We present a new interview with photographer Alex Chudá on the occasion of Mother's Day.

She is naturally drawn to the subtle layers of everyday life. To what unfolds between care, body, and relationships. Themes of femininity, motherhood, and intimacy organically appear in her work, as part of how she perceives the world. Alex doesn't photograph the body as an object, but as a space where something can happen. She realizes that many women don't come to a photoshoot feeling comfortable, but the process they go through can transform this feeling. Photography thus becomes a tool with the potential to open, soften, and heal.

For Malinna, we interviewed her about motherhood, creativity, and self-care — about their connection and subtle overlaps into everyday life.

What moment or image of motherhood did you only realize once you became a mother, which you might not have noticed before?

I think it's mainly the everyday moments. For example, when I'm on a tram and a child is crying in a pram – ever since I became a mother, I see behind that all those sleepless nights, aching back and muscles from rocking and carrying, the demands on the psyche and body, loneliness, tears, laughter, tenderness, and so on. At that moment, I smile at the child, and it means a lot to me when I manage to make them laugh and help them at least a little in a situation where others might react differently. I perceive support in small things much more intensely today.

Has your perception of female beauty or femininity changed after motherhood? If so, in what way the most?

Motherhood has certainly deepened my perception of my own femininity. Although my body has changed and my relationship with it has gone through various phases, I still return to it with a sense of respect and admiration. That's why I most enjoy photographing the female body after childbirth – it's one of the most powerful and inspiring images for me.

Your work often captures moments that don't seem perfect, but are powerful precisely because of that. Is this a conscious decision, or rather a natural way you see the world?

I like to photograph objects that are somewhat hidden, yet demand to be seen and have their own life. When I succeed in this, I feel the power and authenticity of the photograph. I think my natural curiosity helps me a lot in this.

 

Is there anything in motherhood that surprised you by finding beauty in it, even though it's challenging?

There's certainly a lot, but the first thing that comes to mind is the strain on the body. I couldn't breastfeed, and we didn't even manage skin-to-skin contact right after birth. I tried to make up for it with co-sleeping, which often left my back aching and my muscles numb. Today, with my daughter older, I surprisingly remember that period fondly. Even when the body is tired, sore, and overstimulated, that warm closeness helps me forget everything for a while.

 

What do your daily rituals look like now – morning and evening – that help you connect with yourself and find peace?

Another little person has joined my music listening and dancing in front of the mirror, which means stricter curation of the music selection, but also a lot of joy. Two more hands have joined my skincare routine, taking my makeup remover pads; someone always runs off with my mascara when I'm doing my makeup; and when I want a hot bath, I'm never alone in it anymore. The rituals have remained, only the feeling of peace comes a little slower than it used to.

 

How do your home, workspace, and the light around you influence your work and sense of peace?

I try to get the most creative out of my home. I like to photograph the mess after breakfast or after playing and bathing; I'm fascinated by observing the light in the bedroom at different times of the day. We have colored foils on the windows, through which the light works beautifully. I've learned to work with banality and utilize everything that's available.

Motherhood often changes the rhythm of time. How do you manage to find space for yourself and your creativity? Do you have any ways to balance family care and creation?

After giving birth, I searched for my creativity for over a year. It was challenging, but the fewer demands I placed on myself, the better I felt. Creativity became more of a privilege for me.

I feel like I'll be operating in some kind of limbo for the next few years. When I'm with my daughter, I ward off ideas from my head, hoping I'll remember them in the evening. When I'm at a photoshoot, I worry whether she misses me and if she needs me. As a mother-artist, I'll probably always navigate between two worlds. They are closest when I'm photographing my own family and home.

When you photograph other mothers and their children, you enter their very personal world for a moment. How do you feel in these moments? Does it bring you something on a personal level too?

I feel enthusiastic about getting to know new people and their perspective on motherhood. Photography itself becomes secondary for me in those moments – harmony, trust, and sensitivity are more important. I really enjoy entering unfamiliar worlds and letting them inspire me.

Since you tried MALINNA° products for the first time, which one impressed you the most? Was there a moment or feeling that surprised you?

That's a tough question, I couldn't decide. I think the creams impressed me the most – skin hydration is very important to me, so they quickly found a place in my routine, especially in combination with the facewash, which pleasantly refreshes and relaxes me. I must admit, I sometimes borrowed the Kids Body Balm myself, not just my daughter. I was most surprised that I really couldn't pick just one favorite product.