I met Miriam Marlene both as an artist and as a friend, and I was left speechless. A camera always in her bag, colored hair, and a sense of wonder that never fades Miriam approaches life with the same curiosity that defines her photographs. Since she began taking pictures at the age of thirteen, photography has been her way to connect, to observe, and to hide a little. Her world is built through film, spontaneity, and humor, where every frame carries traces of playfulness and sincerity. Whether she's asking a friend to eat grapes with their feet or photographing icons, Miriam keeps her gaze honest and human.

Her photographs, often tinted with surreal or nostalgic tones, balance the unexpected with tenderness. Between fantasy and everyday encounters, she creates visual stories that don't just document they feel alive. Her zines, her dog Lou, her adventures in nature, and her fascination with randomness all feed into this strange and beautiful ecosystem. For Miriam, photography isn't about control but about trust in timing, in accidents, in intuition. What results is a universe both intimate and absurd, where the line between artist and subject gently disappears.

Miriam, how was Paris for you?

Thank you for asking! Paris was great, I did some personal shootings and some backstage work. I also visited the smallest street and the oldest house in Paris.

Are there any artists or musicians you dream of photographing?

It's hard to choose just one, but I definitely dreaming of capturing Iggy Pop with his pet cockatoo Biggy Pop, Nina Hagen, and Alice Cooper. Alice Cooper was my first CD I ever bought, and I love full circle moments like that.

Can you tell me about a completely random obsession you've had recently something totally unnecessary but that makes you ridiculously happy?

Haha, actually, slingshots! Whenever I take my dog for a walk, I come across so many sticks that would make perfect slingshots.

You always photograph music artists or prominent fashion figures, not just models. How do you choose these people?

Hmm, I don’t really think to much about it. I ask people who I find interesting to capture or they ask me..

You've photographed iconic artists and celebrities. How do you approach subjects with such strong personalities without losing your own style?
I feel like I photographer a lot of people I share a style with / or I try to take timeless portraits.

How do you balance full creative control with the spontaneity that emerges from your subjects or unexpected situations?

For me spontaneity drives the photoshoot, I like to capture what’s happening in the moment. Like the weather or people walking through the picture. I did once a photoshoot in Mexico and a huge iguana appeared unexpectedly, it was a total coincidental moment that’s made it the highlight of the shoot.

Tell me about your dog Lou, I know she's important to you, has she helped you through difficult times?
For sure, she’s a great companion! I grew up with animals, being around them makes me happy.

I'll be honest, Miriam, you've photographed at least 5 artists I've dreamed of since I was a child. What does it feel like to photograph these great artists?

I remember many years ago photographing a famous actor, I was nervously itching my nose and he looked at me and ask “what’s up with your nose?” And I said “it’s itchy” haha

Now im definitely more calm and have more experience and don’t see them as different people. I would get more nervous by their managers than the actual person photographing.

What do you miss the most from your teenage years?

Beeing all the time with my twin sister. Now we live in different cities and living completely different lives.

““Film photos feel more real, and when I shoot on film, I take fewer pictures Iit helps me concentrate more on each shot.””

— Miriam Marlene

If your photography were a song, which one would it be and why?

“I got a camera by wild man Fischer”

When you're not photographing the world or dressing people as Ronald McDonald, what's the weird little ritual that keeps you sane?
Going on adventures in nature, Listening to true crime podcasts or crafting at home

Which song, if played on repeat, would perfectly sum up the chaos and joy of your life right now?
Red zebra - I can’t live in a living room

Have you ever done something completely impulsive on set that ended up being a favorite shot?
I ask my friend to eat grapes with her feet!

You started photographing at 13 as a way to hide behind the camera. Do you still feel a little "hidden" behind your lens, or has it become a way to show yourself?

It’s definitely still helps me to connect with people way easier in a way I wouldn’t if I wasn’t taking pictures. I think still hiding a bit.

You've said LA attracts "crazy people" that you love photographing. Can you describe a moment when someone completely unpredictable ended up creating your favorite shot?

I did a photo shoot with a musician, and we had the idea to create a shot of him pretending to fall down a staircase. However, he ended up genuinely sliding down headfirst! Thankfully, he didn't get hurt, but I'm pretty sure that wasn't his plan. The picture turned out really fun!

The Ronald McDonald shoot shows your love for playful aesthetics. Are there other brands, icons, or characters you dream of turning into a surreal photoshoot?

I would love to do a surreal photoshoot for a McDonald’s veggie burger.

What do you do when you're not taking pictures how do you recharge?

Sleeping haha

What do you expect in 2026, or rather, perhaps it's anxiety-provoking, what do you expect in the future?

That does bring me a lot of anxiety, I hope I will do a photo book or some exhibition. Or both!

You mostly shoot in analog and rarely use post-processing. Was that a conscious decision from the start, or something that developed over time?

I prefer to keep things quite simple regarding gear and post-production. Too many options can be overwhelming for me. Film photos feel more real, and when I shoot on film, I tend to take fewer pictures, which helps me concentrate more on capturing each shot.

Your images often feel like fantasy worlds or dreamscapes. How much part is fantasy and how much is autobiographical?

I take comfort in fantasy, so I wouldn’t say my work is autobiographical. My images focus more on what I feel drawn to rather than revealing my personal story. They serve as a platform for my imagination, allowing me to create dreamlike worlds without necessarily exposing much of myself.

When you publish or share a project, do you prefer people to interpret it freely or do you want them to feel what you felt?

Generally, I find it fascinating how different people interpret what they see in their own unique ways. It would be cool to achieve that they feel what I felt.

You've created zines and personal projects. how different is that experience compared to working on commissions for magazines or clients?

The zines and personal projects are without any pressure to achieve a specific result. Different to commission where there is mood boards and more pressure.

Has there ever been a shoot where reality completely exceeded your imagination?

I remember a shoot at the beach where the most unexpected sunset happened. A sky I’ve never seen in my life before!

What's the most recent image you've made that made you feel truly excited?

I discovered a bird's nest on the street, brought it home, and took some photos of it. I was fascinated by the effort it must have taken to build the nest, with tiny sticks woven together and mixed with feathers and various materials the bird had gathered.

What is love to you?

My family.

I'd really like you to talk about your concept of fashion and friendship. Do you think friends canwork together, or is it detrimental? Have you had any experiences?

I’ve made some of my closest friends through photography, and collaborating with them on creative projects is my absolute favorite! Whenever I have the opportunity to choose a team for a job, I try to work with friends.