BODY TALK
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW
1. How does this collection speak to you? How did it come about? What did you want this to say to your audience?
Tantalum asked us to submit our work for this Gentlemen’s issue, we knew exactly what we wanted to do. We wanted to captivate the audience with a classic and tailored look because you can never go wrong with a good looking man in a well-made 3 piece suit.
2. What do you find to be the most difficult when bringing a team of artists together to create a cohesive look? How do you pick the right team?
The most important thing to me is making sure that the team I use understands the vision of the editorial being worked on. Which is why I keep the same team for the majority of my editorials because we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Plus, I love how we bounce ideas off one another.
3. As an editorial artist, what do you feel is one of the biggest mistakes beginners tend to make?
In my opinion, beginners tend to rely on gimmicks and over-processing of images to make up for their lack of vision. If the concept is thoroughly thought out and the team understands what is needed of them, gimmicks and over-processing should not even be an option.
4. How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is very old-school. It is all about the correct lighting, the right style and the perfect model. When I started my career, it was all about film. We didn’t have room for mistakes because we were only allowed a certain amount of shots for that photo shoot.
5. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
I’m a photographer first, but… I have been known to jump in front of the camera to break the ice so everyone can have a little fun and have a comfortable experience.
6. What is your greatest weakness and your greatest strength?
My greatest weakness has to be overthinking. Sometimes I can’t sleep the night before a shoot because of all the ideas and worries running through my mind about the next day. I think my greatest strength is my easy going persona. I’ve been told numerous times that my personality has helped the model or actor in front of my camera relax and deliver their best because I’m not overly demanding and I am not too detached from them as people. A lot of photographers tend to lose that communication with their model because their focus is all on their screens. There’s no way a model can deliver their best if they can’t connect with the photographer in front of them.
7. What misconceptions do you think outsiders have about fashion and beauty editorials?
I think the biggest misconception is that they assume that we live that extravagant life full of models, clothes, money, sex and champagne; when in reality, most are struggling artists trying to fulfill their desire of achieving their dreams.
8. What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following your passion?
The support I get from my family and loved ones is what keeps me going. It’s nearly impossible to pursue your passion and dreams without some sort of support from people close to you.
9. Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing while you are shooting?
Disco baby! DISCO!
10. Words to live by?
We are just doing fashion. We are not finding a cure for cancer. So lighten up and have fun!
FEATURED ARTISTS & FASHION
Vincent Gotti
(www.thecandyfactorystudio.com)
Creative Director/MUA/Hair Stylist:
Niccanor (niccanor_1@yahoo.com)
Model: Chris Beaudry (Stars Model Management) (http://starsmodelmgmt.com/portfolio.php?did=5279&tid=7967&name=Chris_Beaudry)
Designer Stylist: Jake Wall (http://www.artfulgentleman.com)
Photographer’s Assistant: Scott Nobles
All clothing provided and available at:
The Artful Gentlemen, 1687 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA (http://www.artfulgentleman.com)
