographed a series of portraiture shoots utilising shallow depth of field. These portraiture shoots are incredibly simplistic utilising a simple, clean blue backdrop in which the model is positioned in front of. Although this may initially appear to be somewhat mundane or unimaginative MacCluskey’s images are incredibly expressive, dynamic and creative. Within all of these portrait images MacCluskey has captured a diverse range of individuals. In addition, a sense of these individual’s personalities is conveyed with each individual posing in different manners. With many of the images in this series MacCluskey’s models are not directly addressing the camera with creates an authentic and candid feel to the imagery.

Continuity is created within these images as the models captured are wearing vintage clothing inspired by periods such as the 60s and 70s which compliments the coloured background. In addition, the models have all been given vintage inspired expressive and voluminous hairstyles further feeding the vintage undertones of the imagery.

'STAY HUMAN' captured by: Kelia Anne MacCluskey

Overall, I believe that Kelia Anne MacCluskey is an incredibly inspiring individual whom I can learn a lot of invaluable skills from which I can utilise within my own creative practice in the future. By exploring MacCluskey’s work I have learnt that sometimes simplistic images are the most successful. Often when planning photoshoots, I try to think of the most elaborate concept possible in order to ‘wow’ individuals however MacCluskey has taught me that less truly is sometimes more. As I continue my creative learning journey at university, I hope to utilise this in order to showcase to future employers that I can capture both large-scale elaborate compositions and also stripped back images. MacCluskey’s use of diverse models has also inspired me, and I hope that as my time at university progresses I will be able to meet a range of individuals and hear their stories and experiences. I hope that via my photography I can create a safe and diverse place and I truly believe that meeting and hearing first-hand from a range of individuals will help me to convey this message. Lastly, MacCluskey has inspired me to look to the past for inspiration (something in which I currently don’t believe I am doing). I hope that whilst being at university I can utilise the resources available, such as the library, in order to research and contextualise my images which will, as a result, help to strengthen the narrative and therefore benefit my creative body of work. And, as a result, strengthen my portfolio which will be presented to industry professionals.

Bibliography 

Unknown I (2024) ‘Kelianne MacCluskey- about’. Available at: https://kelianne.com (accessed 06. 03.24)

Unknown II (2024) ‘DMB- Kelia Anne’. Available at: https://dmbrepresents.com/artist/kelia-anne/#thumbnails (accessed 06. 03.24)

Unknown III (2020) ‘Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants Partners with Fotografiska New York to Reimagine the photography Installation Experience’. Available at: https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/content/us/en/press/releases/kimpton-hotels-restaurants-partners-with-fotografiska-new-york-with-photography-installation-experience  (accessed 06. 03.24)