5 Fashion Photographers Share How They Got Started and Why They Love What They Do

We love the way fashion photography incorporates skills from almost every photography genre. From constructing fantasy worlds to tell the story of a product or look, to mastering portraiture and precise lighting while collaborating with other artists, stylists and models – there’s a lot that goes in to every photoshoot and a lot to love about the world of fashion photography. Hear how these 5 photographers from The List got started and why they love fashion photography, too.

Feature photo by Kristina Varaksina

 

Kristina Varaksina

Primary location: New York, New York
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“I am an award-winning photographer with wide experience in fashion and advertising photography, and I have art-directed and photographed multiple successful campaigns for American and international brands. When it comes to concept development, I always deliver fresh and unique ideas. When it comes to execution, I work with A-list productions, stylists, makeup artists, set designers, videographers, and other trusted professionals, closely supervising every step in production and everybody’s work on set. My goal is to deliver unique imagery of the highest quality, regardless of the client’s budget.

In my photography I’ve always liked creating imaginary stories with people, often exaggerated, sometimes with surreal elements. Naturally I saw fashion as the area of photography where I could play with my fictional worlds and tell my stories. Advertising photography and fashion photography are the genres where almost everything is staged. I enjoy creating the stage, deciding on props, lighting, and directing the actors.

My tip to beginning fashion photographers is to start viewing yourself as an art director, who is fully responsible for every single detail of every shot. You are responsible not only for lighting, camera, chosen focal length, framing, and other in-camera effects, but also for location, set design, wardrobe, hair, makeup, models’ poses, and post production. Of course, fashion photography is always a collaboration between several people each trained and talented in their field, but it’s you who says “we got it” when everything is perfect in the shot, and it’s you who should stop and ask to change something when it is not working. The more you train your eye to see the whole picture and every little detail, the better photographer you will become.”

 

Adam Wamsley

Primary location: Brooklyn, New York
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“I truly love what I do, and I believe that it shows through in my work. I pride myself on being able to communicate clearly with my clients in order to best understand their needs and to deliver a final product up to, or beyond, their expectations. From working with a large creative team, to the conversations behind an intimate editorial portrait, each project offers its own intrigue. I thrive on exploration and interaction, always with a healthy dose of fun in the mix, allowing me to create powerful, detailed, and dynamic work.”

 

Hélène Wiesenhaan

Primary location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
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“I’m an autodidact photographer with my own signature. I prefer working with daylight, and my models always feel really relaxed during shoots. I think that shows in my work. A good vibe at the set is so important.

I started photographing professionally 21 years ago. I took on every opportunity – even the ones that scared me. By doing that I really grew as a photographer. I got to work for different magazines and fashion labels. They liked my style of photography. I didn’t want to copy anyone, so I did what felt good for me. Overall, I think you have to follow your dream, dare to step outside your comfort zone, and work hard to get there!”

 

Adnan Hanif

Primary location: Dubai, UAE
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“Adnan Hanif captures the moods and emotions that write each individual story, a new chapter with every frame. Well known for his captivating fashion portraits, he deftly plays with light and shadow, creating beautiful and subtle changes in texture and palette. He combines an artist’s vision with a technician’s mastery of craft. Ranked among the top professional fashion and portrait photographers, Adnan Hanif currently lives in Dubai and works worldwide.”

 

Ari Rossner

Primary location: Paris, France
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“I have more than 20 years of experience shooting campaigns for the beauty and fashion industry in Paris where the requested level is very high, and I can bring a french touch to the images I create.

Since I am curious about other cultures, I also love traveling and visiting new countries. So, while I mostly shoot in the studio, I alternate by traveling to the real world – photographing different subjects and exploring other facets of the human face.”

 

Check out our Instagram for more beautiful shots from these photographers and the blog for more highlights from other members of The List.