We look to nature to draw inspiration from for our Japanese acetate colors. The process begins by reviewing photos from photographers we work with. We then head to our partners in Japan who use the color inspiration to make a custom acetate color that is unique to SALT. This past season we introduced a few new exclusive colors and as a part of this release we wanted to spotlight just 2 of the photographers we work with. The 2nd photographer we are highlighting in this 2 part series is the photo group, The Remote Unknown.
Meesh and Hollis are The Remote Unknown. A team of creatives that travel the world shooting photos and videos in wild places for brands and for themselves. Check out their work here after you read the interview.
So how did you both get your start in photography?
M: I spent the first part of my Career working for 12 years in the fashion Industry. I started to veer away from my love for fashion, and needed a new creative outlet and I was obsessed with traveling. Any of my days off from my corporate job, vacations, and time I could spend in nature is where I wanted to be. I was capturing these places on an iPhone, and quickly gaining a following on Instagram for my unique perspectives and travel to otherworldly landscapes. My Mom saw the passion beginning, and got me my first DSLR. Every free minute I had I was learning and outside taking photos, it quickly became all I wanted to do. I then started to get paid photo gigs while working my corporate job, with brands like Asics, CB2, and various local events and brands in the PNW. I realized I could make a living with this new creative passion- then Hollis walked into my life at the perfect time. We met, and realized our passions truly aligned. I quit my corporate job in fashion, and we started a business together. We built out a Toyota 4 Runner, got rid of our apartments and hit the road together- and have been travelling and running our commercial photography business for the last 5 years.
H: My journey into photography kicked off with a desire to recreate the skateboarding tricks from the videos that fueled my childhood obsession. Little did I know that after years of hard work and learning the ins and outs, it would evolve into a full-time career.
What is/was your favorite place to photograph and why?
M: I would say, without a doubt-Iceland. The terrain is so unique, from glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches- to lava fields, there’s such a wide variety of landscape to capture. I also think geologically, it just feels alive- like the earth is just breathing at every moment. I’m also very drawn to harsh and extreme environments, and Iceland just feels like an isolated Arctic Tundra, where life persists against the odds and you can feel how the earth was shaped from the extreme weather.
H: My favorite place to photograph has to be the American Southwest, particularly the vast deserts. The unique play of light and shadows, stunning rock formations like those in Monument Valley, and the vibrant colors during sunset make it a photographer's dream. The sheer diversity of landscapes, from the Grand Canyon's grandeur to the intricate slot canyons, provides endless inspiration and challenges, making each shot a captivating experience.
How much of a role does nature play into your work?
M: Nature is not just a subject for me but a source of endless inspiration; it’s a deeply ingrained part of my life and artistic vision. My personal work aims to inspire preservation and appreciation of nature's oddities, capturing the ethereal beauty of our planet's unique landscapes and encouraging others to cherish their extraordinary diversity.
H: Nature plays an integral role in my work, constituting about 98% of my portfolio. Being predominantly an outdoor photographer, my livelihood is intricately intertwined with the ever-changing elements and moods of Mother Nature. It adds an unpredictable yet exhilarating dimension to the art, making each shot a collaboration with the environment.
What are some influences you feel impact your work as a team?
M: I think we both have slightly different styles when it comes to composition, editing, and subject matter. We always have a shared vision, so we have a certain ebb and flow to our work with each other that complements our styles.
H: The diverse landscapes of the American Southwest and the captivating beauty of Iceland profoundly influence our work as a team of photographers. The contrast between the arid deserts and the ethereal landscapes of Iceland sparks a creative synergy, allowing me to explore a wide spectrum of natural elements and textures. It's a blend that continually inspires fresh perspectives and storytelling through our lenses.
If you only had to pick one camera and one location to shoot; what and where
M: Although I don’t own one (maybe one day), If I could pick anything I’d take a Fuji Film GFX 100 II to Antarctica or Greenland
H: I would opt for the Phase One XT. Its exceptional image quality, coupled with the unique and diverse landscapes of Greenland—featuring glaciers, fjords, and Arctic wilderness—make for an ideal pairing. The camera’s precision would allow me to capture the nuances of icy terrains and vivid colors, ensuring that my photographs authentically reflect the pristine beauty of Greenland in thebest quality possible.
Favorite salt frame?
M: Sierra! I love the chic drama, and I like bold big frames
H: My favorite salt frame has to be the Yukon in Whiskey. The warm tones provide a great disruption, adding a touch of rugged elegance to any look. I particularly enjoy wearing them during outdoor activities like hiking—it enhances the overall experience, combining style with functionality as I explore nature’s beauty.
Any advice for photographers just starting out?
M: Shoot as much as you can. Do things that make you feel out of your comfort zone, evolution as a creative don’t come from complacency. Pay close attention to lighting. Understand how natural and artificial light affects your photos. Early morning and late afternoon often provide soft, flattering light for outdoor shots. Also- patience is key. Photography is a skill that takes time to master. Don't get discouraged by initial challenges. Keep learning and improving gradually.
H: My advice for photographers starting out would be to embrace patience and hard work; success often unfolds gradually. Get accustomed to hearing “No” or doubts from others, but let that fuel your determination. Believe in your journey, stay true to yourself, and don’t let discouragements steer you away from your passion. Be resilient, keep learning, and let your unique perspective shine through your work.
