Photographer Spotlight: Renaissance by Maya Sherwood
“Renaissance” is a vivid editorial shoot that photographer Maya Sherwood conceptualized and shot in our Library studio.
Shot with precision, the editorial is a positive byproduct of what happens when your team supports your vision and nose dives into a heavy-concept project.
Initially, “Renaissance” was shot for the sole purpose of Sherwood’s passion, “This shoot was just a ‘feed-my-soul’ project! I was in touch with a florist who agreed to help me build a set and provide the flowers, so that gave me the freedom to dream a little bigger set-wise, which was exciting!” The shoot was later featured in the June issue of Elegant Magazine, making it to the front cover.
Sherwood’s love for editorial photography shows throughout her work, a portfolio full of dramatic lighting and unique wardrobe choices. When asked about her favourite shoots, she told us that she “loves the Michael Kors campaigns as they are all so rich and vibrant-looking.” Even her role models in the field emit similar styles to Sherwood, “I mostly look up to Mario Testino, Joey L, and Toronto-based photographer Arline Malakian. They all have such amazing styles and you can instantly tell it’s their work the minute you see the photo.”
The set of “Renaissance” is undoubtedly a unique one that fits perfectly in our Library studio; our darkest studio room that greatly contrasts the styling and set design of the shoot, including the strong light casting warm beams coming from the set’s window. “I knew I needed a window that I could shoot light through, so that was the first concrete part of the project that stood out. Growers Flowers agreed to build me a wall with a window in it and were so amazing in bringing my set ideas to life.”
For photographers looking to get their start in the industry, Sherwood says that she’d “recommend assisting and working for photographers that you admire. In photography, you really need to learn by doing, so assisting is a great place to start. Of course, you should also take time to experiment.”
After seeing our Library studio turn into real life Fantasia, Sherwood shows that the process of experimenting and creating new concepts is ever ongoing.
You can take a look at “Renaissance” in the June issue of Elegant Magazine.
Photographer: @mayasherwoodphotography
Featured in: @elegantmagazine
Model: @therealslimshainy from @dulcedomodels
Gown Designer: @winsdesign
Stylist: @mr_adomako
Assistant: @m.ikebrown
HMAU: @emmamackler
Florals, Wall and Window Creation: @growersflower
Studio: Library Studio at @mintroomstudios
