Shortly after shooting our S2.15 campaign, we caught up with photographer Jessie Obialor, who captured the behind-the-scenes on-set. A truly passionate creative, it’s impossible not to be drawn to Jessie’s infectious personality as well as her incredible raw talent for capturing beautifully emotive images.

MIMCO: You recently worked on our Atomic Ranger campaign shoot. What was that experience like?

Jessie: I felt so privileged to work with such an amazing team! It was a fantastic experience. International model + styling on point + incredible photographer = bliss! The three days went so smoothly, and were a real creative collaboration. I was really impressed with the location and all members of the crew were so talented – amazing vibes all round.

Christian Blanchard and Cathryn Wills on set for MIMCO S2.15.

It was incredible for us to have Soo Joo on location in Melbourne. Tell us what was it like working with her?

I’ve been around lots of models over the past few years, but I really admired Soo Joo’s ability to just switch into shoot mode. She was professional, confident and down to earth – as well as being body aware. It was incredible to watch an international model do her thing and do it so well.

Soo Joo on set for MIMCO.

You shoot everything from runway shows, to street style and fashion editorials. Where did your career begin and what inspired you to pursue photography?

My career in photography started in 2011. I was working as a social worker, and my job was incredibly taxing, so I booked a flight to Europe for a month, and just decided to buy a camera. I was inspired by some amazing sites, especially in the Netherlands, and entered a competition that the ‘ABC’ were running. My work was exhibited and next thing I was shooting a designer’s collection from RMIT, I just fell in love with it! I jumped right in after that, learning so much along the way. I was lucky enough to shoot Melbourne Fashion Week, and the next year I was in London shooting fashion week, and the following year, NYC. I believe if it’s meant to be, it won’t pass you by, and it didn’t take long for me to realise I had found my niche – and my passion.

Louise Grey S/S 2013 runway, shot by Jessie.

What inspires your creativity when it comes to your work?

Working with the natural flow of the model really inspires my work, especially in my portraiture; I always aim to capture the essence of whoever I’m shooting. I love people and I find seeing the real person, full of strengths and vulnerabilities, so beautiful and inspiring..

In terms of individuals who have inspired my work, Patrick Demarchelier’s clean, classic style has impacted the way I use light to sculpt my own images. Mert & Marcus have opened my mind up to shooting with different colours and shapes, which I’d love to do more of, and Australian fashion blogger Margaret Zhang is constantly inspiring me to take my street style images to that next level.

The Red Carpet 100 Pump and the Stolen Stripes Scarf shot by jessie.

What have been some of the most memorable moments of your career so far?

Photographing Anna Wintour was a highlight for sure, I finally snapped her at London Fashion Week last year. Another highlight was photographing the Marc Jacobs show in NYC (2013). Grace Coddington and Cara Delevingne were there and it just had such an incredible vibe. Things like that just make me realise that if you can go there in mind, you’ll go there in body. Dream BIG.

Anna Wintour shot by Jessie Obialor at Topshop X Unique show, 2015.

You’re a passionate creative, which is something we love about you and your work. Who are some of the women that have inspired or continue to inspire you?

I came across Lisa Messenger a little under a year ago and purchased her book, Daring and Disruptive. What a lady! She inspired me to keep going, despite any setbacks I might come across. Her positive outlook on life and her own journey of persistence and determination, with The Collective, really gave me the confidence to believe that I can achieve anything. I was pleased to see she had collaborated with MIMCO recently.

Each of MIMCO’s collections are designed to appeal to every woman’s style. What does style mean to you?

Style to me is feeling confident with the woman within, and coming up with your own interpretation of what fashion is to you. Simple but striking is my favourite style, which is why I’m so drawn to MIMCO’s pieces. There’s something for everyone with a range varying from classic to super unique.

Has being surrounded by the vibrancy and creativity of the fashion industry for so long influenced your own style at all?

It has, honestly! After seeing some of the most stylish women and men attend international fashion weeks, I have noticed the most striking outfits are simple and clean, with a stand-out signature accessory. Keeping it simple, with good quality materials and the right shapes for your body means you’ll always exude confidence, and I’ve definitely taken this onboard; you’ll most likely catch me at a show in all black, with some killer leopard print heels.

You’ve spent some time in New York and London, but you’re based in Melbourne. What do you love most about this city?

Yes, I was born and raised in Melbourne, and I love it because it’s home. It’s such a creative hub, which I love being a part of. A Melbourne breakfast also runs rings around most places I’ve been in the world.

What does the rest of 2015 and beyond hold for you, Jessie?

I hope to head back over to NYC in September for fashion week, and work with some agencies. New York for me is the city of dreams, I really feel in sync when I am over there and I have met some amazing people and mentors.

Shop the Supersonica Couch and the Tactical Heel.

Follow Jessie on Instagram