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 TIM
RICHARDSON
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
Tim divides his
time between New York and Sydney. You may have
seen his extraordinary work in publications; Interview,
Dazed & Confused, V Magazine, GQ Magazine US, The Last
Magazine, and Vogue. Besides being a talented
fashion photographer he is also a director, working
with; YSL, Dazed Digital, Nike, and Sony BMG, and in
edition is a published author of several books;
'Physical Frequencies', 'Doppelganger', 'The
'`Co-Incident', 'Sensation'.
Exclusively Fashion Magazine:
Can you tell me how your career started as a fashion
photographer??
Tim Richardson:
In about 1994 I founded an art direction/design studio
with two partners. After four years working with
clients in both fashion and the arts including
photographic artists, Tracy Moffat and Bill Henson, I
decided to become a photographer. At that point
I'd experienced working with photographers on campaigns,
exhibitions and books. It felt like a natural
progression to move into shooting.
EFM: How long have you been a fashion
photographer?
EFM: What
is you view on fashion and photography?
TR:
I feel fashion photography at its
best is one of the most progressive and contemporary
forms of photography. Fashion photography absorbs
unlimited influences and references-from music to paint.
Its this cultural fusion that gives fashion photography
its unique appeal.
EFM: Do you prefer shooting on
location or in the studio?
TR:
I'm normally studio based - but in
the last few years I've started shooting more on
location. It took me a while to 'see' how to work
on location to create a consistency with my studio work.
EFM: How often do you travel in a
month?
TR:
It varies with work.
Sometimes I'm in one place for a couple of months -
others I'm in four countries in two weeks.
EFM: Can you describe your style
as a fashion photographer?
TR:
Hmm, this is the hard
one...perhaps 'Future/Primitive'.
My work is a mix of an almost
scientific observation and futurism. I always look
to incorporate new technology and approaches to remain
contemporary. Although sometimes the simplest
approach - one light etc - is perfect. I just try
to stay focused on the feeling I'm trying to create
within the image.
EFM:
Tell me something that no one knows about you?
TR:
I grew up in Singapore.
As a child I used to go with my mother shopping in the
neon lit city bizarre. That Blade Runner - like
mix of wet flickering neon street-scapes and old Chinese
cultures is my greatest influence.
EFM:
Have you ever assisted any established
photographers; if so, who were they?
TR:
I haven't ever assisted. I
went from art direction into photography.
EFM: You live a very fast-paced
life and traveled around the world; what is your
favorite location?
TR:
My favourite location tends
to be where my friends are. As far as working I
love NY. There is an amazing pool of creative
talent here that makes working here an experience unlike
anywhere else.
EFM: Do you ever find yourself
trying to evolve or reinvent yourself as a photographer?
TR:
I'm always looking around me at
everything but photography - so I don't ever feel like
I'm not evolving.
My most recent creative shift has
been to film. I started directing about five years
ago. Working in film caused a major change in my
photography and opened me up to seeing image making very
differently.
EFM: You have accomplished so much
in your career; what advice can you give to aspiring
fashion photographers?
TR:
Best advice is to just take
pictures. The creative 'baptism of fire' is the
best way to learn anything. You never forget what
you learn when the pressure is there to create.
Interview by Rochell “E” James
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