foto-OP

LA-Based Photographer & Videographer

MANDY STOLLER

By Roberé Lett | Publisher | Style Editor

I have not yet met Mandy Stoller in person, but the one thing I can attest to is her incredible eye as a seasoned photographer. Her beauty and product images evoke an undeniable eye for detail and a reverence for design symmetry and balance. Mandy’s work has been a significant focus in the LA area where she is based, her images with stellar makeup artist Francie Luxe graced our magazine in 2018, and I have been obsessed with her talent ever since. So with social distancing still plaguing us, plus Mandy resides 3000 miles away. I decided to ask her a few questions to get to know her a little bit better. For more of Mandy’s work, visit her website @ www.mandystoller.com 

Q&A

Q. How did you get your start in the industry?

A. I took my first job with a beauty brand because I needed work. I was focused on working in fashion and thought it would just be temporary until I could find more fashion work. But after working with one beauty brand I had other brands contacting me for jobs and it ended up becoming what I specialize in.

Q. I also see that you're a fine artist as well how does that effect your photography? 

A. I enjoy cosmetics still life photography because it allows me to use the products in a painterly and sculptural way. It fulfills my need to create artistic work.

Q. What brought you to photography as opposed to other mediums of art?

A. I have a degree in Fine Art and studied painting, drawing, sculpture, and other experimental mediums. I didn't plan on getting into photography. After about a year of living in LA I needed to get a job that paid more and I already owned a camera so I decided to start shooting photos of my friends to build a portfolio. I wanted to try to get into fashion photography. I was trying to think of a way to have a creative career and use some of the skills and tools I already had.

Q. With all that's happening in the world today, what's your vision for the future of the fashion & beauty industries? 

A. I see brands moving in a direction of becoming more inclusive. As for covid it seems this hasn't slowed down the beauty industry at all. Sales have been very high throughout the lockdown.

Q. If you could have a different career what would it be and why?

A. I used to work in film so if I didn't do photography I would probably work in that industry instead. 

Cinematography for feature films is something that I would enjoy doing.

Q. Are there people you admire in the industry and if so why?

A. I like Leandro Farina and Greg Marino's work because it has a fine art edge to it.

7. Was there a determining factor for the type of photography you are currently doing?

It seems there is more opportunity for beauty photography here in Los Angeles than fashion. Most of the fashion work in LA is ecommerce since the designers are in NY. So I decided to focus on beauty since I could get more work in that industry here.

8. What's the hardest thing about the photography business and working in this industry?

The hardest part is the business and administrative side of things. Because work is so busy I don't have much time to devote to trying to figure out everything I need to do for my S Corp or taxes, etc. My accountant helps me with these things.

9. What keeps your creative juices flowing, is there a special go to moment for you personally? 

I like to look at other photographers' work on Instagram and Pinterest as well as fine artists’ work for inspiration.

10. What makes Mandy happy?

Playing video games. I play Overwatch almost everyday. I also enjoy indie platformers like Inside and Stela.

Images shot by Mandy Stoller exclusively for Haute is Online’s 2018 Summer Issue