FLOWER & LOVE
FEATURED ARTISTS
Photographer / Matthew John
website www.matthewjohn.co.uk
instagram; @mjohn85
twitter; @matthewjohn01
Creative Director/Hair stylist / Tracey West
website; www.traceywesthair.co.uk
Facebook; www.facebook.com/traceywesthair
twitter; @traceywesthair
makeup artist / Justine Emma
Website - www.JustineEmma.com
Twitter - @justine_makeup
Facebook - www.facebook.com/JustineEmmaFreelanceMakeupArtist
Instagram - justineemmamua
Model / Isca Loren
Twitter: @iscaloren
Instagram: @iscaloren
Props/Flowers / The Real Flower company
website www.realflowers.co.uk
FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER INTERVIEW
1. What does this collection say about your mindset when you were creating it?
I am very fortunate to have an extremely creative team around me, in Tracey and Justine. We all feed off one-another’s ideas and I think this concept came to us all very naturally. We wanted to capture a story of this particular flower and how it changes throughout the seasons. We are all very focused and ambitious individuals.
2. Where do you most often find inspiration from? And when you lose it...what do u do to find it?
Inspiration is all around us. There’s not a day that goes by where you don’t see something or meet someone that inspires you. I think if I lose sight of what direction I’m heading in, I look at the people closest to me; My team, my family, friends and also other great Photographers. I closely follow the works of Mert and Marcus and Mario Testino. Their work is very inspirational and capturing.
3. What do you look for and lookout for... when putting together the perfect set team?
When I set out on this journey, I knew that I had to find individuals that could help me in producing great work. I looked for ambitious and creative people that were skilled in their particular fields but also people that I could call friends, that I could count on. I believe I have found that it Tracey and Justine.
4. Why editorial, session work? So many say it’s a dead road... why did you continue to pursue this path?
It's a passion that's always with you, I have a flare for fashion and creativity and enjoy the challenge an editorial gives you. There are so many ways to view your work nowadays, with the internet so readily available, but creating a story and seeing the way its presented in a high fashion magazine, there is always something so special and majestic about that.
5. While on set, how do you stay focused?
I find it easy to stay focused on set because you don’t want to let your team down. You don’t want to be the weak element. It’s that pressure that makes me more committed than ever.
6. Share with us the most unexpected thing that has happened while on set, good or bad.
I was doing a shoot with a modelling agency based in Barbados. We were shooting on a rocky seascape on the east coast of the island and I decided to position the model on a rock in the surf, as I was looking to capture the motion of the sea. However, we were so focused on nailing this particular shot that we didn't see a massive incoming wave. My model was there one minute, gone the next. I threw my camera to my assistant and dived in after her. We eventually surfaced with plenty of cuts and bruises. The most unexpected thing is, we checked back over some of the images and we got some amazing shots so it was all worth it in the end.
7. Favourite quote or quotes you live by? And how do you apply them to your work? What is your personal mantra?
My favourite quote is “Survival of the fittest”. Nothing comes easy in life. You always have to work hard so prepare yourself in every possible way.
I always aim to try harder, to achieve greater things than before and to better myself in every aspect.
8. Is there any one experience(s) in particular that you feel has made the biggest impact on your career?
There are lots of experiences but I’d say it’s more to do with the people that I have met along the way. Obviously, Tracey and Justine have had a huge impact on my career and continue to shape the future. I'd really like to say thank you to Graham Edwards, the owner of Gadal Model Management in Barbados. He really gave me my first break when I was starting out and really set the ball rolling for me.
9. What do you believe is a common mistake within the industry? And what can others do to avoid being a cliché?
I think one of the most common mistakes, at all levels, is that each element that goes into creating an image can be easily overlooked. This is why I believe it is important to surround yourself with an amazing team, to make sure that every element of that image is perfect. This gives you the recipe for amazing work.
I think to avoid being cliché; you have to express yourself individually. You have to create a unique stamp on all of your work and keep being progressive.
10. Favourite adult beverage? Why...and when did u first have one?
(Laughs), I've got lots at 28 years old. I've had a few years to try lots of beverages but the one I drink the most of, and like the best, is rum and coke. It’s easy to drink and has that Caribbean kick. It reminds me of my family and home.
