The Fashion Photographer

So, we’ve heard you’ve been a busy busy lady of recent times. Risking it all with a move to Marbella, Spain which has proven rather fruitful when it comes to your fashion photography we understand. Tell us more!

I moved to Marbella for many reasons. The light here is perfect, I can do outdoor shoots whenever I want to, (the weather in the UK is unpredictable to say the least) and fashion is very important to the people of Marbella. It is all about luxury living here.

Armed with only my camera and portfolio I had to basically start from scratch. While staying with my Godmother I saw legendary PR guru, Max Clifford in Puerto Banus. I was invited to his office in the UK, where he explained he did not act as an agent to young aspiring photographers, but offered me the chance to be the photographer at one of his celebrity charity events. Here I was able to network with many influential people.

Next on my agenda was a meeting with the boss of the top modeling agency, Target Models. I was put on the books and have since worked with some incredible models and two extremely talented makeup artists, who have now become part of my team.

Since then everything has just gone berserk. The owner of Society Living magazine had asked me to do his monthly front covers and 12 page fashion features. This led on to me shooting the front cover of Beautiful Home magazine. In fact this year alone I have done five covers. How many 21 year olds can say that? I am constantly requested to shoot model portfolios and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing for my Alter Ego work. This is where I give people the opportunity to do something very different. Be it wild, funky or edgy. The latest request is from a lady who wants to be painted in gold. The photograph will be a present for her partner.

When I look at my diary I do have to take a deep breath, it is packed for the next few months. I cannot believe it but already I have had to take on an assistant to help with editing. I still do the occasional weddings, as to be offered several thousand Euros for one afternoon is very hard to refuse, but my heart and soul lies in fashion. Would I change anything? Not for the world.

What’s a typical day in the life of CJ the fashion photographer?

What I love about my job is that no day is the same. Take today for example. I woke up early and let the makeup artist in. While she was working on the model I went over my plans for the shoot and then set up the studio. After getting my camera ready, the stylist went through the looks with me. I didn’t agree on a few of them, as they wouldn’t have worked with the overall shot. Once I was happy with the styling I started the shoot. I am very much about directing the model, so I talked her through the poses and helped her relax. A model needs to enjoy working with me, so we can create the strongest possible image. After a few hours I wrap it up and then download the images. After going through them I call it a day and then GO OUT AND PARTY!

You’re quickly making a name for yourself in the fashion photography circles, what is it about fashion that you passionately love?

I am especially drawn to fashion editorial photography. This is where you can go really wild with artistic flair. In every shoot, I know just how I want everything to be, from the hair to the makeup and from the models expression to the set design. With fashion editorial you can be really creative with every aspect and each shoot is unique. I am lucky that I have been given such a free reign in Spain, which has been so much fun.

In your mind what makes a great fashion photo?

It has to evoke emotion and create a connection with you. It also has to be filled with personality; you will never get bored with a great fashion photo.

You must get creative block every now and then, where do you go to get inspiration from?

I have my Mum’s complete collection of Vogues dating back to the 1970’s which I consult for inspiration. Fashion is always evolving and it could be just the slightest detail in an image that sparks off a fresh idea for me.

Is it right to airbrush for covers?

I have mixed views. I love some of the original covers in the 70’s and 80’s where they didn’t airbrush and it was solely reliant on pure beauty. However, the more recent covers are striking and really push the boundaries. The only problem is the effect it has on our youth of today. They are getting a warped view of how the female body looks. I think airbrushing is fine but we need to make the younger generation aware that people do not actually look like that - it is an illusion.

What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

Many photographers can feel that their creative ideas are restricted when they have to please a large network of people. On any one project you might have to answer to the client, magazine editor, art director, stylist and designer. I am very fortunate that I have been given complete creative control over the fashion stories and covers for Society Living. It’s a dream job and the highlight of my career to date.

If you could choose one fashion icon to photo (dead or alive) who would it be?

It is tempting to choose Kate Moss, Twiggy, Gisele or any of the Supermodels. It would be an absolute privilege to work with them, but I love a challenge. They are so good at what they do and follow direction with such ease, but I need something that I can get my teeth into. I would rather follow in the footsteps of the legendary Annie Leibovitz and shoot the Queen. What would I do differently? Well I would have taken her completely out of her comfort zone, maybe walking her favorite horse or on a beach with her corgis. I would also dress her in clothes that I had handpicked for the shoot.

What’s the hottest item in your wardrobe at the moment?

A sequined charcoal grey tailored jacket. My friends love it when I wear it as it doesn’t matter how crowded the party is, you can spot me a mile away. I cannot lose them no matter how hard I try.

Gina or Jimmy Choo?

Definitely Jimmy Choo! Their campaigns are breathtaking and are always one step ahead of the game. They are constantly evolving their designs where as Gina just stick with the same old Swarovski Crystal diamante style.

Romantic night in or crazy night out?

It has to be a crazy night out with the girlies. When I go out I do not have a care in the world. I dance all night, chucking out some crazy dance moves and get up to mischief. It is pretty much guaranteed that by the end of the night I will have lost my shoes and be on a mad hunt for chocolate.

Favorite shot you’ve ever taken? Talk us through it.

I just did the front cover for Beautiful Home and I had complete freedom over everything. The only aim was to take the magazine in a new direction and use an advertiser’s product in the shot. Luckily it was a Throne so I was able to go crazy with ideas. As we were using very elegant Stephen Webster jewellery, I wanted to contrast it completely. I had a local artist make up a crown out of newspaper, giving the shoot an urban edge. Then I styled the model in a white Agent Provocateur corset with a huge white organza skirt, giving a nod to the ‘volume trend.’ I loved having total creative control, which is why this was my favorite shot.

What’s the future got in store for CJ?

I want to spread my wings and keep moving. I believe if you remain in the same place your work can become stagnant. Different environments will only help inspire my work and creativity. Next year I am hoping to either move to South Africa, as the fashion scene there is about to explode, or Milan. Which fashion photographer doesn’t dream of Milan After that? Well, New York …. Paris, who knows?

Finally, what words of wisdom would you give to anyone wanting to start out in a career in fashion photography?

I was lucky enough to have very supportive parents who have always been behind me. This is very important as it is an extremely difficult industry, where you will receive a many knocks. It is a very competitive industry so it has to be your passion, the only thing that you want to do. You need to be determined and driven. For example, I moved to Marbella not knowing anyone or having any photography contacts. I perceived, networked like crazy and thought outside the box. You need to be able to give something different from your rivals. It is hard work, but when it pays off there is nothing more fulfilling.

For further information and to view more of Cj's work, please visit CJ's website.