Conceptual Magazine Editorial Photography and Art Direction
My photography focuses on narrative, texture, and concept. Here are some of the publication features I have directed and shot, including collaborations with Elle India and PhotoVogue.
A close-up from the Elle India 'Becoming Earth' editorial, focusing on the intricate makeup detail. The use of moss, twigs, and textured green pigment transforms the face into a natural landscape.
A profile shot from the 'Becoming Earth' series, showing how the vine and leaf elements are integrated into the hair and across the body, creating a seamless fusion of human and nature.
A magazine spread layout from the 'from the pages' project. This image combines portraiture with collage elements, exploring themes of identity and media influence in a visually layered format.
A full-body shot from a series featured in PhotoVogue, captured on 35mm film. The model, styled in Levi's, stands against a draped white sheet, creating a raw, high-contrast image that plays with shadow and form.
A detail shot from the '501: Safety Check' project, selected for the Levi's x PhotoVogue global open call. This image highlights the customized denim, showcasing distressing, embellishments, and unique pocket details.
A detail shot from the 'Becoming Earth' editorial, focusing on the texture of the artificial vines applied to the model's shoulder. This highlights the meticulous detail of the art direction.
An extreme close-up on the eye makeup from the 'Becoming Earth' shoot. This macro shot reveals the texture of the green powder and the delicate placement of root-like elements.
Another portrait from the Elle India series, showcasing the complete look with dramatic lighting. The dark background makes the green elements and the model's features stand out.
A portrait from the 'from the pages' series where a collage of magazine clippings is attached to the model's jacket. The moody lighting and direct gaze add to the narrative about fashion's influence.
An abstract take from the 'from the pages' series, where the model's face is obscured. The focus shifts entirely to the collage on the yellow jacket, emphasizing the concept of clothes as a canvas for cultural commentary.
About Magazine & Publication Features
When I approach an editorial shoot, my focus is on the narrative arc rather than just the final image. For my 'Becoming Earth' series in Elle India, that meant sourcing natural elements like moss and twigs to treat the human form as a landscape, ensuring every detail felt intentional before the shutter clicked. This collaborative process ensures the final images are not just photos, but fully realized concepts.
Editorial work is where my technical and conceptual skills converge. Every project is a synthesis of art direction and execution.
The 'from the pages' Concept
This project was a deep dive into media influence. By integrating magazine cutouts directly into outfits and collage elements into the layout, I aimed to explore how we consume imagery. It is about the interplay between the subject and the media that shapes them. I work closely with stylists to ensure these conceptual layers are physically built into the shoot, rather than added in post-production.
Technical Approach
Whether I am shooting for a global platform like PhotoVogue or a domestic title, my approach remains consistent. I balance digital precision with the texture of 35mm film when the story requires a rawer feel. My lighting setups are designed to serve the narrative—using chiaroscuro to create depth or harsh flashes to underscore a specific mood.
Collaborative Process
Photography is rarely a solo act. For editorials, I coordinate with a network of hair artists, makeup professionals, and stylists to maintain a cohesive visual language. If a story requires specific prop sourcing or unconventional set design, I handle the art direction to ensure the final assets are print-ready and impactful. I believe the strength of an image lies in the preparation and the vision shared by the team on set.
Malavika Jayaram
I am Malavika, and my photography is an exploration of visual storytelling. Whether it is a conceptual spread for a magazine or a brand campaign, I focus on the narrative first. My process is a collective effort, blending my vision with the specific expertise of stylists, makeup artists, and models.
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