Mimi Muse #2: Carianne Older
Carianne is a Miami-based photographer who takes badass photos of predominantly women. In this one-on-one we chat about everything from the importance of female friendships to lovin' your eyebrows!
Mimi Kini: Is it difficult being a female photographer in a male-dominated industry?
Carianne: Yes it is! I started shooting because I was sick of modelling for men. I was completely over it, tired of it, and bored of doing it. So my old boss gave me a generous Christmas bonus and I went on eBay that evening to buy my one and only camera - it's been game over ever since. It's actually easier as a female photographer to get work. I mainly shoot ladies, and every woman who's ever shot with me tells me how comforting it is that I am a woman. Women understand each other on a deeper level, it's never surface level when its lady to lady. I just get how a female wants to be portrayed on camera.
Mimi Kini: Have you always been so confident in your skin? What would you tell the teenage Carianne?
Carianne: I actually have been. I have genuinely always been my biggest advocate. My parents have always cheered me on and supported me as a creative person since I was a kid, which definitely helped. Something I hear a lot from friends or clients is that I exude confidence. I would tell the teenage Carianne not to worry, that'll it'll all work out in the long run & not to be afraid of plans, they always change along the way anyways.
Mimi Kini: We see you shoot with lots of chicky babes. Why do you think female friendships are important?
Carianne: Half of my models are my best friends, I have a close knit group of girls that I like to work with. Having chemistry is super important when shooting, the better you know someone the most impact the photos will have. Being friends with the people I shoot is really important, I love to build these relationships because that's how I continue to do this as a full time job.
'Look in the mirror every day and say to yourself "I'm that bitch". That's worked for me!'
Mimi Kini: It can be a nerve wracking experiencing getting your photo taken. What are your tips for being confident and owning it in front of the lens?
Carianne: Well, my number one piece of advice is if you are a woman, work with other women photographers. Being confident in yourself comes with having your photo taken. I love to compliment others, I think that's a form of confidence. Look in the mirror every day and say to yourself "I'm that bitch". That's worked for me!
Mimi Kini: What do you love most about your body and why?
Carianne: My eyebrows! They are so amazing and unique, I think they tie my whole look together. I look just like my dad, we have the same eyebrows haha.
You can find more of Carianne's amazing work here.