Photographic Commerce

In 2009, we met a young photographer, Kristy, in Los Angeles, who was on her way to Paris to fulfill a lifelong dream. At that point she had never been to Europe, didn’t speak French and had no work prospects. She also didn’t have a lot of fashion in her book but had some nice images and incredible joie de vivre.

Paris is a tough place to make it in fashion photography since it’s the pinnacle of the industry – and it takes a lot of drive. We knew it would be a long road for her but also saw that she had talent and the will to do it. We accepted Kristy into our fashion photo workshop (Fashion Photography Week In Paris) and have stayed in touch since then. Recently, we asked her to tell us a little about her experiences from the start to where she is now.

What were your first experiences like in the Paris fashion world?

“The first runway show I ever attended was with you in the summer of 2009 near the Eiffel Tower. I was amazed and in awe of the beauty and I remember thinking it was only the beginning! I made a goal to be photographing fashion week by the summer of 2010. My first Paris fashion shoot was also with the workshop and Steven guiding us. It was with professional models and team on location in the center of Paris. This experience really gave me the confidence and foundation to create caliber work on my own.”

What have you been up to since then, in the last year and a half?

“Remarkably, the company I started working for sent me out to photograph my first couple of runway shows in Paris within six months! I’ve photographed over 80 fashion shows and presentations. To name a few… John Galliano, Givenchy, Kenzo, Lanvin, Pierre Cardin, On Aura Tout Vu, Alexis Mabille, Guy Laroche and Paul & Joe. Recently, I was also asked to shoot the Giorgio Armani show and with Louis Vuitton. These were special moments for me. There are no words for how amazing this has been because I’ve worked very hard to be here and it is paying off.”

Wow, you’ve been staying busy. Are you shooting off the runway as well?

“Yes, I’ve been continuing to build my portfolio – working with local model agencies, designers and a very talented stylist, Gabriel, who styles my shoots.”

You’ve been doing well in Paris. Do you have any advice for other young photographers with a passion and dream to be a fashion photographer?

“My time in Paris has been equally as difficult as its been rewarding. Learning French (a work in progress), being away from all familiarities and walking toward the unknown can be intimidating. But I have realized that even if I have no idea what is going on, it means I’m still learning something. My advice – which is how I live my own life – is to keep learning, really enjoy the profession and the people you work with. This is key and I look forward to continuing down this path for the rest of my life.”

Thanks Kristy for sharing your thoughts with our readers. You know we wish you the best of luck as you move forward in your career! We’re encouraging everyone to keep their eyes on you!

See some of Kristy’s work below and here:
www.sparowphotography.com
www.sparowphotography.blogspot.com