Behind the Lens: Alex Garo

November 6, 2009 by Kathryn Wirsing
Filed under Interviews, Parties & People

The Backstage Boys brings a behind the scenes look at fashion week. Photographer and model Alex Garo, really captured the energy and pops of color in his new editorial for WhatsWear. Gaze at the handsome faces and designs, and then read on to find out what Alex is up to now:

KW: Did modeling bring you to New York City?

AG: Yeah. I’m originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

KW: How did you become interested in photography?

AG: Through modeling, right when I first started. It’s a very creative outlet. When I was twenty I started shooting my model friends in Milan and Barcelona

KW: What was one of the first images you can remember taking?

AG: I took an image of two male models in the streets of Milan, on the train tracks.

KW: WhatsWear’s new editorial features images that you shoot behind the scenes during fashion week. What kinds of things do you look for to shoot when backstage?

AG: The right moments. Backstage is so much more thrilling than runway sometimes. When you’re behind the scenes, it’s all about capturing that exciting instant.

KW: So when you’re shooting other models, I imagine you have some great advice for them. Being that you’ve been in the industry for quite some time.

AG: Yes, for sure. As far as their career, I tell them to keep very focused while modeling. I also tell them its important to work on other aspects of their life other than modeling. Because, from 1,000 male models, maybe 100 make really great money in a year.

KW: By being a successful model, would you say you have an advantage when shooting fellow models?

AG: Yes, I’m able to anticipate what a models going to do. When they are really young, you need to direct them. I’ve learned how to do that by assisting great photographers like Jim Fiscus. He’s massive, and does his job extremely well. I know what will look good on camera and how to really connect with other models.

KW: While on set, what kind of music will be in the background to get the creative juices flowing?

AG: Quiet, classical music. Something that inspires everyone on set.

KW: With no restrictions at all, which models would you kill to work with?

AG: Agyness Deyn, I love her, and Tyson Ballou. I’m imagining them together in a desert, like an old jeans campaign. Sand blowing all around with an old muscle car…

KW: So tell me some other things you’ve been up to lately.

AG: Recently in London I shot Zenia Sevastyanova from Elite Models, for Sienna Miller’s collection. It was a clean and simple concept. I also just updated my portfolio with shots with really great models from all around the world.

(Photographer, Alex Garo)

KW: That’s awesome! Can’t wait to see the images from that job. And in five years time, what would you like to be doing?

AG: I want to try and break into advertising while working around the world. I also want to focus on my style more and just keep updating my portfolio.

KW: Can’t wait to see more of your work! Thanks so much for your time and your images Alex!