Tell me about your background as a photographer and how you got into the industry.
I'd been involved in all things photography and videography since I was a child, photographing everything from stage shows to the family dog. I was just drawn to cameras. I always said I had a horrible memory, so a camera was a tool to allow me to relive memories. I'd been obsessed for years! One day I went along to a past girlfriends fashion shoot and was blown away. The variables, the light, the cameras and the beauty of it all. I fell in love with the the process as I was fascinated by fashion photography, but my curiosity waned with it, keeping it all at a distance. Eventually another model I dated in the years to follow wasn't getting the support she needed to progress in the industry. I plunged into my savings, bought a dusty old Canon 7D and 50mm 1.4, and spent hours upon hours learning anything and everything I could to try to help her progress and follow her dream. I never took it seriously until we broke up - I thought I'd put the camera down and never pick it back up, but then I realised it was something I enjoyed more than anything, and I should pursue it. It's a very scattered story! But that's how it happened.
How would you describe your style of photography and what makes your style of photography unique?
I'm not sure I have a style! I've had my work compared to the likes of Bruce Weber, Chris Colls and Steven Miesel, which is extremely flattering! Although I like to think that it's unique because I take it. It's my eye, and no one else's (except the team of course!). I like rich colours, dramatic poses, fierce eyes, unique locations etc. I have an exercise I do with every model before each shoot where I just stare at them for a few seconds, to analyse their face and their shapes. I've seen how others have photographed them, so I want to see how I see them, not how others do. I like to look at people for the potential they have to offer, not for what they look like in front of you.
Tell me about your favourite photographer and why you like them?
I honestly don't have one! I love so many photographers for their unique characteristics in their shots. Whether its their angles, their colour use, how they portray the pieces, or even just their attitudes towards their craft. Anyone I feel I can learn from.
Where have you travelled in the world for your work, and what was your favourite destination?
So far Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Bali internationally, and all around Australia locally, with a fair few more destinations already locked in this year. Hong Kong is easily my favourite place, as photographically it's an amazing city. So much culture mixed with modernism. For fashion, it's the international hub for this side of the world. Big brands, fantastic teams, and easily some of the most unique models I have seen.
Have you ever worked with any well known models, shot for any well known brands/magazines/publications etc?
I've worked with a few, but backed off very quickly from that scene. I made a pact with myself to do all that once I felt my work was the best of my ability, which is only now coming into fruition. I've always said 1 good photo is better than pumping out 1000 bad ones, as people will remember you for the bad ones.
What advice would you give photographers trying to get into the industry?
Find a photographer whose work you find to be next level, and beg them to assist. Assist, assist and assist with as many high enough quality photographers as you can, learn what you can, then move on to your own work. Do NOT assist average photographers, you cannot progress that way. Have the right attitude, shoot as much as possible, and never compare yourself to others.
What are some tips for models when they are in front of the camera, and what do you look for in a model?
Everyone probably says this, but I look for someone unique looking. I've met thousands of models over the years and I only remember the real stand-outs. I look for models that mesmerise you with their beauty, like a moth to a bright light. The tip I can give to models is know yourself. Know your body, and know your poses. Even if this means to pull out a stack of your favourite magazines and stand in front of a mirror practising your poses, it makes all the difference come shoot day.
Tell me about a funny story on a shoot.
I once had a model dress down in baggy clothes and show up with an empty suit case to set one day, pretending she was the make up artist. She even began to set up the tables until the actual makeup artist arrived! She was fantastic.
What are your future career aspirations?
To be content in what I'm doing. To work with some of the most talented brands and people in the world, and travel as much as possible for it.
What are your goals for 2015?
Bigger and better. More campaigns, bigger clients, more travel.
Peace & Love
K
