“It is my whole life, my everything. “
To begin, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how did you get into photography world? Do you have any formal training in your background? I took a photography class in high school but back then I had no idea you could do photography as a career. In school we were not encouraged to be an artist as a career. I loved taking photos of me and my friends so the love just grew from there. After a while I got my first real proper camera. In terms of formal training, I later did a degree in Applied Photography at Sheridan College in Ontario Canada.
What do you love the most about being a photographer? Pretty much everything you can think of. I am completely obsessed with photography. It is my whole life, my everything.
How would you describe your photographic vision? Colorful and clean.
Why fashion? How did you move specifically towards fashion photography? My mom was buying vogue since I was a young girl. I was raised seeing fashion images.
What is the difference between fashion and beauty photography? For me beauty photography is more focused and rigid in its approach. With fashion photography I feel the freedom to play more with the images and with the movements of the body. Also, when shooting fashion images you need to have a big team. Beauty can be done with a much smaller team. I enjoy the thrill of working with a large team and to see everyone making a contribution to the final product.
In your opinion, what are the ingredients for success with fashion photography? Work hard and never stop.
What inspires you and what gives you ideas to create your beautiful images? Do you look to other photographers for inspiration, or does your inspiration come from other sources? I try really hard not to look at others photographers work these days. I have a handful of photographers whom I love that inspire me of course. I try not even to think about the process as much as some people would. I just pick up the camera and let it come to me naturally.
Do you plan each photo out or are they created more spontaneously? Can your ideas change depending on the model (or location) you are working with? I do not plan the photos. I am definitely a spontaneous shooter. I just try to work with what I have access to and make it as great as it can be.
Do you prefer working on location or in studio? What’s your favorite light source, and why do you choose it? Natural light all the way. I would take working on location before a studio any time. Studio work for me can be really boring.
Is there anywhere in the world you are fascinated about and you’d like to become a location for a shoot? ICELAND. I have to make that happen. It looks like photography heaven to me.
How do you feel about digital manipulation and post processing programs? Are they important in your photography? I think something like Photoshop is a good tool. I try hard not to go to crazy with it. I do think it is 100% needed though even if you just use it for just color corrections, etc.
What from your point of view makes the shoot successful? A team which is excited to make great images. If one person on the team is in a foul mood the whole shoot can go to crap because of that. It’s good to only have positive people at photo-shoots.
What project you are most proud of? Why? The ones which have not yet been created. After a project is done I fall out of love with it fast. I just want to create as much as possible. I’m always thinking to the next work, the next adventure and being behind the camera rather than stuck at my desk looking through the images.
How do you choose which images you provide to your clients? How do you balance your style with a client’s vision? In your opinion, what makes the good picture to stand out from the average? I have developed my own system to find the photos which I think are best. I basically just filter it out one by one to what I think are the best from a shoot. But I like to get the client involved and work with them in this process as it’s more important they are happy.
What are you looking for in a fashion model? What is an X factor for you? I just love tall models, they are my favourite.
What is the key to getting the best out of someone? What is the trick to capturing a great shot? It’s nice to try to connect with the people you work with. I like to have chats with the models before we actually shoot to feel out their personality.
What would be your tips/advice to models looking to expand their portfolio? Try to shoot a lot of tests and work with as many photographers as possible.
From your point of view, what are the most difficult aspects of professional fashion photography? Retouching and organizing files. This takes a long time. I wish I could just shoot and the images would land on the clients desk.
What is the best way to find work as a fashion and beauty photographer? What role does social media play in your business? Networking is a key. I try my best not to kiss-ass and play games. I concentrate on being myself and letting my work speak for itself.
Where can our readers keep up with your work and get connected with you? Instagram (@kendrastormrae) and my website (kendrarae.com). I find Facebook does not share enough of my work with people – I’m kind of over using it, constantly paying them money so that people can view my work. It’s like organized crime.
Outside of fashion photography, what else blows your mind? Music Videos. My dream (if photography wasn’t possible) would be to make music videos, exclusively.
Tell us one fact about yourself that our readers may find surprising. I try really hard to keep a positive mind and also to be nice to people.
Thank you, Kendra.
Published in 2016 June Volume I: BUY NOW
