We are super proud to present the next instalment 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 Trevor’s WAH photoshoot and interview!
How did you get to here? (What’s your photographer history?
I got to here by working hard. All of my friends think I just surf and travel and lay around in the sun all day sipping on Pina Coladas… well I do that. But I also work hard. It’s all about doing great work, making the client and yourself happy and having fun.
Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor/teacher that showed you the ropes?
I did a diploma in photography and assisted many different fashion and adverting photographers for 4 years. I also did a graphic design degree while I was assisting so that helped with my retouching skills.
How did you come up with the concept behind your Handsome Project shoot?
Originally, I was going to shoot at the Zuma Beach in Malibu. I had been there the morning before to check out the location and light, all good. The morning of the shoot we arrived bright and early to find a thick layer of fog over the whole coast. “Ah sheet!” Plan B. Drive up the canyon and find some other rustic locations that lent themselves to the Handsome brand. Beautiful landscapes and vivid colors. Most of the shots we just off the side of the road. Not exactly what I had in mind but it turned out alright if I do say so myself. Sometimes these are the best shoots, the results you didn’t plan for.
What keeps you enthused in the photography industry?
The passion to make a living out of something I love doing so much.
Describe your approach in three words.
Shoot From Hip.
Black & white or colour?
Both. Time and a place for both. Using both gives you a variety of colour induced moods that you can add to your shots.
Do you prefer film or digital? Why?
I love digital. It frees you up a bit on the shoot day. You can try different stuff and if it doesn’t work, you change it. You don’t have to stress as much about making sure you are technically perfect. Sometimes this allows you to create something new.
Favourite camera?
Been shooting some moving image lately so the Canon 5d is my best little buddy at the moment.
Describe your photographic approach.
Great concept, tight small team, good talent, location, mostly natural light, boom!
Favourite photographer?
Don’t have one. Patrick Demarchelier maybe. Love how simple his shots are. Simple yet powerful.
Favourite photograph?
Love a great landscape.
What turns you on?
Chocolate chip cookies.
What turns you off?
Ignorant people.
How do you decide on locations & subjects for your shoots?
Depends on the shoot. As long as both of them are beautiful but somehow a bit quirky and unique.
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 would like to start exhibiting more of my personal work. I’ve actually got my first solo exhibition coming up on Aug 25th at 48 Little Oxford St, Darlinghurst. 6pm. Come check it out!
Best advice you’ve ever received.
“Grab life by the balls!” mom
What is the one quality you think is needed for a photographer to be great?
Persistance.
Where to next?
Just joined up with DLM as my agent so going to keep on charging to bigger and better things.
We Are Handsome would like to hug and applaud Trevor for creating this amazing shoot!