Credits:
Photographer: JB Fort
Model: Magdalena
Stylist: Elena Fort
Makeup & Hair: Daniel Rull
Assistant Photographer: Amets
Special thanks to: Arnaud from Max Studio
Once in a while, a photographer will create a shoot with our suits that we adore so much we track them down to be part of our handsome Project. This is one of those times. Read on to see the rest of JB’s WAH photoshoot and interview…
How did you get to here? (What’s your photographer history?)
My first photo shoot was made for a French Magazine “Generation series”, and it was dedicated to a famous at that time TV show “Friends” featuring Jennifer Aniston. It took place in Los Angeles at Warnerbos. studio where I spent a week shooting. I was lucky to have this as a first serious experience and I definitely enjoyed the process. I never stop shooting after it.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor/teacher that showed you the ropes?
I learned the whole process by myself. I’m very curious about technics and love discovering new fields. So my teacher was my experience.
How did you come up with the concept behind your Handsome Project shoot?
Well, first of all I should say that I discovered We Are Handsome brand about a year ago, and I literally fell in love with the swimwear. I loved the concept, those amazing prints and designs. So I’ve been thinking about making something special for WAH for quite a long time. In the beginning I had a totally different idea from what we did in the end. I wanted to shoot the bikinis in a natural reserve near Barcelona, but sadly we couldn’t accomplish it because of the bad weather (which is not typical for Barcelona at all), so we came up with this concept in the last moment. I met a friend of mine, who is a setting designer and we decided to make this shoot in a studio and decorate it with the wild plants and gelled background lighting. So it was a last minute solution.
What keeps you enthused in the photography industry?
I love the world of fashion and photography so much because I always deal with beauty. It’s something that is eternal and my love for it is endless. So, in my images I’m trying to capture and showcase the female beauty in the way I see it. For me it’s something that will always make me enthusiastic. Also, I admire works of some great photographers and they set up the level I aspire to achieve.
Describe your approach in three words.
Classy, sexy, perfect
Black & white or colour?
It really depends and I respect both. Some photos just demand black and white. Still I prefer colour, as so much more can be expressed with it. When I think of the concept for a shoot I pay a lot of attention to colours and I love the effects you can bring to the mage with it.
Do you prefer film or digital? Why?
I respect both, but in my work I use digital only. It’s more convenient to me, as I can see the results instantly and make all the adjustments during the shoot, so that I don’t get any surprises after the shoot is over. Also, digital gives the freedom to edit, which I like.
Favourite camera?
I’m a fan of Hasselblad
Describe your photographic approach.
Everything usually begins with inspiration: this could be a model that I meet, a place that I discover by chance…or even a photo in some magazine. After that I start to work on scenario and general moments of the shoot. All components must be in harmony with each other, nothing should stand out from the story. I also try to find something special, some distinctive feature. First of all, it concerns light and light sources. But it could be some interesting detail or an accessory found by my stylist.
Favourite photographer?
I’m inspired by the photographers whose talent and work seem to be the most difficult to achieve. These are those “cosmic” photographers that excite me most. Among them I can name Kristian Schuller, who represents my favorite style and not only inspires me, but makes me dream, and his level seems almost unachievable.
What turns you on?
Beauty
What turns you off?
Bad surprises
How do you decide on locations & subjects for your shoots?
With every new shoot I try to challenge myself and do what I haven’t done yet. I’m excited about interesting setting and location, so I always stay awake and keep my eyes open, as it can struck me any minute. Sometimes it’s just enough to see the right place or a model, and the rest I can instantly imagine.
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 think I’m already moving in the right direction without any fears. I want to bring more creativity and art into my photos. I like great and unusual settings, unique designer dresses, lavish make-up and hairstyles. You know this feeling when you look at a photo or a painting and it gets you to some different dimension, where everything is possible. That’s what I want to do.
Best advice you’ve ever received.
I recieved it a long time ago from my partner. He told me that I should wake up in the morning and question myself “what would I do if I lose everything today?” Which means that you shouldn’t take what you have for granted, and be always awake and willing to continue your progress.
What is the one quality you think is needed for a photographer to be great?
Knowing his limits. It’s important to stay realistic about yourself and understand what you can do and what not.
Where to next?
Sky is the limit! I’m happy that today I’m able to shoot only the projects that I’m interested in, and stay true to my vision. Still, there are so many things that I feel excited about. I want to travel more and explore the world, discover new colours and landscapes, places and faces. I’m going to stay inspired and passionate about photography and never stop growing.
We would like to send a huge virtual hug to JB Fort and his team for making us smile with this beautiful shoot. It’s that elusive combination of sultry and exotic that makes our suits pop. If you are as enamoured with this shoot as we are, you can find more by JB at his Website and Facebook.