La Vie en Rose
Get ready for the GMARO Magazine August 2024 Issue #10!
We're thrilled to feature the incredible **Pauline St Denis‘s Photography** on this month's cover, with the stunning Shai Zaar as our cover model.
In our exclusive interview, Pauline shares how she draws inspiration from her Midwestern roots and NYC experiences to create her unique style. Her work is influenced by legendary photographers like Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton, Paolo Roversi, and Nick Knight.
Pauline takes us through her creative process, emphasizing the importance of location, production, and collaboration with talented stylists. She believes in the magic of combining natural and artificial light, and values the art of light retouching to maintain the essence of her subjects.
For Pauline, fashion photography is all about capturing the true essence of people and brands. Her advice to aspiring photographers? Shoot, shoot, shoot!
Discover more about Pauline's journey, her approach to post-processing, and her future goals in the full interview. Don't miss this inspiring feature in our August issue!
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Photographer - Pauline St Denis @pauline_st.denis
Cover Model - Shai Zaar @shai.zaar
Wardrobe Stylist - Rudy Reed @rudyreednyc
Hair Stylist - Hair by Ezel, International Editorial Director at ScottFree @ezelm
Makeup Artist - Ford Page @fordpagemua
Assistant - Daniel S Hagy @kaitoophoto212
How do you develop your unique style and aesthetic in your work?
I think you have to be true to Who you are and what your roots are. We all create based on our experience. I tend to draw from my midwestern past and memories also from living in NYC for many years.I’d like to really get into what I call Midwestern Noir. I have now lived in the chaos and beauty of NY for several years. That definitely impacts me. The rise and fall of Wall Street, the fall of the twin towers and the day to day cultural blast I receive from just being here really contributes to what influences me. Think of Helmut Newton's classic shots, he lived in Monte Carlo. He saw those women out and about probably everyday.
Which fashion photographers have influenced you the most?
I’m old school so what I consider the greats are Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton, Paolo Roversi and Nick Knight.
Can you share your creative process from concept to final image?
I am inspired by what I see be it a location or a kid wearing something. I’m always looking for something that catches my eye. I then I talk to a stylist usually about what I saw or where I want to shoot.
What are the key elements you focus on when planning a fashion shoot?
Location, production, model, and team. For me the stylist is my partner and over the years I’ve learned the stylist holds the magic wand to my visions. I have nothing but respect and admiration for them . It’s hard work. I also like a seamless production.
How do you select your locations for fashion photography?
I take I phone shots of the street or I think what in tri-state area looks like Scotland or a salt mine. Then I go out and look for it. In the ancient times people and businesses where not so commerce driven. You could shoot in a location before business hours or on their day off. I think of my friends homes and also of places I’ve been. I do a lot of walking. I look out my car window, I explore continuously.
What role does lighting play in your fashion photography, and how do you approach it?
Depending on production budget I try to keep things very simple and easy to move. I love how light and small strobes have gotten. I also enjoy certain continuous lighting - I’m loving the new LED lights. You can do a lot with 3 lights and also combing natural light and daylight. One of my favorite quotes from David Bailey “ What’s your favorite light source Mr. Bailey?" “I’m happy with available light” you mean natural light?” “No I mean any fking lights that’s there” I agree with this sentiment.
How do you collaborate with fashion designers and stylists to achieve the desired look?
Carefully. I will usually chose a stylist I respect and we rarely have conflicts. If I really don’t think somethings not working I’ll ask if we can try something else.
How do you approach post-processing and retouching in your fashion photos?
I leave it to professionals and I like breathable skin. I think its an art form and some retouchers are sublime and others not so much. Some of my clients like a lot of retouching. I, myself really prefer a light touch.
What equipment do you consider essential for fashion photography?
Your brain and a solid background in art history and cinema. I shot for 25 years using toy camera for major brands.Its not the equipment it's the brain.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashion photographers?
Shoot, shoot, shoot. Photography is an art and to excel at it you have to actually do it. The hours and time in allow you to make it an extension of your thoughts in the moment. This comes with practice. You must physically take photo’s.
What is your favorite part of the fashion photography process?
Collaboration with a group and or another individual.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in a highly competitive industry?
How do you keep your portfolio fresh and updated? I shoot for myself. I invent and invest in personal projects often.
What has been the most significant change in fashion photography since you started?
Social media, over saturation and everybody thinks they’re an instant Avedon.
What do you think sets your fashion photography apart from others in the industry?
I actually love people and beautiful things. People are motivated by many emotions and seek different outlooks. I think I’m unique. I love color and who I am. I do think beauty is in the eye of the beholder . Not everyone I shoot has to be “beautiful”. The process of “capturing the essence” of the individual or brand appeals to me.
How do you handle feedback and critique of your work?
Not well. I’m a big baby and my worst critic. I try to listen and absorb what someone is saying.If I respect the person and even if I don’t I try to hear them. HARD.
What are your future goals and aspirations in the field of fashion photography?
I want to be an old cod shooting until I can’t. I love mentoring students and I love being with young people. That’s what makes you young and vital. It is such a deep ever changing medium I’m never bored with the process.
