The sad, decades long pattern is revealed once again: Artisanal quality is born in Europe. Americans take it, mass produce it and in the process turn it into utter crap. 95% of American food culture is this way and virtually no one notices–as you’ve well noted. Dear Paris, if you have any sense, keep the doors tightly closed on American garbage.

Eric
USA

You should be ashamed, playing off of people that way just for more traffic.

I totally agree with your kind comment re: Jeremy. By the way just had a look at your website Sam. Some lovely imagery indeed. Bravo!

Ben :-)

Your highlighting of his work is most kind and deserving to Jeremy.

~Sam

Me too! :-)))

Just click on it to find out. It is a very simple game. The more numbers you type the happier I become. You will also feel much lighter for doing so. Trust me..You know those famous last words. Like my Dad used to say “Trust in God, all others pay Cash” :-)

If I could I would, but I won’t… :-)

Have a lot of fun with your new toy!!! I´m lookin forward to see your works with it.

Remember Esther Canada’s sweeping off her nun’s habit to reveal a slinky red mini dress? Unforgettable McQueen moments. Too numerous to mention btw.

I still haven’t recovered from his collaboration with Michael Clark for that now legendary presentation a la “They Shoot Horses Don’t They”. It left me speechless…

I admired him so much and will dearly miss his presence in fashion.
Excellent post here Frédérique. Thank you for sharing your McQueen experience with us.

Thanks for put on words what a simply fashion lover, who doesn’t know any designer or is a fashion editor in a magazine, feels.

I am very upset since the death of McQueen, that’s why I wrote a post based on yours.

I don’t know if you read in spanish -i will try to translate the post soon-.

Thanks again for this post, for me is the best that I have read about Alexander McQueen.

Most people only talk about his amazing designs but I really think that as you mentioned his commitment to fashion as an art form was what set him apart. He was also I think so dedicated to the craftsmanship element of his art, because he saw it as a tool of an expression not a means to an end. Unlike, some infamous members of Project Runway who used glue at times that should remain nameless.

Great work, i think once a photographer like you has such a distinctive style its a cheek for some mindless wannabe to try and rip you off like that.

btw i love reading your blogs there such a great source of inspiration to me.

martin

I did a fashion shoot (not nearly as big as yours, by any means) for the first time and it was really overwhelming! I definitely was not prepared.

I’m so glad the more elegant skirts are coming back! Tired of those bubble things that make everyone’s legs look terrible :)

Wonderful article, love living vicariously!
Kristi

p.s. your photography is not so dusty either ;-)

Thanks Steve ;-)

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2009/12/04/beauty-shoot-for-citizen-k-magazine-asked-how-did-i-do-it/

Ben :-)

Also was wondering if you have or will be doing any more work and explinations on this kind of grainy noir lighting?

Great works!

http://shiraz1.daportfolio.com/

My style depends on the photo shoot I am doing.

I have twice in my career interviewed wannabies that had MY work in their portfolios.

In one instance, the presenter had simply pulled proof sheets from the ad agency he worked for (as an assistant art director), mounted them on foam board and put them in his portfolio case. When he eventually interviewed at the agency I was working for at the time, he simply didn’t know that the creative director he’d be seeing (me) was the creator of the work he’d stolen from the proof files. I had worked for the same agency a year or two earlier.

In the second instance, I was freelancing at an ad agency when a young man that had been an assistant A/D at my previous full-time job came in to see the creative director at my freelance gig. He turned beet-red when he saw me in the hallway then turned a deeper red when the creative director of the agency asked me to join him in reviewing this young fellow’s portfolio.

In both instances, those two never did develop solid careers … not in Los Angeles, anyway.

I agree 100%! I’ve learned a lot from these posts & really enjoy the videos. More please! Much appreciate the time and effort. As far as the jealousy and negative energy, I say we let them keep that!

Many Thanks, Dan

Here is the translation of Jacques Tuaner’s comments:

Daniel Joutard, talented young entrepreneur has the laudable ambition to expand its business of bio-cosmetics while emphasizing equitable production with South American peasants, themselves anxious to spare the bio-diversity of their sites. A commendable initiative of sustainable development. Many cite the company as an example, Daniel Joutard, was created.
Is this the beginnings of a society to “human face”? Wish him every success and sustainability.
(Congratulations to Benjamin Kanarek, the “Prince of Light” for photos and sublime lighting. Do not forget, too, Frédérique Renaut for this remarkably elegant website and documented.)

(Félicitations à Benjamin Kanarek, ce “Prince des Lumières”, pour ses photos et éclairages sublimes. N’oublions pas, également, Frédérique Renaut pour cet élégant site remarquablement écrit et documenté.)

I can’t count how many magazine I have shot for, but in most cases the output is rarely more than 133 dpi. All you see is the tram of the ink. I have had Billboards blow up to 3×5 meters shot with a 10 megapixel camera, because the output was around 18-25 dpi. I therefore beg to differ. :-)

YOU NEED THE S2 LEICA.

YOU NEED 50+ MP

OR YOU ARE A NOBODY

HERE’S WHY

http://fotopro.lefora.com/2009/06/28/why-the-d300-is-the-last-dslr-90-of-shooters-will-/

This post was mentioned on Twitter by freddyren: Designer Alexis Mabille shot by Benjamin Kanarek and published in Vogue Brasil http://bit.ly/1E43Dm...

Reminds me of an article I once read by the great Mike Johnston of “The Online Photographer” fame. It was called “Eschew Cliché”. Check it out here: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-03-06-01.shtml

:-)

Thank you Tiffany. Glad that you were able to benefit by it :-)

Thank you, this helps.

Wonderfully expressed…

If you instill (dictate) how others should approach something, then all you get is clones; parrots who woefully go through the steps mechanically. If photography is about individuality, then there will be none by the end of this.

If this goes unchecked, then eventually those who analyze the work, could do so perhaps by the same mechanical means. You can delineate the theoretical and practical into two camps. The theorists are caught up lavishing time on the camera whilst the practical shoot fluently from the hip, purely on instinct, purely by feel, purely by soul. This is not taught. The theorists are envious of the practicals and call them ‘undisciplined’, ‘unorthodox’ – as if they were somehow inferior, but chance is the way the universe works, and the theories are only the instructions for that probability.

Was going to get in cinefoils and Hollywood grids in my next installment.

Ben :-)

Actually part one is on my blog. http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2009/12/28/what-kinds-of-lighting-accessories-are-needed-to-sculpt-with-light-part-1/

No, I haven’t had a studio since leaving Toronto years ago.

What about rating the average joe’s pocket digital camera ? I regrettably bought the new olympus “stylus” water resistant camera and I am not screaming on mount olympus about it!! Not that water proof. Give us a rating on consumer digital cameras!!!!

isa

Actually there are samples all over my portfolio. Just link to my website to have a look. http://www.benjaminkanarek.com

thanks for sharing your know how!
This creative shoot got me thinking … and inspired me to try new things. Thank you for that.

Leeuwtje

It is not the tool, but how you use it and to which result that is important. I am not against umbrella’s, but the manner in which people assume that they must purchase one because everyone else does. You choose a tool to perform a task. If you don’t know the how and why to use it the results can be often petty lame.

Extra credit for the King Crimson tribute.

Love & Bass

Thanks for that behind the scenes, simply wonderful to watch it unfold, and the resulting images inspiring!

I felt that spending 3 and a half times more money for the 1Ds Mklll and with the improved sensor of the 5D Mkll, it was a much better value for basically the same resolving power. Thus my choosing the 5D Mkll over the 1Ds Mklll.

Thanks for sharing your insight.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Benjamin!

No, I am afraid not. I am a free agent :-) We also compiled all three parts on to this one post. easier to follow.

Thanks for sharing.

I could not agree with you more about the herd of sheep with a few being the black sheeps. We must be part of the handful who just lives for the fresh stimulation. Boredom, for example, scares me more then any type of diease. Good to know we have some visionaries out there who change the status quo for masses.

isa

Mediocrity seems to have enveloped the masses as a measure of greatness. On the other hand, maybe that’s always been the way things have been; Perhaps creativity is like any other thing out there: the masses remain passively content while a handful of people and ideas drive the rest of the flock into new directions.

Danke, Merci, Thanks…

You know something Marvin; there should be a one day national holiday called “Stalk the Stalker”, where community groups get together en mass and stalk the stalker. Now wouldn’t that be fun!? Now that would be putting the proverbial shoe on the other foot…

No. That hard line around the shoulders was accomplished using a slow shutter speed of around 1/4 to 1/8th of a second. Actually the model is at least 2.5 meters in front of the backdrop. Using blue gels, as it has an effect on the conversion to B&W.

I was surprised to see your comment on my latest blog. I have always loved your work and never would thought someone like you would read my blog. Hahahaha.. I don’t even know how you got there.. lols!

Anyway, Thanks!

BTW, dunno where to put this so I just wrote it in your latest blog :D

Showing kindness and patience towards some people is sometimes misconstrued and misunderstood. Lending a sympathetic ear will sometimes backfire at some unexpected moment. Anything and everything that you say or do is examined under a microscope. We have to be very aware of words that may guide or criticize others. A harsh word might destroy someone’s dreams. A heartfelt compliment or encouragement may inspire someone to great heights. A warm gesture can be misread by some. The joy of creating is occasionally denigrated by an encounter with an unbalanced human being who’s profound unhappiness with their own lives is momentarily alleviated by their chance meeting with an artist.

They see in this artist a life or a path that they would never have dared to follow.They fantasize that the artist will rescue them from an otherwise mundane existence.The irony is that the artist is just like the fan,an ordinary human being. The only difference is that the artist followed his or her muse. I have encountered people who fit the above description. They suffer from profound sadness and frustration in their personal lives. I find it interesting that all of these people were involved in relationships. It seemed as if they were leading a double life. One living in frustration. The second living in denial and fantasy.

In their minds,they were already living (imagining) a relationship the artist that never existed. Once “jilted” by the artist,they will go to any extreme to reek havoc in a pathetic show of vindictiveness. They will fabricate scenarios,lies and any other means available to them in an attempt to avenge the artist who “wronged” them. This is the classic profile of a “stalker”not a fan. The best that we can do,is pity them,and hopefully learn and recognize the archetypal warning signs,so that the next time,we can just turn and walk away. Besides the rare encounter with one of these pathetic,sad,incomplete human beings,I would never trade my life as an artist. I will,as all artists,follow my muse……….. peace for ‘09 and beyond.

http://howdidyougetthere.wordpress.com/

Yes, I would agree with you, that Berlin is an up and coming Fashion Center.

I have a question. Would you think about Berlin as a Fashion capital or maybe not ?

I heard a lot of times that people see Berlin as a “underground fashion capital” but not for “real” fashion.

What’s your opinion on this ?

Thanks,

Dea

Speaking of backers and short term interests, I’m immediately reminded of the wonderful documentary Valentino: The Last Emperor (see it as soon as possible if you haven’t already). At least in the present economic system, I suppose there’s an inevitable tension between fashion artistry and making money. However, there’s a difference between making enough money and the increasingly popular ethos of making as much as possible regardless of other values. After Lacroix, who’s next?

keep up the good job!
Luis

If I understood the tutorial by “photographersacademy” correctly, it looks like a radiologist and fashion-beauty photographer have a lot in common. Right?

Fred

A well deserved compliment none the less. :-)

Thx for compliment. I am trying to update it. Hopefully soon!

- ringlight high, centered with the camera axis, the ringlight was slighlty front the girl vertical axis and aimed more at hair
-reflector down to reflect some light on the eyes and torso
- two sided light with reflector, maybe gridded?
- the light in the background come from reflector and ringlight.

1- Main light: The ”raccoon eyes”, along with the shadows under her nose and neck indicate that your the light was located high above her head, angled about 45 degrees, aligned with the camera axis. The specular highlights on her hair indicate the light quality was soft, and that the modifier was of good relative size, so perhaps a large softbox?

2- Rim lights: The highlights on both sides of her face tell me you used one light on each side, angled at about 90degrees to the model’s face. Perhaps they were gridded, to keep the light from going on her shoulders?

As for the background, it looks like it could have been lit by the main light.

If I could see her eyes better, I could definitely tell you what main light you used ;) Looking forward to knowing what the real setup was.

Very fine work btw!

Love & Bass

2 hairs lights, one on either side of the model above and to the rear.

2 rim lights, about even with the neck and to the rear and sides of the model.

1 large light overhead the model, perhaps a beauty dish or medium softbox.

a fill card below to open up the shadows.

Leo, I just had a look at your website and all I can say is, Bravo! I am truly impressed…

1 beauty dish or ringlight from above and slightly behind the model with a reflector to bounce light back onto her torso
1 snootted strobe on either side from behind and approx 45 degree pointed towards her for the side hilites.

Maybe some post work to bring the eyes back a little.

Second : Besides an awesome team, like amazing an amazing stylist and awesome make-up artist, I’m thinking of :

For the lightning :
- Front beauty dish (slightly in the top of the model, so you can loose the catchlight in the eye)
- A white reflector under the model
- 2 strong backlights faced to the model for her cheek/neck. I’m thinking bowls without grid ?

Look who’s talking ;-)

It says “Mirage” on the Bass Drum. Could be the Brand…

The French magazines have never been prudish. You sometimes find pictures of bare-breasted women in the mainstream ones like Elle and Marie-Claire, but it’s always in connection with the subject of the shoot (beachware, how to get a perfect body, breast Xrays etc.)

Just recently I’ve noticed that bare breasts have been creeping into straight fashion shoots, especially in magazines aimed at younger women. I’ve started buying Grazia magazine – it’s like a teenagers magaine with a lot of People news plus some serious fashion stuff with pretty young models. I find it rather fun.

If I were you I wouldn’t force myself to do nudes if you don’t want to, especially with a model who’s not expecting it. (I have the opposite problem with my nude models – when I want to do fashion all they want to do is take their clothes off..)

very nice blog Ben.

He was at the level where he was shooting high-end ad campaigns, so the investment of a few thousand dollars to make a unique impression on an agency made perfect sense to him.

isa

Muchas gracias por sus lindas palabras y mi abuelito siempre decia,” Si quiere, lo puede y lo debo.” Disculpeme que no puede escribir con acentos porque mi computadora no tiene el programo.

Hasta la proxima vez y que le vaya bien.

isa

Bueno, no te aburro más con tanta letra, y te dejo hasta pronto. Será un gusto leer de tí y poder estar en contacto…

Thanks for your opinion…but as opinions go…

ROFL! You’re kidding right?

And by the way, scott watters is a HORRIBLe photographer; trust me, comparing your photo here to his passport shots was NOT a compliment.

FYI, this guy posted these for critique on a photography forum and they got BLASTED – as they should have. These images have NO business being on ANY magazine, PERIOD. SOrry to sound rude, but your reply to me kinda ticked me off – these are horrible. The lighting is flat, the backgrounds are WAY too busy and the whole thing is just, well, terrible. Take the criticism and USE It to improve.

Systematically unlearning all of our habits and creating the possibility of moment-by-moment novelty–that is the mental work of good photography it seems to me too.

Thanks so much Jane. Hope to see you both again soon…

Best Wishes
Ben