Contesti is an Italian creative production and talent management company.

"We produce campaigns, editorials, and branded content for brands and agencies, managing every stage of the project: creative development, production, on-set management, and post-production. We collaborate with a curated roster of international photographers and directors across fashion, lifestyle, design, and advertising.

We are a full-service production company with experience in both photography and film, delivering projects with clarity, consistency, and impact. Big ideas. Real production. Clear execution.

For International Women’s Day, we chose to dedicate this publication to projects with a strong female presence, highlighting works featuring female talents both in front of and behind the camera. Among them, we are featuring selected images by one of our talents, photographer Leda Paleari, whose evolving style reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting women’s perspectives within the visual industry."

"We create TV ads, social content, print, and branded campaigns with one goal: producing standout work. No fluff, no ego, just a team that knows how to take an idea and make it real.

As a female-owned, female-led production company, we’re proud to be pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and delivering work that speaks for itself.

We’re transparent in how we work, resourceful when challenges come up, and diligent in every detail. Big or small, every production gets the same hard graft and adaptability. With crews, fixers, and partners across the globe, we can set up and deliver wherever the job takes us."

To explore more about NM’s talented directors, photographers, and DOPs, and to view their showreels, click here.

Laura Knipsael is a photographer driven by instinct, colour and tension. Her work lives on the edge of art and editorial — where beauty isn’t polished into perfection, but revealed through character, contrast and emotion.

With a background shaped by international experience and a strong visual signature, Laura creates images that don’t just ‘decorate’ a brand, they define it. Her approach is intuitive yet strategic: every frame is built with intention, every detail considered, every story layered.

She thrives on bold concepts, expressive styling and cinematic light. Whether shooting fashion, personal branding or creative campaigns, Laura translates identity into striking visual statements.

Her images are vibrant, powerful and unapologetically present. Designed to be remembered, not scrolled past.

For this Women’s Day issue, Lucila has selected some outtakes from various projects that may not have been published. What they all have in common is their emotional and cinematic mood, showcasing different women: strong, independent, sensitive, and brave.

In an era where reality is challenged by AI developments, Lucila’s work remains strong in storytelling and the natural pursuit of real, raw, and authentic emotions.

2026 has kicked off with shoots in four different countries, collaborating with major brands like Santander Bank, BBVA, Budweiser, American Airlines, and Coca-Cola.

New collaborations are on the horizon as she joins Swerve Represents in the UK and ARCO & PALMS in Spain.

Stay tuned, or get in touch to say hi!

Renata Stonytė is a fashion and beauty photographer based in the UK, creating imagery that bridges fine art and commercial storytelling. With a background in painting and a commitment to analogue craft, she works on digital and medium format film, capturing texture, natural light, and quiet femininity in ways that resist perfection and embrace authenticity.

Her work explores the female gaze — portraying women with softness, strength, and nuance rather than objectification. From reimagining classical oil paintings in contemporary contexts to shooting raw, wind-swept editorials in the landscape that inspires her.

She works across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, equally comfortable in the studio and on location. Her approach is rooted in getting it right in-camera, minimal retouching, and creating images that tell stories rather than simply showcase products. In an industry increasingly dominated by AI and digital perfection, her film-based, human-centred work offers something rare: imagery with soul.

Jade Kiddell is a creative animal and product photographer with a sharp eye for colour, character, and connection. Specialising in pets and pet-focused products, Jade creates vibrant, personality-driven images that feel playful, polished, and full of life. Each photograph is thoughtfully crafted to highlight both the individuality of the animal and the story behind the product.

Working closely with pet brands, Jade turns brand values into strong, visual narratives that connect with consumers. Whether photographing energetic pups, curious cats, or carefully styled products, she balances creativity with strategy, making sure every image is both expressive and effective. Her process is collaborative and detail-focused, combining technical skill with an intuitive, flexible approach on set.

Patient and attentive on set, Jade takes the time to let animals feel comfortable, always prioritising their wellbeing and natural behaviour. This calm, respectful approach helps bring out the best in every animal she works with.

Jade creates imagery that stands out, feels intentional, and helps brands show up confidently.

With over two decades of experience, Susie Lowe is a UK-based photographer known for her stylish, editorial approach and refined visual storytelling. Her work captures atmosphere as beautifully as detail, creating imagery that feels both elegant and authentic.

Susie specialises in interiors, food and drink, hotel, spa and wellness, and people photography, bringing a thoughtful, considered eye to every brief.

She has worked with some of the world’s greatest hotels, as well as leading brands and publications, crafting images that balance creativity with technical precision.

Calm and collaborative on set, Susie creates an environment where subjects feel at ease, allowing personality, texture and light to naturally unfold. Whether photographing a beautifully designed space, a carefully composed dish or an intimate wellness setting, her work is timeless, confident and rich in narrative.

The New York City-based photography team of Ellen McDermott and creative partner Bridget Sciales produces timeless visual language with their imagery that is both intimate and visceral.

Their photography evokes emotion which enhances the digital experience for consumers across e-commerce, marketing and content creation. Their approach involves shooting with a studied and refined lighting that immediately provokes the viewer into a time and space.

"Throughout our careers together we have partnered with our clients as a driving force with digital pioneering and customer engagement using new and emerging digital channels. The end result is extremely well curated experiences in the era of digital immediacy. We translate our client’s retail standards and needs in the e-commerce space that drives social commerce and leads digital innovation."

The work can be seen in ad campaigns, digital content, books, corporate assignments, interior designers and private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Clients include Ralph Lauren, Hanes, L’Oréal, One Kings Lane, Martha Stewart Living, Iconix Brands, Sophia Cashmere, Chicos, Brooks Brothers, White House Black Market, Toast, Plain Goods, Architectural Digest, Christie's, Sotheby’s, and Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, among others.

Amy Carson is a Southern California-based commercial and editorial photographer working with national and global clients. She creates imagery for food, beverage, hospitality, and wellness brands seeking visuals that feel genuine, tactile, and rooted in nature.

Whether in studio or on location, Amy collaborates closely with creative directors and in-house marketing teams to produce campaign-ready work across digital and print. She works seamlessly with natural and artificial light to craft images that are refined, expressive, and story-driven.

Amy's recent projects include food and lifestyle photography for an international cookbook and fitness program, fine dining features for the LA Times, and still life work for several beverage and wellness brands.

Her clients and publications include PepsiCo, JPMorganChase, Pecorino Romano PDO, and Los Angeles Times.

Jana Anhalt is a commercial and editorial photographer specialising in high jewellery and luxury watch photography, based in Switzerland and working between Geneva, Paris and The Gulf. With over 15 years of experience in the fashion and luxury industries, she is known for her bespoke approach, technical excellence, and unwavering passion for precision. Her work is defined by discretion, refinement, and a deep understanding of the visual language that shapes contemporary luxury brands.

A trusted collaborator for high jewellery maisons, independent watchmakers, exclusive retailers and private advisors across Europe and beyond, Jana partners closely with each client to translate their vision into captivating, meticulously crafted imagery. Whether creating campaign visuals, editorial stories, e-commerce photography or private client commissions, she approaches every project as a thoughtful dialogue — balancing creative intuition with strategic clarity. The result is elegant, high-impact photography that enhances both the object and the brand narrative behind it.

Jana regularly works under strict non-disclosure agreements, ensuring absolute confidentiality and seamless discretion throughout the entire creative and production process. She is available for commissions worldwide.