Malaurie Accrombessi, editorial photographer based in Cotonou

Malaurie Accrombessi is a 26-year-old Senegalo-Beninese freelance visual storyteller living between Paris and Cotonou. Working across photography, creative direction, and curation, she crafts striking narratives rooted in what she describes as dystopic realism, a style that merges editorial portraiture with documentary flair, often placing subjects and landscapes from seemingly different worlds into one frame.

Her work explores themes of identity, cultural intimacy, politics, ritual, and human connection, with a strong focus on symbolism, contrast, and visual tension. Through both personal projects and brand collaborations, Malaurie creates emotionally layered and culturally resonant imagery. She is currently co-developing Le Club des Fadas, a creative members' club and studio space in Cotonou dedicated to supporting and nurturing emerging talent across the continent.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

MEGATRON: FULL OF LIFE, NEVER TIRED, PASSIONATE, AUTHENTIC, STRIVING, OPEN, MRS WORLDWIDE.

How did you first get into photography? Was there a specific moment, person, or inspiration that sparked your passion for capturing images?

I always loved to capture moments and always had a camera from an early age as I was always a nostalgic person. Then I took a cinematography course at school, and my teacher thought I was a good cinematographer and encouraged me to get into photography. She convinced me to submit my work to a photo contest.

I went on vacation, organized a photoshoot with my cousin, came back, submitted it, and won the jury’s prize. From then I gained confidence and decided to start exploring that side of me, the rest is history.

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

Editorial portraiture mixed with a documentary flair, I would say. It came naturally to me, but my inspiration comes from fashion and documentary photography.

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

Identity, culture and cultural intimacy, women, contrast and clashes.

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

I think it hasn’t happened yet. I tend to be quite hard on myself, and I think I will be proud once I’ve made work that has a real impact and instills my cultural legacy.

I guess I’m just proud of my journey as a creative and as a whole, because it is my reality.

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

Finding my style and universe (I’m quite a hectic and eclectic person), exposure and access. But to be fair, I believe in God’s timing, my talent, and I have a motto:

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

I mean, most of my people are in the industry, so all the gang. But I guess Solange or Spike Lee.

As for brands, maybe LOEWE, OTTOLINGER, or Adidas. That’s really superficial to me though. As my career develops, I’d love to work in publicity, cultural diplomacy, or anything that entices change.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I think it’s a wonderful platform. It is really important to highlight African photographers and creatives. As I also work in production, my phobia is when they import creatives from abroad when we have the resources here.

54Ruum is a creative data tool and I hope it reaches far and wide.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

Hmmm… it still needs development. I think people need to really understand the roles and function of the industry as a whole. The art space is validated, but not the creative side. Also, there’s a lack of platforms, organisms, and institutions to host and promote these agents.

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

BE YOU. PRACTICE, AND NEVER STOP LEARNING. BE REALISTIC AND HONEST WITH OTHERS AND YOURSELF, IN HEART, MIND, AND ACTIONS.