Networking with people, forming connections, learning about new cultures and cultivating communities of like-minded people is not only exciting every time that I collaborate with photographers, creators or brands, but a learning experience in itself. The content I make, speaks about my niche, speaks about my personality as an individual. More than making a profit or gaining publicity, it’s the process of working with a like-minded individual that enhances the entire experience for me.
Skin: A Photoshoot with Casey Cunningham (@bohemianblooms)
Casey Cunningham (the crazy plant lady), is a portrait photographer. She has a Bachelor in Fine Arts in photography and has a passion for everything vintage. Casey has always loved nature and that shows in her gorgeous studio apartment where these moments have been shot. She has tried to incorporate a rather “bohemian” look to her apartment (also the studio she uses for photoshoots) and has a separate area for her small business work within the studio.
Casey and I met at a vintage market where she was a vendor and I was the photographer. We instantly hit it off. One thing I love about Casey is how grounded and positive she is. No matter the success, no matter the hardships thrown her way, she makes it out with a smile on her face and send out such an important message that life does not have to be bad, you can take control of it anytime you want. It’s yours.
The concept behind this photoshoot was simple. Feeling confident in my own skin and thanking every single part of my body for getting me through times when I thought I was too weak. Moreover, this session with Casey was a goodbye to the past. A farewell to the countless times I have been told to cover up, wear clothes that do not show my “strawberry” skin and had close ones tell me how essential it was for me to “change” the way my body looked.
Divinity: Jewelery photography for Haley Made Shop (@haleymadeshop)
Haley is a is the founder of Haley Made Jewellery, based in Toronto. She dropped out of college in 2022 and began pursuing her dreams of being an entrepreneur. Haley was diagnosed with Lupis (an autoimmune disease) back in 2021. However, this does not stop her from creating her art and taking over every single day like a boss.
Haley and I met at the Hippie Vintage Market where she vended her products in her “pastel palace.” One thing led to another and this collaboration came into existence.
(Model in-frame: Tatiana Urosova)
Cocktails in Goa: A two part cocktail focused video for @thebeachsidegoa and @artjunagoa
Creating videos from “different perspectives” that provide a little glimpse into a place, when I am travelling is very important to me. These cocktail videos were unplanned, I was sitting by the bar with my friend and it popped into my head! Why not create a video of my favourite cocktail – the Cosmopolitan at The Beachside Hostel, Goa and a new one I have never tried before – the Jamunji (a Jamun Daiquiri) at Artjuna, Goa. The bartenders were extremely kind and accommodated every request to redo the cocktail making steps. Kudos and a huge thank you!
The Unconventional Mumbai: A series of short videos
My hometown, my pride and my place of tranquility – Mumbai, India. Every time I go back, I am transported back in time, when I would go out for late night drives with my parents, friends, take a stroll along the Gateway of India, deliberately take the local transport to explore the city and most importantly, so I could meet new people and experience what “sonder” truly meant, in person.
These little, poetic videos capture the essence of Mumbai from the perspective of a creative, out on a little stroll with her Nikon camera and a vision in her mind.
Sia Shete 