Fashion has always been a collaborative effort. Beyond the glamor of the catwalks and campaigns lies a tightly-knit network of people—stylists, photographers, set designers, producers, assistants—each playing a part in creating the final visual. For many in the industry, it’s the people behind the scenes who leave the lasting impact, not just the clothes. Over time, this becomes clearer: it’s the shared experiences and creative partnerships that linger, not the fabric or labels.
This sentiment was front and center during the AW25 coverage at New Wave, particularly during preparations for Paris Fashion Week. Amid the whirlwind, Raphaele Sohier, a photographer whose work had already made a quiet but strong impression, was invited to join the team. Known for a visual style that combines intimacy with grit, her images cut through the overly polished, algorithm-friendly sea of modern fashion photography. Her presence brought a unique energy to the team—her lens added a human warmth that elevated the entire experience.
Though the week passed by in a typical blur, Raphaele’s work stood out. It gave life and emotion to the coverage in a way that was both fresh and deeply personal. That initial collaboration soon led to more, affirming her talent and impact. With increasing conversations around AI-generated models and the digital automation of creative jobs, including H&M’s recent venture into AI fashion modeling, the importance of real human connection feels more urgent than ever. At the heart of fashion, it’s still the relationships and the emotional resonance behind the work that matter most.
To explore this further, a conversation with Raphaele offered insight into her creative world. She shared her beginnings in photography, inspired early on by her father’s camera and a natural draw to visual storytelling. Though her early focus was on basketball and school, photography remained a constant companion. It wasn’t until later that she began to treat it more seriously, eventually turning it into a career.
Her inspirations span from well-known photographers like Elizabeta Parodina, Aidan Zamiri, and Gabriel Moses, to spontaneous, everyday moments. She credits her growth to this mixture of professional admiration and observational curiosity. While she’s been working professionally for over two years, the art of photography has lived with her much longer, occupying the core of her creative life.
Fashion photography, for Raphaele, goes far beyond snapping beautiful images. It’s about crafting stories through visual expression. She emphasizes the artistry involved—composition, lighting, styling, and atmosphere—and how every element must work together to communicate emotion and intention. That difference, she notes, is what sets fashion work apart from other forms of photography.
When asked about the rise of AI models and the potential impact on photographers, Raphaele remains optimistic. She sees AI as a tool that may shift industry norms but ultimately cannot replace genuine human creativity. There’s something essential, she believes, about the interaction and collaboration between people. While changes are inevitable, she trusts that the authenticity of the human experience will continue to matter.
Among her proudest achievements are campaigns with Vogue Arabia and a deeply collaborative project with a Montreal-based team. These experiences reminded her of what’s possible when creatives come together with shared goals and values. Her advice for aspiring photographers is simple but meaningful: stay authentic. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-awareness, noting that being mentally grounded allows for better creative output.
Of course, the industry has its challenges. Raphaele admits that consistency can be hard to maintain and that creatives often struggle with never feeling fully satisfied with their work. That constant pursuit of something better can be both motivating and exhausting, sometimes leading to burnout. Yet, these hurdles are balanced by the joy of working with people who share the same vision and passion.
Describing her shooting process, Raphaele begins with a strong concept—either her own or developed in collaboration with a client. From there, she assembles a team, ensuring everyone is aligned on the vision. On the day of the shoot, it’s all about refining the technical aspects: setting up lights, adjusting the camera, and ensuring that every frame matches the intended mood. She notes how crucial lighting is, recalling how she once relied on a flashlight, but now focuses on more advanced setups to support her evolved style.
Post-production, she shares, is where the magic happens. It’s her favorite part of the process, allowing her to tweak and shape the final image into something more refined. It involves trial, error, and creative play, something she finds endlessly fulfilling.
Setting up a shoot involves much more than just showing up with a camera. From scouting locations and coordinating with stylists to ensuring a unified aesthetic through makeup and wardrobe, it’s all part of a larger narrative. Creative direction is essential, and every decision needs to align with the overall vision.
A typical day for Raphaele varies depending on whether she’s shooting. On shoot days, she starts early, reviewing concepts and planning lighting setups that accommodate different skin tones, backdrops, and textures. On non-shoot days, her time is spent editing, handling administrative work, updating her portfolio, and sourcing inspiration. She stresses the importance of rest, noting how burnout can stifle creativity. She also spends time making mood boards, exploring beyond Pinterest to diversify her influences.
For those trying to break into photography, Raphaele recommends working as an assistant or taking on production roles. These positions offer practical exposure to the behind-the-scenes mechanics of the industry. Her own time in experiential production led her to a mentor who provided invaluable technical knowledge and advice on gear and workflow.
If she weren’t a photographer, she imagines herself in a health-related field, possibly kinesiology—an interest sparked by her basketball years and the care she received from her kinesiologist during frequent injuries. That connection between physical care and creative focus still influences how she approaches her life and work.
Finding work, she explains, comes down to networking, social media presence, and word of mouth. Pitching ideas and building relationships with other creatives has been vital to her journey. In the beginning, it required relentless outreach, but over time, that hustle has brought her closer to her dream clients.
To those hoping to enter the industry, Raphaele offers words of encouragement. Yes, it’s fast-paced and often overwhelming, but for those who thrive on creativity and constant learning, it’s a deeply rewarding path. As long as they remain open, adaptable, and dedicated to growth, there’s space for everyone with something genuine to offer.
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