Respect the Shooter + Cara-May Joseph
Words by Tiff
Interview held by Tiff
London-based photographer Cara-May split bread with up recently, and she's easily the most humble girl around. She labels her style of photography as "romantic and feminine" which is the exact feel you get when viewing her photos. Cara has been driven by her love for photography since she was young and her experience shows in each shoot she's partaken in. Cara is definitely of the more talented fashion photographers we've seen, which is why we thought it'd be a pretty good idea for us to get to know her a little better:
Name: Cara-May
Age: 23
Location: London
Creative Occupation: Photographer
(Credits//Model: Daphne, Designer: Code Le Vush, MUA & Hair: Aneela Hussein, Stylist: Rebecca Baisden & Photographer's Assistant: Eddie Ngugi)
How long have you been shooting for?
I’ve always had a keen interest in photography since I was a teen (around 14). I got my first digital camera which was a Sony cybershot and went around taking photo’s of everything. I guess that’s when I can say I got trigger happy! I then began assisting editorial/commercial fashion photographers during my undergrad arts degree and discovered my love for fashion photography. In terms of shooting more professionally, I then went onto testing with agencies and freelancing in this field. I’m now lucky enough to be doing photography full time in a fashion company as well as participating in projects outside of work.
How would you label your style of photography?
I’d say it’s quite feminine and romantic. I’ve always had a preference to shooting women. I guess as a woman I’ve found it more relatable but there’s also so much to work with when it comes to the female form. I think my preferences and style is evolving though and will probably change as I’ve recently become more interested in menswear. It’s a new challenge and enables me to do something different- more punchier. I like the charisma I’ve gotten from the male models I’ve shot with. So who knows what’s in store for the future.
(Credits//Model: Olimata, Designer: Yemzi, MUA & Hair: Gabrielle Ogilive & Stylist: Ivy Scarlett)
What about fashion photography do you love the most?
I love that you can stage and create things. Since I discovered an interest in fashion I’ve, not really been the type of photographer who takes their camera everywhere and takes photos of everything. So there’s a special event on, like a birthday or a family gathering and everyone looks to me like “Where’s your camera?” or makes a comment like “Come on photographer…” and the last thing I think about is taking photos - in fact it’s alien to me in such moments. At times like these, I like to enjoy, feel the moment and create a memory rather than take photographs, miss the moment and then look back on it in an image.
Back to the point - I guess I love fashion so much because it allows you to create imaginary scenarios. It’s like writing a story through imagery. From a social perspective I’ve had so many great moments, met a range of likeminded and interesting people through doing this, and I know there will be more such moments to come.
(Credits//Model: Amy Woodman, Designer: Yemzi, Jewelry: Magpie On the Run & MUA: Chantelle Phillips)
Who or what inspires your work?
I love to look at pictures, I guess in the same way that people like to read books I'm always looking at inspirational images, whether it's in a magazine or at an exhibition. I tend to do a lot of screen grabs of random things on the Internet which are sometimes not even fashion related, but just inspire me and spark up a new shoot idea.
My favourite past time for picking up new inspiration is scouting alternative/underground magazines. I love finding platforms where people who are ‘different’ but talented, are getting the recognition. It’s not that I don’t love some of the bigger magazines but it’s sometimes more stimulating to go elsewhere and step outside of the imagery that’s easily accessible.
(Credits//Model: Amy Woodman, Designer: Yemzi, Jewelry: Magpie On the Run & MUA: Chantelle Phillips)
Do you have a favorite photographer?
As mentioned I'm loving the contemporary/underground artists and photographers out there, and I tend to follow and keep up with their work through social media platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr. These platforms are a great way of absorbing visuals. Besides this, I like Julia Noni’s work. I still can’t get over the shot’s she did of model Jeneil Williams for Vogue Germany - it is so beautiful, how is this possible!!!!
Who's your favorite model in the industry right now?
That’s a difficult one. I couldn’t say, as I probably have a new favorite everyday. There’s too many interesting models out there but Jeneil Williams was definitely my number one favorite for a good while.
(Credits//Model: Daphne, Designer: Code Le Vush, MUA & Hair: Aneela Hussein, Stylist: Rebecca Baisden & Photographer's Assistant: Eddie Ngugi)
Do you have any long term goals?
To travel and do more landscape photography, do larger scaled fashion shoots, Learn a new language, work abroad (somewhere slower paced than London and sunny).
How did 2015 treat you?
2015 treated me good. The initiative La PASS London was created with stylist and partner in crime Ivy Scarlett and I’ve worked/collaborated/met many inspiring people through my new experiences. What can we expect from you in 2016? All I’m sure of is that I’ll still be shooting, so expect new work. Otherwise who knows!
(Credits//Model: Olimata, Designer: Yemzi, MUA & Hair: Gabrielle Ogilive & Stylist: Ivy Scarlett)