I’m a big fan of unconventional portrait photography. The type that breaks the rules and offers a fresh perspective on the long-standing art form. Márcia Simões is a portrait photographer pushing the boundaries. Her work is fearless, it grips you.

A lot of the portrait photography you see online centers around perfection. The perfect subject, the perfect pose, the perfect shot. But, how much of that is a true reflection of humanity? Very little.

Being human is messy, confusing, and full of vulnerability - all of those things are beautiful. I say this because when I view Simões’ portrait photography, I see reality and it’s truly stunning. The so called imperfections of her work capture humanity perfectly.

A creative like this seldom sees the world like the average person. They feel more, they hurt more, they love more. Speaking with Simões supported the belief I had when I first saw her photography - she has a story to tell.

With that, I asked her to speak to Them Frames about her history, her view of the world and her exceptional portrait photography.

Meet Márcia Simões

Márcia Simões is a portrait photographer based in Lisbon, Portugal. Her artist name is Masimmo and since she was a child she has enjoyed drawing and painting, highlighting her passion for the arts. Along with photography Simões also has a passion for Cinema and movie directing.

Them Frames: Hey Márcia! From a law degree to now being a lead photographer and director. What was that transition like and why did it happen?

Márcia Simões: So, ever since I was little my interests were split between the creative field and justice. I was always that kid who would speak up for the underdogs and that remains true to this day.

After middle school all my friends were going to a “normal school” and I went alone to the only artistic school in Lisbon. After those three years I needed something different, I was in despair for a new topic, and that’s when I decided to take a break from the arts and study Law instead.

After three months there, I realized I was not going to change the world by being a Lawyer or a politician, it was a really tough moment for me.

Two years in and I decided to leave college. I was sick of that posh environment and the lack of creativity was draining my brain, I didn’t know who I was. After that pause I got back to college with the feeling that I was going to pursue Arts no matter what.

On the last year of Law, during summer vacations, I was with my Grandpa and sister at the beach. I remember perfectly being in the water with my sister taking pictures of her, in that moment I realized I wanted to be a photographer, that I was meant for that.

Them Frames: There’s often a dark, mysterious vibe to your portrait photography. Is that a reflection of who you are, or who you would like to be?

Márcia Simões: I tend to be a negative person, very melancholic, sad, and I cry a lot. The truth is that I feel more when those times come and I definitely can focus more on that mental journey.

They say when we are happy we are taken by the happiness drug and we disconnect with reality. Well, for me I need that sad feeling, the brutal reality, to be able to create. The dark and mysterious vibe are part of it.

Them Frames: I love your use of blur and softness in your portrait work. Why is that a creative component to your photography? Especially when portrait photographers are drilled about “having sharp photos”.

Márcia Simões: There’s a mystic vibe in my work, mostly due to the mystic feeling I have while doing it. It’s like I’m taken under a spell and my body is just a vehicle, I do what I am feeling at that moment. I take instructions from my gut.

The blur and softness tend to be what I instinctively go to, this almost dream I am in while creating. It’s like a drug. Going back to the other answer I gave, I need reality to travel on my dreams, and my sadness takes me to happiness. It is a weird and pure contradiction.

Them Frames: Your artistic name is Masimmo. Personality wise, what are the differences between Masimmo and Márcia and how does each of them influence your photography?

Márcia Simões: I never thought of them as two different individuals. Masimmo was created because I needed a username on Instagram, back in 2012. I’ve always liked other names than having my own there.

It was a necessity and personal choice combined. I like to have this strong identity. To have a name that people recognize and connect to me. In the end I am Masimmo and Márcia Simões, all at the same time.

Them Frames: How do you direct your subjects? What do you feel helps them fully connect to the message you're trying to create?

Márcia Simões: My relation with the people I photograph is always about syncing energy. I first like to have a chat with them, get to know the basics of their personality, and then I take the camera, with no fuss and pressure.

I am a voyeur and I tell them, “I am here to observe, forget about my presence”. For me the most important attribute to capture someone is the naturality, the ease of being, and that is when I can get the power they have in their face and eyes. For me my favorite people to shoot are non professional models, the real people.

Them Frames: Your ideas; do you take time to sit and be present and let them arrive, or do they come to you in the middle of the night when you’re trying to sleep?

Márcia Simões: I laughed reading this question because my dreams are too freaky and wild for me to almost reproduce them in reality. But, I sometimes get ideas from there.

My brain creates entire movies while I am asleep. The majority of ideas I get are really from when I am living my normal life, or passing some interesting light when driving in my car. Sometimes I randomly get ideas at night when I am just thinking, or watching a movie.

Them Frames: If you could pick a song or artist/band to be the soundtrack to your portfolio, which would it be and why?

Márcia Simões: I can say I watched this artist live and he is one of my favorite composers, Hans Zimmer. His body of work has the intensity and drama I put on my photography, so it makes total sense to mention him.

Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…

Márcia Simões: without it I am nothing.

You can see more work from Márcia Simões by visiting her Instagram and portfolio.

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