My breakthrough: Flo Ngala
Fresh from her BTS shots of the internet-breaking music video WAP, Flo Ngala explains how an early photography assignment from Cardi B helped her earn her streak as the artist's photographer for everything from the Met Gala to the first birthday party her daughter
I started taking photos around eighth or ninth grade and then went to design school to study advertising. I wanted to be an art director or creative director, but photography kind of pulled me out. I was literally interned and still being beaten for doing stuff with Atlantic Records, so I ended up thinking, "Okay, I'll just try to do this all day."
When Cardi B (2017) was signed to Atlantic Records and her single Bodak Yellow exploded that summer, I was invited to photograph her in Miami for an awards show shortly afterwards. After that I got called back over and over again for videos and appearances at Jimmy Kimmel and shot her daughter's birthday party. For cool, big moments, I will be the contact person who is reached. I think over the past three years I've been the photographer she's been the most consistent photographer.
Picture above and above: behind the scenes of the music video for WAP by Cardi B.
I've always been very interested in life, natural moments, honest photos, and I think that's one of the reasons people really appreciate my work with her because it's not just that paparazzi look of her life, it's more intimate and personal thing, that's exactly the kind of photographer I am and always have been. It's cool to be able to work with someone and have a topic that is seen and celebrated and photographed that way and have the confidence of their team to show that other perspective, that other side.