Talks | Photographer Cameron Krone
Young talent is hard to come but in ones diligent pursuit of it, one comes to find it.
I recently had the pleasure to discover the work of fashion photographer Cameron Krone. And speak to him about his passion and minimalism approach to fashion photography.
His father is an art collecting orthopedic surgeon and his way into fashion photography came through another Cameron. He also considers attitude as one having a strong personality.
Here now is the work, thoughts, and bits of life of Cameron Krone.
Talk With Cameron Krone
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us.
Tell us a little of what drew you to fashion photography?
I was drawn to the ability to capture moments and time. I started taking photos in high school and it was an excuse to go up to random people I found interesting, visit places I'd never visit, and see things I'd never see if it weren't for my camera. I never knew about fashion until I spent the summer in New York during college. I was in the Hamptons with my parents friends and Nathaniel Goldberg's lawyer asked me if I'd like to meet Nathaniel. I didn't know who Nathaniel was at the time but was like, "Sure, that's sounds neat." I ended up meeting Nathaniel for tea and ended up helping him out for that summer on shoots and general work. The entire fashion world was so interesting to me at the time. I assisted Nathaniel for V and met a girl named Cameron (Russell) and I truly knew that I wanted to be a fashion photographer then. She called her agent (Michael Swartz at the time) who told me she told him about me and I was pumped. Cameron recommended Cameron.
Are you a NY native?
No, I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. We lived in Buckhead. I came to New York 3 years ago at 22 years old.
Does art run in the family?
Not at all! My father is an orthopedic surgeon, my mother does charity work. My father has always been into collecting art, however, mostly at the urging of my mother who loves it. They own a Herb Ritts and Helmut Newton. I want the Helmut Newton for Christmas this year. We'll see what happens!
What do you try to define, or what point of view do you try to present, in your work?
I present strength, class, power, luxury, minimalism. The most luxurious things are the most minimal and understated. The wealthy drive understated Mercedes; not the red Ferraris.
Do you find conflict in doing so when working commercially?
Not necessarily. I find my work isn't too far left that it negates all commercial viability. I think the most important thing is to follow your heart. You can never try to be commercial if commercial photography doesn't get you going. Helmut Newton, Terry Richardson, and Hedi Slimane do not spend days thinking "Is my work commercially viable". They just do what they feel and this, in the end, makes their work original and viable for major high end brands. The predominance of black and white in my work does not mean that I cannot shoot color. It just means that I think black and white is more timeless and classic and goes with my vision more. Anyone can shoot advertising if given parameters.
Your client list is quiet respectable: V. VMan, Nylon, my new favorite Gravure, Oyster, and one more called S Publication. That one is quiet on the edge of fashion even erotica, from what I know. Give us your perspective on such photography?
We are human. Humans are sexual beings. There is definitely a place for such magazines in the market and I don't think this type of imagery should be looked down upon. Some photographers don't venture into this realm out of fear that it will hurt their career. Come on. I used to think that way and was always thinking of what would help and/or hurt my career. Now, I just go with the flow. If I want to shoot nudes, I'll contact the agencies and book the shoot. No worries!
Gravure, as I pointed out earlier is a very fresh magazine and one of my current favorites; how was it working with that team? What do you think they represent that is not done out there now?
First off, I love Lisa Mosco, who heads the mag with her husband. She's one of the best stylists in the city and is one of the few that aren't "trendy" and just goes ultra sheik and classic. Gravure is very high end and has a select few photographers, contributors, each issue and I'm really happy that Lisa and Alex gave me the opportunity to work with them on their project. I loved the story with Patricia, Tiuu, etc. Gravure is a gem that's going to grow and grow.
From viewing your work, you seem to like the twin effect; not completely identical, but with a very slight variation in movement. It's one of the things that grabbed my attention when I viewed your work so I like to hear a little about it; they feel very emotional as well.
I think putting two mirror images with slight variations side by side is such a beautiful thing. It's more of a visual/aesthetic thing for me and, it shows a slight movement/time lapse that cannot be captured in a single frame. I guess they are the beginning of a foray into film/directing at some point.
What is the state of the fashion photography right now? Do you see a lot of creativity out there and is a bad economy a good time creativity and experimentation?
What I see is a bunch of low/middle tier fashion magazines running the same mundane fashion photography over and over again. It's throw away fashion. You flip through but you don't remember. There is no power/force behind the work and you can tell it's photographers simply pulling references from old movies and magazines. That is exactly what I never want to do. Some of the best photographers reference old movies in their work but I don't see the point in this. I think photographers should produce work from their hearts and from their own life experiences; not copying an old movie or a classic magazine in "their own words."
A bad economy is only good because only the best survive. The best photographers will still remain viable even in tough times while the mediocre photographers will find it hard to get jobs etc. This goes the same with strong companies, etc. etc. A bad economy is a terrible thing because producing new work costs money (assistants, studio, transportation, etc.) and some photographers will have to shoot less and less because of financial reasons....Never a good thing!
How important is beauty to a photographer? Example, shooting a beautiful young model in comparison to a very ordinary looking girl.
Beauty is such a subjective word. Beauty for Heidi Klum is Seal. Beauty for Kate Moss is Pete Doughty. (sp). Two guys who most people would never call beautiful with two of the most beautiful women in the world. Shooting an ordinary looking girl can be as interesting as shooting a flawless model. It's all in the concept, light, and feel.
If I was to say "attitude" what does that trigger in your mind?
Donald Trump
Kate Moss
Kanye West
My Father
Darya Kurovska
Attitude, in my mind, is having a strong personality. A weak, passive person does not have attitude, even though attitude can be conceived as "having a good attitude."
I love people with strong attitudes because that shows the person feels things. Allow yourself to cry in sad movies, allow yourself to be angry every once in awhile, be competitive!
Time for favorites:
Designer: Hedi Slimane for Dior
Magazine: Man About Town
Book: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Film: Atonement
Artist: Zach Smith
Photographer: Nathaniel Goldberg
Music band or genre: Kanye West/Coldplay
Thank you for your time.
Thanks for introducing him. Great photos.