ODE TO KLIMT
FEATURED ARTISTS
Photography: MARTINA+REEM
www.martina-reem.com
twitter: @MartinaReem
Facebook: Martina+Reem
pinterest: martinareem
Illustrations: Clint Morris
www.morclintart.com
Facebook: clint.morris.31337
Hair & Makeup: LucyAnne Botham at Lizbell: using M.A.C. Cosmetics
http://www.lucyannemakeup.com
twitter: @LizbellAgency
Facebook: lucyanneb and lizbellagency
Wardrobe Stylist: Krista Sung
www.kristasung.com
twitter: @KristaLeeSung
Facebook: kristasungstyleanddesign
Model: Aleisha Jones @ Lizbell Agency
www.lizbellagency.com
twitter: @LizbellAgency
Facebook: lizbellagency
Assistant: Robert Shano
twitter: @Robshanophoto
FEATURED FASHION
www.kandisivy.com
www.jqvancouver.com
www.vincentleecollection.daportfolio.com
www.hamidehabol.com
www.tastemakersclothing.com
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?
The idea for the shoot came about after a recent trip to Europe. We were
discussing our love for Klimt and his work, which sparked the idea behind the shoot. We always look and find inspiration in art and artists around us. We wanted to collaborate with an amazing team of artists on this shoot, so we put together a creative brief with inspiration images so everyone was on the same page.
We are so drawn to the intricacy of the patterns and shapes, and the complexity of Klimt’s work. We thought we could achieve this by bringing another element into the images by incorporating illustrations. We wanted to pay homage to a brilliant artist by incorporating a bit of his style into our style.
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?
Honestly, bringing a team together is usually one of our favourite parts. It’s really all about bringing a concept to life with a great cohesive collaboration. We love to approach artists with a basic concept and then let them add their creative touch into the theme…it makes for much stronger work. We choose the teams we do because there is already an established trust there and we know that everyone on the team will put his/her best foot forward. We are so thankful to every person we have collaborated with and every person who has assisted us
along the way…our work is a reflection of everyone’s hard work and vision. People excel in environments where creativity flows freely…we follow our gut and instincts…there is something quite magical about a bunch of creatives coming together to tell a story through images.
3. As an editorial artist, what do you feel is one of the biggest mistakes
beginners tend to make?
As a beginner, you go through every mistake possible whether technical or creative on the path to becoming a professional. It’s an important evolution. These experiences make you stronger and better photographers and artists. Some times you need to take one step back in order to take two steps forward – It’s like a cha cha cha…
But the most important thing is to have fun and love what you do! Always put your entire heart in it. Don’t take everything and yourself so seriously! We all make mistakes and we learn from them…and then we move forward.
4. How would you describe your artistic style?
Our style blends elements of fine art into fashion stories. We really love what we do, and we think you can see it in our style. We always try to come up with new ideas and ways to look at a project...It also helps that there are two of us! Different perspectives and ideas become one…it’s a collaborative effort from the very beginning to the end.
5. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
Behind. Definitely.
6. What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
Our greatest weakness is also our strength…we are artists that are weak when it comes to the business aspect of it. We love art and being creative and get so excited about photo shoots, but the business side…we don’t get too excited about…but we really try because one of the most important parts of being a successful photographer is to understand and excel in the business side of it.
7. What misconceptions do you think outsiders have about fashion and
beauty editorials? We are aware of the negatives and we strive to promote the positive. As artists we utilize Photoshop to enhance a stylized look we are creating. We never use Photoshop to change the physical appearance of our subjects, instead we choose to accentuate their positive attributes by using lighting and posing that flatters them. We rely on our team to bring out the best features and aspects of
that person and we work with our models to showcase their personalities.
Fashion isn’t just about the clothes…it’s the story behind the clothes and the people wearing the clothes. People become characters in the story but some of their personality always comes through. Fashion and clothing is another form of self-expression.
8. What is your secret to keeping a happy balanced life while following
your passion?
Enjoy life. It’s really too short anyways. We are so happy that we decided to follow our passion. We really appreciate it and know how lucky we are. Photography is our life.
9. Music feeds the soul and often motivates. What music are you playing
while you are shooting?
Music plays a very big role for us. It always changes depending on the mood, weather, the project, etc. We find music helps with the flow and sequence of events,,,whether shooting, editing, or just listening. We notice its effects especially while editing fine art - the kind of music totally affects the outcome and the way you edit…it could be dark, moody, happy, crazy or relaxed…While shooting, we try to play music that everyone might enjoy and that would help our model get into their creative zone. We even have a playlist on youtube that we regularly update and enjoy editing to….we are kinda nerds that way.
10. Words to live by?
Live. Smile more. Treat others the way you would like to be treated… karma always comes full circle. And most importantly, believe in yourself… We heard a quote the other day that reminds us to maintain our drive and to just keep moving forward - ”The window of opportunity does not close until you close it.”
