MPB Meets: Travel & Fashion Photographer Evangelina Fysa

Portrait, fashion and travel photographer Evangelina Fysa @evangelinafysa, a former journalist at London Fashion Week and Dazed Media, is founder of creative agency Bungalow 28, co-founder of sustainable clothing brand Tallulah Rose and member of nonprofit organisation No More Plastic @nomoreplasticco. We caught up with Evangelina to discuss her kit choices, her process of storytelling and what drives her.

MPB: How did you start your photographic journey?

EF: I think I was born with a camera attached to my body! My forays into photography began from a really young age. The sense of being an outsider was somehow fundamental, and presumably the reason why I fell into this world. It was my way to communicate since I did not speak much. There was always the camera and the lens in between. Your point of view and how you want to express it. 

The journey clearly takes place in the digital age, yet stylistically my work is infused with timelessness and an innate sense of storytelling. I had stumbled upon Francine Crescent’s French Vogue and I was enthralled by the photography of Helmut Newton. I would devour those magazines because the visuals were exceptional. And I would think to myself “how do they come up with those ideas, those concepts and everything?”. I was looking at that, extremely intrigued. 

MPB: Can you tell us more about your travel photography in India?

EF: I was walking in the monsoon without an umbrella or rain boots. Trains were delayed. A wall collapsed with the added weight of water. Notices were posted about the risk of landslides in hilly areas of the city. Whilst I was trying to balance under those gloomy skies completely drenched, a local uttered with relief, “India smiles today. And it is a free shower for all.” This was a definitive moment and lesson in gratitude. Despite the country’s economic woes, natural disasters and conflicts—there’s always a smile. After this encounter, I never complained about the rain. 

MPB: What kit do you use for your travel photography?

EF: I carry with me a Canon EOS 6D Mark II and my father’s vintage prime lens. It has a fixed focal length at 135mm for capturing moments from moving vehicles or for isolating a subject that is far away. Macro lenses for portraits and other details and, of course, battery packs and memory cards.

MPB: In terms of travel photography, do you believe the phrase ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’?

EF: Yes, I believe that an image should be able to tell a story on its own. For me, photography will always be an exceptional catalyst for unfettered creative expression and emotion. 

MPB: Can you tell us how you shot your favourite travel photography?

EF: There aren’t any particular steps—I see a moment and I do my best to capture it as is. One of my favourite images is of a couple in Paris gazing at the Eiffel Tower. I wanted the photograph to be real and untouched, I wanted the rawness of their love; pure and authentic. I deliberately focused on the Eiffel Tower, instead of the couple, as I wanted to allow the viewer to create and imagine their own story. 

MPB: You portray people in a genuine manner with beautiful warm light. How would you describe your photographic vision? 

EF: Thank you. I combine originality with staying power. My photographic work—be it fashion or travel—is an exercise in broadening boundaries and exploring fresh, new angles that fuel this creative passion. Never confined to the realm of one singular subject, I aim for a highly-lauded, 360-degree work in fashion, travel and beyond. Which is why I believe that creatives should never be limited by industry or medium. I love re-envisioning high-profile editorial work from the 60s and 70s, hence the grain structure, black-and-white, and warm lights. Ultimately, I would say that my work is a blend of French and American sensibilities and musical and youth subcultures. 

MPB: Do you have anything exciting on the horizon that you can tell us about?

EF: Bungalow 28 will become a full–service creative agency and digital publication within the next couple of months. Strategic thinking and artful expression are the common thread across all capabilities, including film, photography, print, digital, experiential and everything in between. I am looking for a gallery and I am finally printing all my work. 

Looking for more travel photography content?

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Travel Photography, our comprehensive look at the travel photography genre with advice, recommended camera equipment and interviews with some of the most exciting travel photographers today.