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 JAMIE
NELSON
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
Jamie
has never assisted other photographers. Her work is young, fresh, and
raw. Her work as been published in publications
such as: ELLE Russia, Vanity Fair Italy, Instyle
Germany, Nylon, Harper's Bazaar En Español, and Oyster,
to mention a few. Jamie has proven, that with talent and
knowledge you can make a name for yourself in this
industry.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career started as a fashion
photographer?
Jamie Nelson:
I started photography in an art class in my senior year
of high school. After that I attended Brooks Institute
of Photography for four years and moved straight to New York
to start working.
EFM:
How long have you been a fashion photographer?
JN:
I have been shooting
professionally for about 5 years now.
EFM:
What is your view on fashion and photography?
JN:
I love being able to create with a team of hair, makeup,
stylists, art directors, and clients to create art that
serves to advertise to the public, but that also
represents the craftsmanship and passion of everyone
that's a part of the creative process. It is a fantasy
world, one in which I'm able to create an image of what
I view as beautiful. The industry is always fresh and
inspiring each season and creative’s are always pushed
to come up with fresh ideas.
EFM:
Do you prefer shooting on location or in the studio?
JN:
I used to prefer shooting in studio, but the spontaneity
of shooting outside and the changing light has intrigued
me lately.
It is impossible in studio to recreate the organic
warmth of natural light.
EFM: Can you describe your style as a fashion
photographer?
LB:
My style is usually a purposeful
and perfected composition paired with romantic,
feminine, and vintage aesthetic.
EFM:
Would you say that there are too many fashion
photographers out there; how do you stand out from
others?
LB:
Yes. I think that with the
emergence of sophisticated digital technology, the
emphasis on having knowledge of light and technical
aspects of photography has vanished quickly and everyone
thinks they are a photographer. I think the best way to
stand out is to be consistent and get education and
experience with your lighting and composition. Too many
people are trying to save their images by applying
superfluous Photoshop tricks, which in the end is
damaging to the image's information and pixels. Higher
end clients' eyes are trained to see right through this.
EFM: If I’m not mistaken you
photographed the latest ‘it’ model Lindsey Wixson (Miu
Miu muse); was the shoot taken before or after her big
break?
LB:
The shoot was done when she was right between. There
was quite a buzz about her, but she wasn't there yet.
EFM:
Can you tell me a little about the shoot with Lindsey
Wixson (what was the concept etc.)?
LB:
The shoot was done in
collaboration with Designer Minden Chan's pieces. It
was meant to be very raw and laid back with the styling,
hair, and makeup.
EFM:
Do you ever find yourself trying to evolve or reinvent
yourself as a photographer?
LB:
I feel like I'm always reinventing myself as a
photographer. I am constantly finding new inspiration
and working with new people that inspire me to try new
things.
However, in the end I think it is difficult to change
one's eye or the way one perceives beauty and usually
the audience will still be able to see who the
photographer is through the image.
EFM:
What advice can you give to aspiring fashion
photographers?
LB:
Stay true to yourself. Dig deep and try to find your
voice and what you shoot best. You probably can't shoot
in several different styles, so find out which one you
shoot in best or make your own.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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