The fashion industry rules everything around us - wether we want to acknowledge it or like it. Behind the fashion image in the magazine or on the big billboards are the fashion photographer that possess a great deal of power on how he or she wants to form the image. Also, no matter how talented a designer can be at sewing or stitching fabrics together, the end result always has to ”look” good - and who is in charge of that? Yep, the photographer! We had a chat with our community member Francois Heydenrych (FrancoisHeydenrych) from South Africa to get to know the fashion photographer behind the vivid images. Enjoy!
Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?
I was born and raised in Douglas, South Africa. I studied photography at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein; receiving my degree in photography after 4 years. During my studies I specialized in Fashion and Glamour photography. After my studies I started working as a staff photographer on cruise ships for Princess Cruises. This gave me the opportunity to travel the world as well as doing what I love, working with people and taking photographs. Throughout the years my style in photography have changed, as I learn more and get influenced by what's happening in the media etc.
In one sentence what has photography done for you in your life?
It made me view the world and people differently; you find beauty everywhere you go!
When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
I've only started taking photos in my first year of studying. I've always had an interest in film-making (and would still love to do it someday), but after school the closest film school where about 700 kilometers away from the city… So I thought I'd start with photography and then move on from there!
What has been your favorite shoot and why?
Well, I've started working on an art portfolio about a year ago, and the first project, Bombshells, was quite a fun shoot to do. It didn't include any live models though, but it allowed me to use my imagination. It's about these Barbie dolls (representing society's obsession with beauty) in disastrous scenarios.
Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session? What happened?
Not quite a photo shoot session, but a wedding! I had to shoot a wedding where they've booked a second photographer (without my knowledge). It ended up being a battle between the photographers to get their shots as the sun was setting! Not fun!
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Just the basic. My camera, lens, external flash, spare batteries and memory cards.
Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
Hmm… Favorite time would be late afternoon, and location wise I don't really have a favorite place.
Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
1 - Watch Photoshop tutorials!
2 - Plan your shoots well before executing them.
3 - Give attention to detail.
Please share one of your favorite photos with us with a short tutorial:
This photograph was taken in a parking garage of a hotel in Johannesburg. Light was quite limited, so I used an external flash, combined with an higher ISO. There weren't any extra equipment used for this shoot, except for the the external flash, which I bounced off of the ceiling. The shoot was done for an South African actor/TV personality, and he was styled to have a "quirky" formal look.
The photograph is titled "On the Run", so the idea was to make it look like he was "on the run" to his next gig or event! Post-processing wise, I've brightened the yellow and green, while making the rest darker and toned-down. I've also added a blur-effect to create the feel of him running towards the camera.
Please share some thoughts on your ViewBug experience as a photographer!
I think Viewbug is a great platform to share photographs, as well as discovering other photographers and appreciating their work.
For more awesome photos by Francois, visit his profile, website, Instagram and Facebook.
