Tell us about yourself...
I am a professional photographer, originally from Barcelona now living and working in the UK.
What experience do you have in photography?
I have around 10 years of experience in photography, shooting everything from fashion, hair & beauty and commercials.
I was a professional assistant for several established photographers, working on commercials and campaigns such as WKD, Nike, Land Rover, John Patrick, The Raddisson Hotels, The Mailbox etc.
I have also assisted celebrity photographer Alexi Lubomirsky for a Harper's Bazaar shoot with Lupita Nyongo.
I now work for myself, predominately in the fashion and beauty industry.
What are the mains the influences for your photography work?
My main influences are from experience in life, places I've travelled and memories from childhood. I grew up by the sea in Barcelona back in the 80's. It was a very inspirational place because the energy, culture, architecture and the overall sensation of freedom. I try to keep this feeling alive in my work today. A particular shoot that comes to mind is 'MORVA' hair and beauty editorial which was published in Riverside Journals.
What are the key components for a great shoot?
Professionality, respect and trust between team members to each be responsible of their roles. These things are vital to allow me as a photographer to focus on capturing the image. Communication and understanding with the client is also essential to ensure their needs are met and a high quality result is delivered. This is key for a successful shoot.
From your point of view, what makes a good picture?
An image that initially attracts my eye, and holds my interest for 3 seconds. For me it does not matter if the image is technically correct or not. It is more about the relationship I create with that image through gaining inspiration, emotions and ideas.
What, in your opinion, is most important to consider while taking a picture of someone e.g: model, actor, celebrity?
Firstly, it depends on the context of the shoot. For example, taking a portrait of a business professional would be different to taking a photograph of a fashion model for a campaign.
One thing however, that is necessary for any photoshoot is a level of trust between the photographer and subject. Excellent communication and understanding of what needs to be achieved is also important.
I will be returning to the subject of portrait photography in an upcoming interview here on my blog in 2 weeks time, where I will discuss further topics such as:
- the first contact with your subject
- the process of a photoshoot
- the selection of the final image
How do you go about selecting the right team for a shoot?
Throughout my career I have built up a network of contacts within the industry of established professionals in each field e.g: hair stylists, makeup artists, art directors, set designers and more. When I am approached with brief from a client, I know from my experience the team members that will be suitable and ideal for the job. It is important to have a reliable team of creatives that you work with closely on a regular basis, as well as networking with new emerging talent, as the industry is constantly changing.
What do you think about retouching?
In my opinion retouching is necessary to a certain level for most images, to clean impurities of the image but not to modify beauty.
The level of retouching applied recently has reached an extreme level, often damaging perceptions of beauty and creating un-achievable ideas of perfection.
Nowadays almost everyone has access to devices with which it is possible to take pictures. What do you think is the difference between a professional photographer and any other hobby photographer?
A professional photographer has a wealth of knowledge and experience not only when it comes to composing and taking an image, but all of the other elements that are vital to producing excellent imagery.
These things consist of:
- Previous experience working on set and location
- Knowledge of equipment and techniques
- Excellent communication skills and professional working attitude
- Understanding the importance of working with an experienced professional team
_ Problem solving skills (anything can happen on a shoot, and you need to confidence and experienced enough to resolve it).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading! Join us here again next week for specialised interview: Hair Photography!
What questions do you have for a professional photographer? Ask in the comments below!