Fashion and celebrity photographer Alexey Lubomirsky focuses on Africa – WWD

Whether photographer Aleksei Lubomirsky is mentioned for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding (he took the couple’s official engagement photos) or family, one of his latest projects is the story of the drought and human suffering in Kenya.

Earlier this month, Lubomirski spent eight days shooting the nonprofit Concern Worldwide’s year-end appeal titled “Unite to Fight Hunger.” The New York-based creative has supported the nonprofit organization for years. Many wells in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia) have dried up, so many must rely on new wells that provide only salt water. Lubomirski said that salt water causes rickets, diarrhea and other health problems.

According to Concern Ambassador, “However, the damage can be avoided. It can help with donations. The problem is that currently the Horn of Africa is paying only 30 percent of the money and it is being used for Ukraine’s efforts.

An estimated 18.4 million people in the Horn of Africa are food insecure, and the Ukraine crisis has driven up global wheat prices and caused the international community to divert humanitarian aid to Ukraine, according to a United Nations study. With millions of people facing a global food crisis, climate disasters and widespread conflict, Concern estimates that one person dies of hunger every four seconds. The organization plans to raise $3 million to support its programs in 25 countries that strive to end hunger and malnutrition.

Lubomirski’s photographs are used for Concern Global Gala, PR and marketing to raise awareness and attract new audiences.

“It was an amazing project to create this whole campaign,” said the fashion and portrait photographer. “From trying to sell lipstick, clothes and accessories to our brothers and sisters around the world, trying to use the skills he learned was fascinating.

The concept of the campaign is “Let it be…” as pictures of suffering are combined with sayings such as “Never bury your child” or “Have enough food for your children to eat”.

Separately, Lubomirski published a children’s book supporting the concert. Now, “What exactly are words?” Illustrated by Pura Belpre honoree Carlos Aponte, and published by Kandwick Press. Lubomirski has published a parenting book and another children’s book, as well as photography books. “What are words?” The idea that From their speech in early 2020, Lubomirski and Aponte spoke about how “politicians at that time can use speech in a very negative way without thinking about name calling” and how they can harm children, Lubomirski said. They set out to produce a book that highlights the power of words to help or hinder young people who are “shocked and discouraged by this.”

“The most obvious examples are two four-letter words – ‘love’ and ‘hate,'” says Lubomirski. “… It’s just about introducing positivity into the world instead of negativity.”

Although the book is aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 9, the hope is that parents who read the book will consider what it says and what it says, the photographer said. Arguing that the way individuals talk about themselves can influence self-improvement, the book offers a can-do attitude rather than a self-defeating one. All of Lubomirski’s proceeds from the book will benefit Concern Worldwide.

Lensman is working on another book that will be released in March or April of next year, capping a 20-year run in the industry with celebrity portraits. Royal watchers may be interested to know that the latest family photo of him with Prince Harry and Markle is the family photo with their children, Arch and Lilybeth, which was released earlier this year. Regarding the state of the monarchy, he said: “The response of the people of England has been heartening as they have been deeply moved by the Queen’s work, her loyalty to her country and her lifetime of service. People who were not swayed either way suddenly felt this great loss in their lives because the Queen had been constant to them all their lives.

About the current state of fashion photography, Lubomirski is excited about how the doors are finally opening, to a collection of photographers, stylists and models that were previously kept outside. “There are a lot more people now, which makes it a lot more interesting. There are a lot more perspectives and stories.”

However, unlike in years past, the appreciation for details in campaign photographs — composition, image grain, color processing and all that beautiful stuff — has created an appreciation, Lubomirski said.

“Now our canvas is our phone. You have the ability to slide this easily.” He said. “Unfortunately, I feel like a lot of quality has definitely gone down because the quality is no longer needed. Quality takes time and money – not just time to create it, but time to appreciate it. Since social media is our primary source for viewing fashion photography, [most people are] You will not be indifferent to the beautiful details on the back of the picture. It’s about that instant response. [with] Image and then swipe.