Photography – Greg Cunningham
Makeup – Heather Schnell
Hair – Hope Schiller
Styling – Styleby Luxx
Model – Hope Roberts @ Benz Models
We are very excited to present the next installment of The Handsome Project.
The Handsome Project features young photographers who blow our mind,
shoot our stuff and are all together fantastic. Read on to see the rest of
Greg’s’s WAH photoshoot and interview!
How did you get to here? (What’s your photographer history?)
I bought a camera about 4 years ago with no direction just a desire for a hobby. The fashion portion came along about two years later as I had always enjoyed the clothing and concepts that are embodied in great editorials and advertisements.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor/teacher that showed you the ropes?
With exception to a few short seminars by Dean Zulich and Melissa Rodwell (photographers), I am self-taught. It is really amazing what you can pick up by reading simple lighting books and an occasional youtube video. I am a flyer for the US Navy so my photography is a passion not what pays the bills.
How did you come up with the concept behind your Handsome Project shoot?
I live in Florida where Swimwear is very generic and commercial. The suits from We are Handsome are so unique that they had to be done differently. So I went alittle funky with a hint of the 80’s.
What keeps you enthused in the photography industry?
Look around at some of the artists in this industry. There are men and women truly thinking outside of the box and really producing amazing work. It has to be all about the art because there is definitely not enough people throwing money around right now.
Describe your approach in three words.
Fashion Forward, Lighting, and it is all in the Details.
Black & white or colour?
Black & White… Wait, what did I shoot for my project?
Do you prefer film or digital? Why?
Digital… Tried film and my attention span killed the film over and over.
Favourite camera?
Canon
Describe your photographic approach.
Model…. They have to match the fashion and feeling.
Favourite photographer?
Greg Kadel… His work editorial work is constantly innovative and full of emotion.
Favourite photograph?
My Kindergarten photo was pretty good.
What turns you on?
Laughter
What turns you off?
Intense internet self-promotion
How do you decide on locations & subjects for your shoots?
The location has to fit the feeling and concept. The model is an actress and should portray a person or an idea that could be in the given environment.
If you could take your photography in any direction without fear of failure or rejection, where would it lead? What new things would you try?
I am still learning this industry and developing a style. So honestly I am figuring out where I want to go everyday. But personally I am inspired by the published work outside of the US where that certain edge seems to be better understood and appreciated.
Best advice you’ve ever received.
You are just taking pictures so stop worrying.
What is the one quality you think is needed for a photographer to be great?
Creativity… There are very few ideas that haven’t already been done. So take that initial idea or concept, spin it off and make it your own. Oh and you need to know about lighting too.
Where to next?
Trying to find the style that is mine.
Greg Cunningham – http://www.gregcunninghamphoto.com/
We Are Handsome would like to send sunshine and major happy days Greg’s way for the gorgeous photo shoot he pulled off! We love it!