Julie Mvie, fine art and black & white photographer based in Libreville, Gabon

My name is Julie Mvie. I am a self-taught photographer born in 1998 in Gabon. I have been dedicated to photography for six years, turning my passion into a profession. My artistic work focuses on body language and the beauty of Black skin, developing a unique style that blends sensitivity with a distinctive perspective on human expression.

My photographs are marked by emotional depth, often whimsical, and have a raw aesthetic that highlights the diversity and richness of Black skin. I am a dreamer who lets her sometimes dark imagination unfold freely through each project and encounter.

How did you first become interested in photography?

I’ve been passionate about photography since my teenage years. The real spark came in late 2017 while watching a wildlife documentary. There was a stunning sunset filmed in slow motion. It felt like a far-fetched reason to start a career, so I let time pass. Occasionally, I would film the sunsets behind my house.

I officially got into photography after graduating high school in 2019. I had no plans for higher education, and I wasn’t sure if I could make a living, especially since I was just filming with my phone. But one thing was sure: I refused to follow a depressing university path to please my father.

So, I took a risk and started looking for a company in the audiovisual field, hoping to meet people and take my first steps. The only thing I knew about photography then was my love for black and white, nothing more. That’s when I discovered photojournalism and institutional photography. It was 2019. I stayed there for a year before going entirely self-taught to focus on portrait photography.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

I specialise in fine art, fashion and black-and-white photography.

• Fashion for the pop aspect.
• Fine art because I love the fantasy and surreal effect it allows me to bring to my projects.
• Black & white for its timeless and historical aspect — I want my photos to leave a lasting mark over time.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

Of course! My photographic work is driven by several strong themes, including body language, identity, uniqueness, and social contrasts. Every image I capture seeks to tell a story, reveal raw emotions, and create a visual dialogue with the viewer.

Through projects like Adam or Une âme pour deux, I explore identity resonances and the reflections others send back to us. My approach aims to blur the boundaries between the visible and the invisible, between the self and the other.

My goal is to encourage people to relate, feel, and question their perception of the world. I want my images to serve as bridges between individuals, sparking curiosity, empathy, and introspection. Above all, photography is a universal language that helps create connections.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

One of the moments I am most proud of in my photography career is my first publication on the PhotoVogue website in December 2023. It was an important recognition of my work and a significant milestone in my artistic journey.

But what truly exceeded my expectations was an experience I had long hoped for but did not fully know what it would feel like until I experienced it: meeting several artists and having the opportunity to exhibit my work.

In May 2024, I participated in an artist residency, an enriching experience that allowed me to exchange ideas, create, and further affirm my artistic vision.

What's been the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

Last year, I worked on a project for a client in a field that isn’t my speciality: interior photography. The assignment was to film a piece of art I wasn’t experienced in.

Unfortunately, the shoot didn’t go as planned, and I had to refund the client. This experience taught me that being a photographer isn’t always enough; you must master your field before taking on specific projects.

Not every story has a happy ending… but every experience comes with a lesson!

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

I have been admiring photographer Yannis Davy for several years now. His mastery of colours, shots, and storytelling truly inspires me. If I were to collaborate with any artist one day, it would undoubtedly be him.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

The best advice I can give someone starting out is not to be intimidated by the equipment. Be patient with yourself because you will face failures, but they will help shape the artist in you. Work on your method and character, and most importantly, be true to yourself.