What stands out most about Marianne’s work is how clean and intentional it feels. Her striking low-key portraits and strong, simple lines give each frame a clear sense of focus, letting the story come through without distraction. A scroll down Marianne’s profile reveals a beautiful progression over time, as her work becomes more minimal, more refined, and more story-driven with each passing week. This week marks Marianne Phiri’s 215th frame in the project!

-Yosef

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Name: Marianne Phiri

Current All-Time Streak: 215

Joined 52Frames: February 2022

Your “walk-around” gear right now:

Sony A7iii and Sony A6000

The place you call home:

Sonderborg, Southern Denmark

Your life in 30 words or less

Photographer, winter swimmer, sun lover, gin drinker, party girl, island hopper, grower of plants, knitter, horse lover, sinologist. Mother, daughter, wife, friend.

Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that show your evolution as a photographer?

What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?

Black and white minimalism is my thing right now. I love making portraits of the people I love, it makes so much sense to me. Even self-portraits have become a go-to. I like the black negative space to put my subject on the spot and let the eye dwell and the heart get drawn in.

If you’d asked me in my first year of 52Frames, I would have shaken my head in disbelief to hear that I would prefer to make images of people.

What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?

How did you find out about 52Frames?

My dear friend and framer Steph Di-Ti kept nudging me. She is also my first camera pusher. I’m forever grateful, Steph!

What submission are you most proud of and why?

I am proud of this image because I intentionally and successfully worked the artificial light. I have been very hesitant to use artificial light even after I bought the small equipment I have. But with this image I proved to myself that I can do it. Set up is in the garden on a sunny afternoon, we are in the shade against a white wall. Hubby just came back from CrossFit heading for the shower. Set up with a bare flash and high f-stop to close out the ambient light. I just needed to darken the shadows a bit and remove odd stuff from the wall.

One tip you’d like to share?

Get into a mini group. A good mini group who supports you and helps you grow. Nurtures friendships and trust even if you will never meet. I started out in the awesome Pixie52 group and it inspired me to start a Danish Framer group that has developed beyond expectations.

The relations we have and the passions we share are so enriching. There is always a shoulder to cry on and a choir to cheer for you, but most importantly that little advice on how to make your image just a tad better. And don’t panic if it’s not perfect, there is always another chance next week.

Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?

I get to pick up my camera at least once each week and be creative. Honestly, I don’t think I would pick up the camera much during the long dark months of winter … Now I have a purpose. A purpose that pushes me to improve, try something new, think of a new concept, try out a new idea, create an image on a topic I have never even thought about, how to get the week’s image into my minimalist style, how to tell a good story…

After 4 years, time for photography is embedded in my weekly schedule and has a certain priority. Oh, and I love the community, Framers are just awesome people.

To view Marianne’s profile on 52Frames, click here: