Shot in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon in the early spring by Uwakokunre “Kokie” Imasogie this series features Manna Mcleod who was visiting from the UK. “This was one of my favorites series because it captures the multiple sides of Manna’s personality. She has one of the most playful and joyful smiles, her eyes are sultry and seductive and all of that is wrapped within her calm, collective and powerful temperament. It was an amazing afternoon with an amazing person.”
We wanted to know more about the beautiful talent and dropped her a few questions:
Manna, what inspired you to be in front of the camera?
Since I was a baby my whole family & even strangers would say I look like a dolly, then I grew up and suddenly had these legs with a 36” inseam at 12/13 & started getting scouted to model weekly.
I didn’t ever think about modelling but when I learned that I could be self-employed, creative, travel, create my own lifestyle and not work a 9-5, being in front of the camera became my favourite thing to do. My first test shoot felt so easy for me, I think it’s because I have always been quite dramatic and theatrical in my day to day life which meant that showing certain emotions on queue for the camera was a breeze.
Who is the most important person in your life?
I can’t choose a singular person because it would be a lie… My family & I are extremely close, my parents & my brothers & my best friends.. I don’t do anything without telling them or without getting their opinion, I’m a very outgoing, brave but sometimes stubborn person so the people that are most important to me always help me keep a level head and stay grounded.
On your Instagram account there are not many, but at least some pictures where you are laughing. Your smile is stunning! So what makes you laugh?
Thank you! My smile is my biggest asset, actually I think two thirds of every campaign I’ve done in my 10 years of modelling have been of me smiling.
The most ridiculous things make me laugh – my favourite thing is making up almost impossible scenarios and asking my friends how much money they’d have to be paid to do them.
“I think with growing up I’m starting to see my happy place being the country.”
Hope is?
Being able to see through the muddy parts of life, knowing that on the other side better is waiting for you!
One of your favorite movies?
Under The Tuscan Sun
One of your favorite books?
Where Rainbows End
Do you feel more like a city person or a country person?
Definitely 50/50, I was born in the city of London then grew up between there and the countryside. I love being home in Jamaica but spending time in New York is also good for me. Though I think with growing up that’s definitely changing and I’m starting to see my happy place being the country.
As always, the future is uncertain. Nevertheless, the question: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Happy, in my well-lit, open-plan home, barefoot, cooking, singing being Manna.
Photographer: Uwakokunre “Kokie” Imasogie @sometimeitakefotos
Model: Manna Mcleod @mcleodmanna
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Film Used: Kodak Ultramax 40 35MM, Kodak Portra 400 120MM
Cameras Uses: Canon E0S 1, Mamiya RB67
