Behind the Lens with Stephen Ciuccoli
April 17, 2009 by WhatsWear
Filed under Interviews
WhatsWear’s Kathryn Wirsing sat down to a lively and interesting conversation with the multi-talented fashion photographer Stephen Ciuccoli, the man behind Mission: Impeccable. Ciuccoli’s work is not only featured in numerous ad campaigns but also in many fashion spreads. In answering Wirsing’s questions, Ciuccoli was not only very open and honest, but also passionate and poetic.
KW: It’s so difficult starting out as a photographer. Sometimes the only way to grab people’s attention is to separate yourself from the competition. How did you manage to do that?
SC: I did so by making my portfolio very much connected to my personal work. It’s very fine art oriented. It was a risk, but it paid off by attracting like-minded people that I now work with.
KW: How did you first get started in the biz?
SC: I always loved photography; so, it was a natural step to making it my life. In college, I assisted, and then I jumped in with both feet! Oddly, I started in college to be a photo journalist. Then I ended up in commercial shooting still life. Now I am almost back where I started. Fashion is very much like journalism.
KW: What was your first big job that you shot and how did you obtain the opportunity?
SC: It was a DOW Chemical ad campaign with a Swedish advertising agency. The creative director liked my work because he felt strongly that it suited the tone of the campaign
KW: Which environment do you prefer to shoot in: location or studio? Why?
SC: Location. I need to be challenged. I like space and working my subjects into an environment. Although I love the austerity of the studio, it forces me to do more with light to make it more interesting.
KW: What, if any, serves as a constant source of inspiration?
SC: What inspires me is the fact that I have this career that lets me express myself. I love art, creative people, and sharing creative energy to create something. That inspires me.
KW: When shooting, what are some pieces of equipment you rely on?
SC: Of course my camera, and as far as light goes, it could be anything. I used to use a lot of Polaroid. I miss it.
KW: How do you approach lighting your subjects?
SC: I light very emotionally if it is work that I am creative directing. By that I mean I have to feel something in me in order to make the choice for the light. It is very holistic. If it is for a commercial project, that very much depends on the direction of the overall campaign. That is sometimes more of a challenge.
KW: What decisions go into your choices for light?
SC: Location. Is it possible for me to get what I want with natural light? How much control do I want? How much do I want to leave to serendipity? What is the story I am telling?
KW: Describe to us your thought process that goes into coming up with concepts for your stories you photograph.
SC: I like to first see what it is that I am shooting. Then, I think rather cinematically, to have a story line. With the art director or fashion director, we can then merge our vision and then set the direction. Then when casting, you start off looking for a certain look. Then when you see who you are going to use, another inspiration occurs and from there it just takes on a life of its own. Especially when you start bringing the crew together. Makeup, stylists, model. Everyone brings life to it then. So what may start off as my idea, morphs into something even better, as a result of the collaboration.
KW: In your opinion, what makes for a successful shoot?
SC: Everyone is having a great day – and the cast and crew are all working at a high level because we are in sync. No one is stressed, and the images kick ass.
KW: So far, who or what has been your most interesting subject and why?
SC: Tobias, the Minstrel from the “Dreamville” section of my web portfolio. He is a kindred spirit.
KW: During a photo shoot, how do you connect with and get what you need visually from a model?
SC: I think you can only connect with a model who truly feels what they are doing is an art. And they have to feel like when they are in front of the camera, they are not. It’s hard to describe. When the model is really on and not laissez faire about the process, we get really connected and the images just become frozen moments – yet they have life. When you show the model the results as you’re progressing, they get even more into the process. It has to be very inclusive.
KW: What’s your favorite campaign, or magazine editorial in the past that you wished you’d thought of?
SC: Oh wow! There are many! I will always covet the shoot Richard Avedon did with the elephants…..
KW: Those Avedon images are so striking! Even to this day they are hard images to live up to. Who is your dream client to shoot for?
SC: Calvin Klein
KW: Tell me a little more about the fascinating “SteelYard” link on your site. We all love the images on it!
SC: Oh thank you!! Steelyard really is dark. It is a work in progress. I guess it is either my alter ego or the real images I seek. Ever since I first picked up a camera I have made images like this. The Surrealists were a huge inspiration to me when I was young. So I think it is how my viewpoint on my surrounding evolved. I used to rely on just finding things that fit the “Steelyard” but now I am able to make them happen at will, which really makes me happy!!
KW: What do you find may be one misconception about fashion or advertising photography?
SC: That it is pointless. I think it is a record of the time we live in. You get a real feel for how life must have been when you look back at old editorials and advertisements. So as photographers we really do document life if it is done well.
KW: What does it take to be a successful fashion, or advertising photographer?
SC: Passion
KW: I love that one-word answer! Any advice and/or words of wisdom for photographers starting out in the field?
SC: Be yourself – always!
KW: And now one of my favorite questions to ask, with no restrictions or budget, what would be your dream shoot?
SC: hmmm, I would love to have free reign in the Ice Hotel in Sweden, with my amazing crew. Work with inspired and creative models wrapped in the greatest couture and exquisite gems…….ok, where do I sign up?!
KW: Finish this sentence: If I wasn’t a photographer I’d be……
SC: A poet. Maybe….
KATHRYN WIRSING
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Great interview! And Thank you Steve for shooting in stellar fasion for us this week!
Warm regards,
Fred and Dawn