MEET FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL DAVID ADAMS

NEW YORK-BASED FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER MICHAEL DAVID ADAMS, 35, ORIGINALLY FROM PENNSYLVANIA, SPILLS HIS SNAP HAPPY BEANS ON LIFE AS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, A QUICK CAREER CHANGE FROM AN ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR AND HOW IT FEELS TO CALL THE BIG APPLE HOME. HIS WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN PUBLICATIONS INCLUDING VANITY FAIR ITALY, MARIE CLAIRE CHINA, VOGUE NIPPON AND QVEST.

Your work has a very strong feel. Do you plan for it or does it just happen?

I do plan certain things with shoots: the flow of the days shot list, how the makeup and hair and styling work together when working with creative ideas or messy props… But the emotion of the shoot, be it strong or vulnerable, is something that just happens. I can intend on shooting an editorial with a sense of strength (or any other emotion) but, after that initial intent, the rest falls in place….

How did you end up being a professional photographer? Is it something you’ve always envisaged yourself as?

I started seriously considering photography as a career in my 20s.  I used photography in my art, predominately black / white and darkroom work, some infrared (that was fun, I miss the darkroom!).

Up until then, I had experimented with a friend’s camera, a Nikon 35mm. I really enjoyed working with it and working with friends to create images that expressed my thoughts and emotions, as well as capturing special moments in time. This quickly led to working with makeup artists, hair stylists, and models from local agencies. At that point, my fate was sealed!

When I came to New York City, I could sense that I was finally “home” and that this is where success as a photographer would manifest itself. From making shoots happen in small apartments to putting in hours conceptualising and organising shoots, the first few years here were a lot of work, but well worth it.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was always intrigued by the many facets of the arts, such as acting, singing and painting.  In college, I was studying towards becoming a conductor.

In my 20′s, after enrolling in a photography course, it dawned on me that photography was my true calling. I have always been a natural at it. The photos I took as a teenager all have a great sense of composition. I have a natural gift for concepts and execution. It’s funny how your true calling may not always be obvious to you, but it will hit you over the head when it needs to.

Who has been your favourite client to work for so far?

Always the one who understands photographers as creative people and respects their point of view and decisions. Otherwise, why would they hire me in the first place, as those aspects are crucial to who you are as a photographer, and they become evident in the final images that you see in print or on screen?

What equipment do you use?

I usually use a Hasselblad H2 with a PhaseOne P30+ and CaptureOne. If the lighting situations require it, I’ll whip out the 5DII. Lighting is usually Profoto or ambient with fill reflectors.

Is there a particular style of photography you prefer?

Not really, I love all different styles. Growing as a photographer, you experiment with different lighting, from soft/airy to punchy and vibrant. Soon enough, you find your “voice” and what makes you an individual. Props and various elements that you incorporate into each shot also help define your style.

Which fashion photographers do you admire?

Joyce Tenneson, I love her work!  As a budding photographer, it was really wonderful to talk with her. When I was taking my photography course, “Intro to B/W and Darkroom” my professor asked me if I had heard of Joel Peter Witkin due to some of the work I was producing. I did not but he brought in a book of his and I was immediately hooked. A few years later, I discovered Gottfried  Helnwien. Many of his photographs are similar to some private work I have done on my own.

What is your life plan so far?

To share my passion with the world around me and hopefully that world will expand year after year.

What is next in terms of photography for you?

The same as what’s happening now, except bigger and better!  Plans are to keep shooting and making more amazing work, both in advertising and editorials. I want to keep exploring new ideas, find new amazing locations and travel the world!

michaeldavidadams.com

Words Natalie Davies  Images Michael David Adams