Creative Freedom: Dahlia Mallebranche

For Dahlia Mallebranche, curiosity is often where the creative process begins. She pays close attention to the small details that influence how people see themselves, from the way makeup can affect someone’s confidence to how clothing can change the way they carry themselves. These observations often become the starting point for her photography, allowing her to turn everyday moments into visual stories. Her relationship with art began early through her mother’s eclectic collection of antique and historical pieces, which introduced her to different forms of beauty and shaped her attraction to abstraction.

Connection has become an important part of how Dahlia photographs people. Naturally introverted, she sees creating comfort as part of her responsibility behind the camera, taking the time to relate to her subjects and step into their world so they can express themselves freely. She has also learned to let go of perfection and the need to control every outcome. Instead, she allows unexpected moments to shape the work, finding freedom in what emerges beyond the original plan.

Now, Dahlia is looking toward other mediums and returning to painting, a practice she explored before photography became her focus. Her work continues to be guided by a desire to create beauty that can move others to create for themselves. In the following conversation, she reflects on curiosity, vulnerability, and creative freedom while considering what becomes possible when she releases the need for everything to be perfect.

“I’ve had to unlearn that not everything is going to be perfect and the way you planned. Life happens, and letting go of control is freeing.
— Dahlia Mallebranche

WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?

I think what drives my creativity is my curiosity. I pay attention to little details like how makeup affects how someone feels about themselves, or how clothes can change the way someone carries themselves. I like taking these observations and turning them into visual stories.

HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR CULTURAL HERITAGE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE AND CREATE ART?

My mother always appreciated art, so I grew up with her buying antique pieces like Greek statues, Renaissance-like paintings, wooden Asian carved coffee tables, etc. Her art sense was a bit abstract, so I guess naturally I was drawn to abstract art myself.

WHAT ROLE DOES VULNERABILITY PLAY IN YOUR WORK?

Vulnerability is where I find a lot of the beauty in my work. Photographing people, first of all, puts me in a vulnerable space. I'm naturally introverted, but I feel that it's my job to make the person I'm shooting feel comfortable enough to be photographed. Whatever I have to do, I try to relate to them and step into their world so they can feel free to express themselves.

ARE THERE ANY ROUTINES, RITUALS, OR HABITS THAT HELP GROUND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?

I believe in God, so as long as I stay connected to Him, my creativity will always be flowing.

WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN INSPIRATION DISAPPEARS?

Discipline in this circumstance is still showing up even when I don't feel like it. I think it's natural to have creative blocks, so I use that time to focus on something else until I feel like creating again.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE HAD TO UNLEARN IN ORDER TO GROW CREATIVELY?

I've had to unlearn that not everything is going to be perfect and the way you planned. Life happens, and letting go of control is freeing. Sometimes the outcome comes out better than your original plan.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS TRULY FINISHED?

I know a piece is truly finished when I'm comfortable sharing it with everyone.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE, AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE THEMES OR EMOTIONS EMERGING IN YOUR WORK?

I think this chapter is me coming out of a dark tunnel, and I'm finally starting to see the light at the end. Oddly enough, I don't think it reflects in my work because I don't really create work based on my emotions as much anymore.

IN AN ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONSTANT VISIBILITY, HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE VISION WHILE ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE?

I'm not one to talk a lot, so I used to think that I had to talk on social media to get people to notice me. But sometimes just simply posting me dancing, or my outfits, or just posting my work really does more of the talking.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE NEXT?

I'm excited to explore different mediums. I used to paint before I started photography, and I've been itching to get back to that for a while.

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE EMERGING ARTIST'S ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR FAIR COMPENSATION AND PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK?

This is something I'm still learning to put my foot down with, but it's okay to raise your rates, especially if you're doing it full-time. The more you improve at your work, so does your value. So don't be afraid to raise your rates, because the right clients will pay for it.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK HAS ON THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE IT?

I hope when people see my work and see the beauty in it, it'll inspire them to create something beautiful too. Because that's what art does to me.