Hat by Cecilio Leather Designs
Leaopard Dress by Harry Halim

Sequoia Emmanuelle is a Los Angeles based photographer and director, who is known for her amazing and unique art direction and lighting style. She made her indelible mark in the world of fashion and photography through her creative talents in fashion design, set design, painting, film, wardrobe styling and graphic design. Her photographs have appeared on album art and in advertising campaigns, gallery shows, music videos, and she has appeared in numerous magazines and publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, V Magazine, Paper, Flaunt, and Photobook Magazine.

**Left:**
Divide crop top by Vex Latex
Streamline Knickers by Vex Latex
Lucifer Gloves by Vex Latex
Earrings / Bracelet by Bjorn Van Den Berg
**Right:**
Long Sleeve Patent Leather stop by Maria Hoermanseder
Gloves by Lillian Shalom
Bra by Vex Latex

How did you get started as a photographer?
Photography came into my life very early. I was around 3 years old, when my mom took me to an event at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. I was dancing at the party and a man named Phil saw me spinning in a long skirt, and he started taking photos of me. That led him to meeting my mom and offering her the photos of me. One thing led to another and they fell in love and we moved in with him.

From that point on, photography became a prominent part of my life and my relationship with Phil. It would become our bond and our regular hobby together to do photoshoots on location or in our home studio. Phil was a unique and artistic man, who loved portrait and fashion photography, and had an amazing collection of vintage hats, jewelry, and clothing. My mother was also wildly creative and was a painter and costume designer at that time. So, the three of us were always creating together, and I was learning and soaking up so much technique and creative influence from both of them. I don't remember my life without photography and photo shoots. It just feels that I was meant to be a photographer and artist. It was my destiny.

Still to this day, one of my favorite things to do is to get on the other side of the lens and be the subject of the photo shoot. I love getting my hair, make-up, and styling done and to be in the fantasy. It's so much fun and reminds me of when I was growing up and doing shoots with Phil. It also helps me to understand how it feels to be in my client’s shoes. It can be awkward and uncomfortable sometimes seeing yourself on film or video.. but when someone captures you the right way, it's so special and something you have forever. I think everyone should do shoots to capture different times and transformations in your life. You don't have to be an artist or entertainer to do it. it's a beautiful gift to give yourself or a loved one.

I jumped at the opportunity with this interview to put together a photoshoot of myself, in the style that I shoot others. I wanted to be in a fun and colorful environment, to be in full glam, and I have never worn latex before, but I shoot people in it all the time, so we went with a latex theme for my Photobook shoot. I was surprised how much I loved wearing it. This shoot represents my superhero self.

**Left:**
Red Leather widebrim Hat by Cecilio Leather Designs
Rex Divide Catsuit by Vex Latex
**Right:**
Divide crop top by Vex Latex
Streamline Knickers by Vex Latex
Lucifer Gloves by Vex Latex
Earrings / Bracelet by Bjorn Van Den Berg
Boots by Model’s Own

What inspires you as a photographer?
People inspire me the most. I love how much of a story you can capture in one image, one pose, or facial expression. I love faces. I love fashion, color, set design, and the overall style of things. My favorite things are amazing locations and sets in combination with everything: hair, make-up, styling, lighting, etc. I just love the fantasy of all of it coming together.

What project that you have worked on changed your career or perspective?
That is a tough question to answer because there are so many projects that have influenced my career and perspective. One thing that comes to mind is that when I started to get more into directing motion and doing more music videos, it made me think in a completely different way than I do for still photography. It has also been interesting to shift my role from shooting with the camera to that of director and producer for large productions of people. From start to finish you have to think of so many more things than just pre-production, creating the right team, storyboard, script, tools, equipment, angles, speed, editing, post, etc.. It's been a great challenge and I learn a lot every time I do it. It also pushes me as a leader and communicator, and I love that.

Full Look by Vex Latex
Boots by Model’s Own

Outside of photography, how do you like to spend your free time?
I love to travel and see the world. I love to experience different cultures and environments. It's so inspiring. I love taking trips with groups of friends. Before Covid hit, I was a big art and music festival girl. I love to go out and do the nightlife parties and events, especially around arts and fashion. Any excuse to dress up! I have an enormous collection of fun clothes and fashion that needs to be used. However, when I am not out being social, I love being home, cooking yummy healthy food, working out, drinking wine, being with my family, binge watching shows or movies and snuggling with my dog.

Long Sleeve Patent Leather stop by Maria Hoermanseder
White Vinyl Gloves by Mikhael Kale
Rex Divide Catsuit by Vex Latex
Belt by Model’s Own
Shoes by Model’s Own

Do you have any projects coming up or in the works?
I always have many projects in the works, but I am excited about a special secret project that involves another book. I won't say much else but it's a certain theme that might be unexpected and a fun surprise for people.

Currently, we just released a new music video for YellaCatt called "The Show." It's something I am so proud of and one of my favorite music videos I have ever directed. You can watch it at:

https://youtu.be/3ZunhyqA4Hg. I have another one coming up soon for Rachele Royale called "Haus of Royale" that we're editing now. I'm excited about it too!

Long Sleeve Patent Leather stop by Maria Hoermanseder
Gloves by Lillian Shalom
Bra by Vex Latex

What advice would you give young people considering careers in photography?
Find your own voice with your style and creativity. We are in a world of trends and people being influenced by what is popular and cool at the moment. Everything starts to look the same and individual style gets lost. It's so interesting and beautiful to see different perspectives of art and photography and being different should always be celebrated. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others but remember that standing out is a good thing.

Practice your craft always and never stop learning. In this business, you will always have new things to learn and with which to experiment. Try new things, and don't get stuck in doing the same thing over and over. Push yourself creatively. Also, make sure you include a business and marketing plan to your career, as that is something I have learned is one of the most important pieces for success. You can't just rest on your talent and wait for things to happen. Be proactive and reach out to people. Don't stop if you get criticized or people say no to you. Eventually you will get yes!

**Left:**
Red Leather widebrim Hat by Cecilio Leather designs
Rex Divide Catsuit by Vex Latex
Cropped Gloves by Vex Latex
**Right:**
Hat by Cecilio Leather designs
Leaopard Dress by Harry Halim
Boots by Model’s Own

Have there been any moments or milestones in your career that have felt particularly meaningful to you?
Over the years I have had lists of dream clients and people that I wanted to work with, and eventually even if it took me years to manifest, I ended up working with several people I dreamed of working with. It really made me see that we can do anything we put our minds to and focus on. When your dreams come true it's an incredible feeling! Then I dream up my new list of goals and milestones. It's always changing and evolving, with time, age, experience, and wisdom.

What are some of your biggest obstacles that you have overcome in your career?
My biggest obstacles have been overcoming getting in my own way, being fearful and not believing that I am deserving. We are our own worst critic and it can be debilitating. Fear of success is real, and it's taken me many years to conquer that story in my head. I come from a scarcity mentality with the way I grew up, so it's something I have had to work on for my whole life to change that narrative.

I have always had the creativity and talent, and I have been growing, learning, and pushing myself through my entire career. It's truly loving myself and who I am uniquely, and the perspective I have as an artist that I have grown to love and appreciate. I just keep going, doing what I love, and making sure to take moments to look at all I have accomplished and give myself some love.

**Left:**
Marilyn Underwire Bra by Vex Latex
Streamline Knickers by Vex Latex
Coat by Red September
Earrings by House Of Emmanuelle
Boots by Model’s Own
**Right:**
Red Leather widebrim Hat by Cecilio Leather designs
Rex Divide Catsuit by Vex Latex
Cropped Gloves by Vex Latex
Shoes by Model’s Own

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Creative Director: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Photographer: Josef Jasso
Talent: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Hair: Pavy Olivarez
Makeup: Roshar
Styling: Melvin Sanders
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Chloe Liu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine