"I think Fashion, like every area of photography, is not so much hard to master how it's done, but how to use what you've learned to make it unique."~ Patrick Bell
For those of you who did not get to attend the Leonardo Maniscalchi Fashion Workshop, I was able to catch up with the talented Mr. Bell, who did participate. Patrick is in his second year of the Southeast Photography Program here at DSC. Damned if I wouldn't have known he'd been shooting Fashion for years!
Interview by Morgan McDole
Words and Photos_ Patrick Bell
Describe Leonardo Maniscalchi.PB: Leonardo's passion for photography I think is what shaped his character. He is always thinking photography, and when constructing his photographs you can see his undeniable love for it. He had a great sense of humor, easy to get along with, and really just loves to show who ever is whiling to listen, everything he knows!
What were the stations of the workshop? What was your favorite and why?PB: There were several stations in the workshop, including High Key, and low Key, one was even a model in front of an American flag hung on the wall with a single key light. I think my favorite was low key, but I tend to lean towards that no matter what I'm shooting!
How does Fashion Photography differ from other photo genres?PB: Fashion photography differs, or at least in my opinion because it is entirely staged and in most cases seems unreal. I'm leaning more towards portraiture, and fine art, so while shooting the models with Leonardo I felt as if it wasn't about them personally, but they where a canvas for the body painting, or clothing, I feel that's very similar to most fashion photography.
How did you grow as a photographer from October 22-24th?PB: I enjoy shooting high key, and fashion a lot more, I also grew more with lighting techniques, Leonardo showed us that with using the right ratios even the simplest lighting set-ups can create beautiful photographs. I also got a greater understanding to the positioning of models and how it can really make or break a photograph.
So, what goes into choosing the perfect model to get the look you want?
PB: Well first I would say consider how you will shoot them, the key of a photograph will change the appearance of your model so when first choosing one consider how you where intending to shoot. Then really I think it's all personal opinion, you will just know when you see your model what to do with them, and how your decisions pertain to how you will shoot them.
What goes into creating it?
PB: Everything, lighting, model, apparel, positioning of the frame and the model, I think Diana Arbus put it best when she said, "You are responsible for everything in your frame".
Would you say Fashion is a hard area of photography to master?
PB: I think Fashion like every area of photography is not so much hard to master how it's done, yet how to use what you've learned to make it unique.
Are there any big N-Os to shooting Fashion? In other words, any advice to those who did not attend, to possibly avoid something that will glare AMATEUR.PB: It's all in the lighting and the posing, I think a huge N-O would be don't cut off body parts with the frame, fingers, feet, etc.!
Do you have a different opinion of Fashion Photography, after attending training from a professional in the field?PB: Absolutely, I would have never considered Fashion Photography before attending the workshop with Leonardo, I think this was mainly because I was entirely ignorant to the field.
What type of personality traits do you think is necessary to be a
fashion photographer?PB: As Leonardo says, "You have to love your models". And, you can't be shy. If you aren't telling your models what to do, they wont do it! I've also learned if you reassure your models with complements, you get better pictures!
Would you like to do this?PB: I would definitely enjoy it a lot more now that I have worked with Leonardo, and have gained a better understanding of fashion photography .
What is your favorite thing to shoot?PB: My favorite thing to shoot is low-key portraiture.
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