I can still remember the first time I laid my hands on an actual camera.
It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school, when I decided to widen my artistic horizons and pick up a photography class.
I’ve never looked back.
I’ve always striven to see the beautiful things in life- have a positive outlook and try to see the good in things when I can. To be so honest with you, I don’t think I fully lived up to that until I began taking photos. And no, not just any photos, but intentional ones. Ones that make you plant your feet and stare for a second- instead of one taken on the move to just “get the shot”.
As my knowledge of the elements and principles of art expanded, I not only began to look at the view through my camera lens more carefully, but also just through my everyday lenses- my eyes.
I’ve always gravitated towards pictures that go deeper than the page they lay on. The ones that really embody the idea of “a picture is worth a thousand words”. When beginning my photography journey myself, I flipped through old photo albums around my house, or any magazine I could get my hands on. Every single time, I found myself stopping and staring at the raw pictures that evoked emotion. There was movement, feeling, texture, and always a story.
As previously mentioned in other posts, clothing has the strength to tell stories. Now, just imagine the power of a carefully executed photograph with the clothes behind the lens. It doesn’t always take much- just a camera, fabric, and an eye that looks beyond the surface of what appears before them.
Where I Find Inspiration: Fashion Photography
Peter Lindburgh
German photographer, Peter Lindburgh, is most well-known for his tendency to portray “photogenic realism.” He loved to capture objects and people in the purest of states, often appearing natural and casual. Lindburgh’s images are timeless, and almost always shot in black and white. Perhaps this is why I am so drawn to his photographs. (Artnet, 2023)
Branislav Simoncik
Through the combination of traditional and modern photography techniques, along with the coexistence of vibrant and muted colors, Slovakian photographer, Branislav Simoncik, brought a whole new tone to the fashion photography world. When he looked through a lens, he aspired to convey “themes of identity and memory.” (Fashion Model Directory, 2023)
Jürgen Teller
Another German photographer, Jürgen Teller, paved his own way in the industry through his fashion photography. Through his images, he “examines the social structures of beauty” (Artnet). Teller puts all trust in himself, the model, and his lens to capture humanness peering out from the surface.
Sølve Sundsbø
If I had to use one word to describe Norwegian photographer, Sølve Sundsbø, it would be experimental. Following his mastery in fashion photography where he tested the limits, Sundsbø also took a dive into filmmaking- expanding his artistic contributions to society. (Business of Fashion, 2023)
Noémi Ottilia Szabo
“One of the most sought-out photographers in Europe,” Noémi Ottilia Szabo captures fashion through unique perspective and vibrant eyes. Always striving to capture the beauty of life, she mastered the art of natural light- captivating anyone who laid eyes on her images. (Fashion Model Directory, 2023)
Stuart Winecoff
When it comes to Stuart Winecoff the words photographer and storyteller are interchangeable. Discovering his love of the camera at such a young age, he grew up to ultimately travel the world telling the stories of both people and places. (Fashion Model Directory, 2023)
Steven Meisel
If Steven Meisel is to be known for one thing it is pushing the limits. Always striving to capture something new and remarkable- people were never left speechless. Sometimes described as capturing provocative photographs, he chased his passion, never letting anyone get in his way.
References: Peter Lindbergh | Artnet, Jürgen Teller | Artnet, Branislav Simoncik – Fashion Photographer | Photographers | The FMD (fashionmodeldirectory.com), Sølve Sundsbø | BoF 500 | The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry (businessoffashion.com) Noemi Ottilia Szabo – Fashion Photographer | Photographers | The FMD (fashionmodeldirectory.com), Stuart Winecoff – Fashion Photographer | Photographers | The FMD (fashionmodeldirectory.com)
