Interview : Stephanie Matthews, Fashion Photographer

I like to present the talents of Fashion, Art … Talents of Life! No matter what field, I’m fascinated by their stories and what they wish to share through their art!

VERSION FRANÇAISE ICI

 

American photographer & cinematographer Stephanie Matthews is one of these talents.

Matthews is an award-winning fine art, celebrity fashion photographer for her masterful use of lighting, strong editorial eye and ability to capture images conveying beauty, strength, and elegance, Stephanie Matthews is a photographer who « get the shot” every time!

 

Stephanie brings a decade of both photography and creative direction experience to every assignment. Her celebrity and high fashion images have graced magazine covers across the U.S. and overseas.

She kindly answered my questions for Timodelle Magazine Paris.

 

Stephanie Matthews for Timodelle Magazine Paris.

 

– Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a professional photographer and Creative Director with a background in fine art. I currently specialize in fashion, editorial, beauty, and commercial.

 

– What inspired you to be a photographer? 

I’ve always been creative. Painting, poetry, sculpture, etc. For me, photography was a natural extension of my abilities. It’s just another form of visual expression.

 

– Did you go to school to study photography? How long have you been a photographer? 

I’m a self-taught artist. I learned through reading, studying works by others and lots of trial and error. For the first few years of my career I focused on fine art and movement — then progressed to fashion. In total, I’ve been shooting for a little more than 8 years.

 

– How would you describe your style? What do you want your viewers to take away from your work?

I think of my style as artistic with a cinematic quality. I love light and have been blessed to see light well. I hope that viewers experience my work as beautiful and empowering.

 

– What has been your most memorable photo shoot?

LOL! That’s a tough one. I would say there are 4 that stand out because of the excitement of shooting on-location.

In no particular order; luxury yacht campaign shoot in Newport Beach, CA as well as shooting in the Las Vegas desert for Luxury Global; on the streets of NYC for the editorial « 55th @ 7th Ave. » I loved this one! The crowds standing around, people enjoying the model.

And finally, the « Shape Shifter » editorial on location in Chicago, Il underneath the L-train subway. So fun!!

 

 

– What type of cameras do you shoot with? Are you a MAC or PC lover?

Aww…. MAC user all the way! It’s a must for visual professionals! As for cameras — I’m a die-hard Canon shooter. Right now I use the Canon 5D Mark II.

 

– Any advice for aspiring photographers? Any tips for non-photographer to do nice shots?

Emerging photographers need to understand that success is not overnight. It takes years of dedication, focus, and the honing of skills to create one’s personal style. Persevere!

My advice to photography enthusiasts, is take more time to compose your shots. Stop and think before pushing the shutter. Also breathe and enjoy. Enthusiasts should try looking at the world from unique angles and perspectives, and always be considerate of your subject.

 

– If you could travel anywhere now for a photoshoot where would you go?

I knew you were going to ask this! At this exact second I would say Kenya or Tanzania out on the plains. I’ve always wanted to shoot there!! But I need to shoot in Paris too!! It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

 

– Have you ever been to Paris?

Not yet! But if you have a concept I will travel!! Lol!

 

– What’s next for you? Where should we expect to see you in 5 years?

 There are many projects in the works. I’m very excited about the future. I’m gearing up for the Design for Brad Smith competition 2015 with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Brad Smith. It’s a nationwide emerging designer competition I created for Brad’s publicist D4SM (Destined for Success Management).

I’ve also written a fashion reality show concept that my agent Heidi Pearson is  shopping around for me. I’m in love with the concept! I have many shoots scheduled and in between I just have to find time to laugh and not take life so seriously.

In 5 years, God willing I would like to have added Executive Producer or Show Creator to my accomplishments. At the end of the day, I’m just a vessel. Whatever The Lord has planned for me I will abide. Thanks, Timodelle for this opportunity.

 

– Share with us your favorite image and why.

I love my photographs for different reasons. Choosing a favorite is difficult. I have emotions about the day they were created tied in to the memory.

However, if I were to choose one that was a definitive moment in my career, it would be fine art dance image, “The Rose & The Thorn” featuring dancer Amy Campbell a graduate of The Ohio State University.

When I photographed Amy, it was around the time I was becoming more interested in fashion. For me, the image signifies a transition in my thinking. The start of my marriage between fashion and movement.

 

Photo Credit: © Stephanie Matthews

Dancer: Amy Campbell, The Ohio State University

 

Stay tuned for an amazing Beauty editorial by Stephanie Matthews on Timodelle Magazine Paris.

Stephanie Matthews info and services : www.stephaniematthews.us

Twitter & Instagram @stephem_photo