Every photograph is a work of art and it deserves different type of attention.

Marika Kibsey

Marika Kibsey
Marika Kibsey Photography
(formerly RedBox Studio)

Instagram: @marikakibseyphoto

How did you get into photography?

Almost ten years ago, I had the chance to be an assistant photographer at this amazing photo studio with some really amazing and reputable photographers. I had just come out of high school, hardly had any work experience but I fell in love with photography and digital art so times were very exciting for me as a new artist. In the studio, I was working very hard and loved every minute of it.

My boss became my photography mentor; she would encourage me to bring new ideas and to tap into my creative side.

It wasn’t long before my interest in photography had become a passion. But I needed to explore the ideas in my head without the rules and limitations of the studio, and that is how Redbox happened.

Tell us a little bit about RedBox Photographie & Design.

Redbox was my creative outlet. It allowed me to express myself through images by stepping over the boundaries I had learned. It also allows me to really work one on one with my clients and take the time to really focus on them and their needs and I get to give them something unique in the end.

How collaborative is the process when working with a client?

Everyone is unique, and I truly believe that my work needs to reflect that. So I take all of my client’s ideas very seriously. From the moment that an appointment is taken to the final product, both the client and I are researching what would look good, what is the trend and how we’re going to make it happen. The most important thing for me is that my clients feel beautiful and great during the shoot and to get the most amazing shots.

I am fascinated with what photographers can do in the editing process. Typically how long does it take you to edit photos?

It really depends. Anywhere from minutes to days.

Every photograph is a work of art and it deserves different type of attention. If I don’t feel the background should be a certain colour, I will change it. Even if it takes longer (sometimes a lot longer!), I pay attention to making sure all the smallest details are perfect. Every client is a new adventure to me and I want them to have the best time and experience.

What are some of the live events you’ve done?

I’ve done so many events from weddings, corporate lunches, award ceremonies, live band shoots and recording music videos. What’s great with photography, the possibilities are endless! I’m simply capturing and documenting moments in time with style and finess and that’s what matters.

Hair and Makeup: Katrina Starke Kuras, Texture Hair Salon
Model: Stephanie LaRocque

I was first exposed to your work when I saw the photos you took for Natalie Thompson and Katrina Starke Kuras Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next Award entries. Your editorial work is absolutely stunning – it definitely rivals anything I have seen in high fashion magazines. What does a typical editorial shoot involve?

You need to be mentally and physically prepared for a shoot like this.

It’s really all about paying attention to the smallest details.

The models were so beautiful, so easy to work with and Katrina and Natalie are so talented that the shoot went smoothly. It was a great team effort and it shows in the photographs. It really brings us back to your earlier question of how collaborative the process with clients can be.

Since we are a fashion and beauty blog, would you mind answering a few personal questions?

Let’s hear some of your favorites…
 

piece of clothing you own: My favourite piece of clothing, has to be my black American Apparel long sleeve dress. I own several of them so I can wear them almost every day with leggings and and choose one of my many pairs of high heels and I’m ready to go.
place to shop for clothes: My favourite store, Guess for their dresses and vintage shops.
hair product: Since I really do love big hair, I can’t go with out my “Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder”. Keeps my hair from falling flat even after running around all day carrying heavy photography gear and shooting under hot lights.
makeup product: My make up must have, is definitely Urban Decay’s Smokey palette. Stays on all day even with my eyes constantly rubbing against the camera and squinting through the viewfinder.

How would you describe your personal style?

Edgy with a dash of princess (haha like a black sparkle) and I feel my personal style does shine a little through my photographs. I am a fan of fashion and design, and I think it shows in my photographs.

What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?

Candle lit bubble bath with a nice glass of white wine and singing obnoxiously loud to Journey’s – Don’t Stop Believing.

I dont even know? A spoon and a jar of nutella? Popcorn and a video game? Curling my toes for a good 10 minutes after wearing heels all day?

If we looked on your music playlist what would we find?

Although a very big metal fan at heart, you’d find a variety of artists in my playlist.

Finally pick three words that best describe you.

Eat. Sleep. Photography.