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 LARA
JADE
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Lara
is a fashion photographer in the
making. She has built her career as a photographer
since the tender age of seventeen.
Now at age of twenty, she has made a name for herself.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career as a photographer
began?
Lara Jade:
My first experience with photography came at the age of
fifteen. I remember being introduced to deviant ART. An
online art website during my school GCSE and at the
moment of seeing how creative photographers could be, I
immediately was drawn in and began experimenting on my
dad's camcorder taking stills.
EFM:
How long have you been a fashion
photographer?
LJ:
Fashion photography is something I discovered a
little later on. I have been shooting
primarily fashion/editorial for around two years
now. Fashion photography is very open to
explore new ideas. I use this to create unique
concepts. My fashion shoots are usually 'out
there' in terms of theme. The themes allow me
to explore on location and in studio. There
are no limits!
EFM:
Who are your favorite fashion photographers?
LJ:
I have many favourite photographers, all for different
reasons. Tim Walker, for his natural way of
blending the impossible dream in a frame. Sølve Sundsbø
and Miles Aldridge for their magical fashion shots.
Annie Liebovitz' fearless approach to her subjects, and
Eugenio Recuenco, who needs no words at all. I am
also inspired by other media, including illustrations
and paintings. There's no end to influence in an
artist's world.
EFM:
Can you tell me who gave you your
big break into the world of ‘photography’?
LJ:
Although I am classed as a young
photographer, I have been working with photography for
years. Constantly shooting and showcasing my work - for
the past five years I've solidly been working on my
portfolio and personal work, this combined with
featuring my work through social media (Flickr, Deviant
ART etc.) has gotten my work out to the world, thus
giving me an opportunity to work with a world renown
agency (www.sudest57.com)
and many advertising and commercial clients, as well as
editorials and fashion stories.
EFM:
What type of camera do you use?
LJ:
I am currently using the Canon 5D.
I love the ease and quality from using Canon products.
I have used them since I was sixteen.
EFM:
Do you prefer studio or location?
LJ:
Both environments are challenging,
but I prefer location simply because of the freedom you
get from working within it. Again, it has no limits.
Locations are endless. A fashion story/editorial can be
created purely around the location.
EFM: How important is it to have a
variety in your portfolio when presenting it to future
work?
LJ:
This depends on the client or
who you are showing your portfolio to. However, I will
point out that it is good to showcase PERSONAL and
COMMERICAL work in a portfolio. Personal work shows how
dedicated you are to work in your spare time.
A photographer
should always test. I am constantly improving and
learning new things by doing test work, you're always
gaining contacts and you don't know where that will
lead. The beauty of doing test shoots is that it can
lead to strong contacts in the industry and potential
paid work. Surely that's a benefit when it's a job you
enjoy!
EFM: What is your personal style
as a photographer?
LJ:
I would say my style is fantasy/fashion. I love
shooting fashion but I don't like static images - I like
combining conceptual themes within fashion.
EFM: Do you find it hard to break
into the fashion industry as a female photographer? If
yes, or no, please explain?
LJ:
Yes, it's harder because I am
young and female. People tend to see the young
photographer as a risk. It's understandable, but I have
been shooting for at least five years now. I started my
business at seventeen. I always give great results on
photo shoots and I haven't had any problems so far
(let's hope it keeps that way!).
EFM:
What skills do you think that one has to have in order
to become a fashion photographer?
LJ:
Testing is the most important
thing a photographer can do, especially with fashion.
Your book needs to be improved constantly, keeping
with the new trends. Get yourself a good team (stylists,
MUAs, hair stylists etc). Contacts are VERY important
and play the vital role in getting work and getting
yourself known. You can be the best photographer, but if
you don't have contacts you won't get the work!
Remember that nothing ever happens overnight. You need
to keep consistent and fresh - always update your work
on online profiles and keep your personal website
updated.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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