Category — macro

When it comes to photography, Lara Jade is no joke. Not only is she extremely talented and super nice but this twenty-one year old UK native is seriously going places in the fashion world. Her images involve strong elements of fantasy, romance and just a little bit of darkness for spice.

 The lovely and talented Lara Jade

For some people, it might think it takes years feel comfortable behind the lens, but Lara has become a master photographer with her own style of fashion and beauty photography. At seventeen years old Lara started her company Lara Jade Photography and has become a source of inspiration for millions of photographers and artists around the world through her Flickr and Deviant Art pages. She has a huge fan base with almost 17,000 facebook fans and 8,000 followers on twitter.

Some of her clients include: Harper Collins, Sony Music, BBC and Random House. She is signed with Sarah Daw as well as Milan-based agency Sudest57, who noticed Lara’s talents and signed her early on. Lara has also been fortunate enough to receive a number of sponsorships including Bowens Lighting, Lensbaby, Wacom and DataColor and from time to time she tutors other photographers on their craft. Needless to say, I’m feel very honored that Ms. Jade took time out of her busy schedule to be interviewed for Ever So Lovely. Here’s what she had to say about her fantastic career.

When and how did you first become interested in photography?

I was always frustrated that I couldn’t find my medium at school, I tried for years with painting and drawing and although I was good at it – I didn’t excel and I didn’t feel it was right for me. One day I was inspired after seeing some creative photography and I tried my hand at it using my dad’s camcorder, immediately it felt right and I have been shooting ever since!

How long have you been photographing?
Since the age of fourteen, but I’d say only ‘professionally’ the last three years.

What is your favorite subject to shoot?

People – their style and personalities. I’ve tried shooting other things but I get extremely inspired by a person. There’s so many different personalities and styles out there – everyone is unique.

Is there a subject that you find difficult to work with?

Product shots – because I am a creative person it’s quite hard to stand and shoot very plain subjects against a background. I often want to shoot from a different angle or use a different aperture – but everything has to be clean, lit well and the product in focus.

What would be your favorite time of day to shoot?

Around 6-9 pm in summer, where the sun is just ready to go down – I love the haze it creates. I ‘backlight’ a lot of my subjects and this is perfect to capture that ‘magic’ element seen in a lot of my works.

What is a typical day like for you?

This depends on the day, if I’m on a shoot it means planning the night before, getting up extra early, getting everything ready and making sure all equipment is charged and packed, setting off (usually go to the shoot via train over to London then the subway/taxi to the location or studio. Once there I discuss with the client and make sure everything is sorted, me or a digital assistant will set up camera & lights and after hair and make up the shoot starts. I have long days on shoots, especially for campaigns – it’s very important to keep everyone’s mood high! At the end of the shoot I pack up and maybe at the end of the day (depending on the shoot) i will go through and ‘flag’ the favourite images in Lightroom ready to retouch. I don’t tend to retouch on the same day, this is usually completed 1-weeks after the shoot but again this depends on the shoot!

What is your biggest accomplishment so far?

I’ve had a few I’d say I am proud of – although I have a long way to go I’d say my biggest is having front cover and editorial in LUSH Magazine start of this year – when I was in New York it was all over, very exciting to see my work out and published internationally. I have also been sponsored by a number of companies lately and got a new London agent!

What can you absolutely not go without?
Starbucks – hot drinks. Especially since I retouch at night, I need something to keep me going!

Where are some places you are scheduled to shoot this year?
New York, Morocco, France and California.

What inspires you work?
Everything and anything. I am inspired by every element of life. Sometimes I’ll be sleeping and have the most vivid dream of nightmare, I have to wake up and write it down. I’m a very imaginative person, if I’m walking down the street I’m always taken in the environment around me – if I see a movie poster, the colour of the sky, someone’s dress style – I’ll mentally take a picture in my head and sometimes this will turn into a photo shoot idea.

Do you have a favorite camera or lens?
I am currently using the Canon 5dmkII with 85mm 1.2 lens, 50mm 1.4 and a few others – I love using prime lenses because of their quality.

Do you prefer cakes or cupcakes?
Blueberry Muffin

Coffee or tea?
Roobois Tea

Thanks so much Lara!
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To see more of Ms. Jade’s works please visit the following links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Flickr | Blog