It's time for the third part of our interview series (the mini-interview with Katie Murray doesn't count as she is joining the writing staff). This time, Seattle-based photographer Mcklyn Cole takes the stage. A photographer for the Seattle Models Guild, he took some time to answer a few questions for Critiqulous. Find out how he conducts a shoot, his dream location to shoot and what advice he has for those wanting to be a photographer in the fashion industry, all after the jump.
CRITIQULOUS: Your photography is amazing. When you're doing a shoot, do you have music playing to keep everyone loose and moving? If so, what do you have playing?
MCKLYN COLE: Why thank you. I love what I do and hope that does show in my work. When I do shoot, I definitely feel that music could create a mood, inspire and help especially a new model to relax. I often like to have the models bring along their I-pods so that they can plug in what they groove to best. Then they are moving, fluid and can in essence feel beautiful or empowered.What advice would you give for someone who has aspirations of becoming a photographer for a modeling agency or just a photographer in the fashion industry in general?
Wow, I feel like I am in a field that is saturated with so much talent and opportunities to advance, that I am the one that can often value the advice given to me. One thing that I would pass on to aspiring photographers is to really develop their craft as something of their own. FInd what makes their photography unique, innovative and have a signature style without going bland or predictable. In regards to shooting for a reputable agency or establishing a solid clientele, the photographer needs to go far beyond producing beautiful work. They need to network to get their names out and make lasting connections. The photographer has to be likable, disarming and easy to work with. They also need to be prompt in getting the materials and images back in an efficient manner (you'd be surprised how often amazing photographers get dropped because they take too long to get their photos to the client). The industry can be tough, but when a photographer produces good work, one would be surprised at how quickly their name can spread.Even though 2009 is far from over, what are your favorite albums and movies so far? Any surprises for you in that you did not expect that you would enjoy it so much? And on the flipside of that question, was there something in movies or music that you were looking forward to but wound up being disappointed?
This year I've really had a thing for raw, gritty and raspy type voice. Been really digging Kings of Leon lately, a band called NeedtoBreathe, Mika, and a woman that I ran into on the streets of Sweden named Maia Hirasawa. As for movies this year, I feel like I've watched a ton of movies this year (especially during long plane rides), but none have really struck my memory as a phenomenal film. I haven't really been a fan of the big sequel movies with the comic book superheroes and there seems to have been a lot of those big blockbusters out recently. As for TV shows, I've been really sucked into the brilliant series "Glee." I find it to be so clever, fresh and witty. Sure, high school was far from anything that I've seen on this show, but I find the characters compelling and the on-going soundtrack to be a string of nostalgic goodies. I've also found myself hooked on the HBO series "Entourage." With a dynamic cast and fairly true-to-life glimpse into the lucrative entertainment industry, I couldn't help but be tuned in.Your photography has taken you all over the world. What would be your dream location to shoot and to continue with that question, what would be your dream assignment?
I really fell in love with Sweden after spending some time there. The people there were absolutely gorgeous! And they were also some of the nicest people I've met. I felt like such an ogre walking around in such a vast field of beauty. So many potential supermodels walking around left and right. And aside from a plethora of gorgeous models to work with, the nordic backdrop of rustic buildings along a widespread archipelago make for some stellar shoot locations.If photography wasn't your passion/profession, you would be doing what?
Well this past year I took a sharp detour from years in the fashion industry to work as a missionary abroad with a Christian organization called Youth With a Mission or YWAM. I spent most of my time in Switzerland in Egypt as we worked to serve at various orphanages, hospitals, churches and homeless centers. It was truly a blessing to see beauty in that facet and to love and see people as God would love us. It was probably the most incredible experience of my life and I would love to dedicate more time to doing short-term missions and capturing people's lives and stories through photography on an entirely different spectrum of ministry.Who did you/do you look up to for inspiration to help you become the photographer that you are today?
I first began working in front of the camera as a model/actor, then took a behind the scenes route as the Agency Director for a modeling agency. After working with many incredible photographers like Scott James, Udo and Paige Craig, I began to develop my own eye and passion for photography and what I wanted to create. Particularly my friend and fellow photographer Scott James, he has such an eye for brilliant lighting, polished images, and post/composite work that is so eye-catching. I've always admired his keen photography sense and have also been able to see his photography reach new heights.Anything you would like the readers to know about you? Upcoming projects that we should keep an eye for?
I should probably confess that I have yet to take an actual photography class and to actually learn the technical aspect of photography. Everything I know has been simply a matter of trial and error, fiddling around, self-teaching and creating a concept or vision and trying my hardest to execute it. Many times I run into other photographers that ask me advice and make reference to all of this technical jargon and frankly most times, I have no clue what they are throwing at me. So, one of these days I'll have to take an actual course in photography.You should check out his photography as it's some pretty good stuff. You can do so at his official site, Mcklyn Cole Photography.
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