Behind the Lens: Capturing Deji’s Debut EP
Every collaboration tells a unique story, and this one with Deji was no exception. What started as a brief introduction at a Berlin pop-up event quickly turned into a meaningful creative partnership. Nico Matagne, an emerging creative director and analogue photographer, worked closely with Deji, a rising artist from Missouri, now based in Berlin, to visually capture the essence of her debut EP, Who is She?
From a Brief Encounter to a Creative Collaboration
Nico and Deji first crossed paths at an Afrobodega pop-up event hosted at PLATTE, a creative hub in Berlin. Introduced through mutual friend, underground rapper, Devantier Rain, in Berlin’s tight-knit creative scene, their initial connection was brief but impactful. Deji, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, reached out to Nico weeks later, drawn to his distinct style of film photography. This initial connection, sparked by mutual respect for each other’s craft, laid the foundation for a collaborative journey that would bring Deji’s debut EP, Who is She?, to life visually.
Building the Concept
When Deji approached Nico, she shared her vision for Who is She?, a deeply personal project exploring her journey of self-discovery. The EP cover itself, a vibrant cartoon illustration of Deji with an afro filled with symbols representing her identity—guitars, peacock feathers, block letters, and cultural symbols—offered a clear direction for the photoshoot. Understanding the project’s tone was critical, as the EP dives into Deji’s thoughts, doubts, and reflections on identity, serving as a safe space for every side of herself to breathe.
Nico’s challenge was to translate this introspective journey into tangible, relatable visuals. The pair decided on a shoot in Deji’s apartment, using her own backdrop to maintain an intimate and authentic atmosphere. This choice reflected the deeply personal nature of the EP, aligning perfectly with the project’s raw, introspective themes.
Capturing the Essence
The shoot itself was an exercise in patience and creativity. With natural light as their main source and limited equipment, Nico relied on his instinct for composition and lighting to bring Deji’s vision to life. The process involved carefully placing symbolic items in Deji’s hair—mirroring the EP cover’s concept—creating a visual metaphor for the complexity of her identity. Despite the technical challenges, including limited lighting and the constant need to readjust the objects in Deji’s afro, the collaborative energy remained high throughout the session.
Nico captured over 80 images, each reflecting a different facet of Deji’s personality and artistic expression. To ensure Deji had a wide range of options and to simplify the selection process, Nico categorized the shots into "Personal Favorites," "Creative Possibilities," and "Extras," providing a comprehensive selection for the final edits.
Post-Production and Final Edits
Once the rolls were developed and scanned, Nico immediately dove into the editing process. Understanding that each shot needed to reflect Deji’s unique style and vision, he carefully adjusted colors, tones, and contrast to bring out the best in each image. While Deji’s friend added the final touches to a few shots, Nico’s hands-on approach to the post-production process ensured that the final images stayed true to their original vision.
This project also served as a learning experience for Nico, pushing him to refine his editing skills and embrace the creative challenges that come with analogue photography. The collaborative approach to post-production highlighted the importance of clear communication and trust in bringing an artist’s vision to life.
Supporting the Launch
To celebrate the release of Who is She?, Deji hosted a vibrant EP launch party at a Berlin Späti, transforming the corner store into a makeshift block party. Nico was there to capture the energy of the evening, documenting Deji’s performance as she shared her music with a live audience. This spontaneous event not only reinforced their creative connection but also provided Nico with the chance to further showcase his skills in event photography.
Looking Ahead
With Who is She? now live and the visuals released, the collaboration between Nico and Deji stands as a testament to the power of creative partnerships. Their shared commitment to authenticity, community, and artistic growth made this project a memorable step in both of their creative journeys.