What is it about French women? They have this casual cool look that relies heavily on mussed-up hair and minimal makeup. The French woman wants to be herself and not a better version of it, and maybe that is why sheās so sexy? In the capital of fashion and the city of love, Paris, we find community member Yoram Attia (yoram), a young and talented fashion and portrait photographer. He has the same outlook on beauty and wants his models to be comfortable and naturally cool, thus creating a sensual and sexy image. Here, Yoram offers a glimpse of his life and shares his top three photography tips!
Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?
My name is Yoram and Iām 27 years old. I live in the magic city of Paris, France. I do not know if i have any particular photography style but I do like to keep things natural. When I am working with models, I do not like to direct my her/him so much, instead I want the model to have a natural posture and express it however she wants.
When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?
During my childhood I loved to draw, sometimes I could sit entire afternoons drawing. When I grew up I however stopped it. When i discoverd digital photography and the possibility to retouch an image I felt that it was something closed to the drawing I did during my childhood, and I so bought a digital camera. I bought my first camera three years ago, it was a Sony Nex 5, and I started shooting landscape and cityscape. After a while I switched to shooting friends and family and thought it was so much more fun. Today I my expertise is fashion and portrait photography.
What has been your favorite shoot and why?
That was recently, I did an editorial for the March issue of Ć“āMagazine (a French magazine). The team around the photoshoot was awesome and the energy was great and fun! The shooting took place in a hostel during the entire day from 9 AM to 5 PM and the pictures turned out to be one of my best ones yet.
Do you remember a difficult photo shoot session? What happened?
It was my first shoot for a brand in NYC. The owner of the brand wanted to be in control of everything and didnāt let me as a photographer to say my opinion. She sent me a mood board were the natural light was very soft and the photoshoot place was with plain white walls - which is fine. However, she had chosen a location that was nothing like the mood board she had sent me, and prior to the photo shoot she hadnāt let me check out the place. I had no idea what the pace looked like, what kind of available light there was, I didnāt have the contact information for the MUA so I could talk to her prior the shooting.
If this would happen today I would cancel the photo shoot, because if I am not well prepared prior a photo shoot and havenāt checked out the location that is supposed to inspire you, then it is hard to do a great job.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
In my camera bag I have my Nikon D800E, Tamron 70-200 F2.8 VC, Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC, Nikon AFS 85f1.8G (my favourite lens) and Nikon AFS 50 F1.8G.
Do you have a favorite location and time of the day to shoot?
Yes, I like to shoot in a place, a park, in Paris called Jardin Yitzhak Rabin. I prefer to shoot during sunrise when thereās less people around and the light is soft and warm.
Can you share three tips with your fellow photographers?
1) Make the model relax! Never begin a photo shoot with āok hi, letās go and shootā. Take your time to get to know the model, and then explain to her/him about the mood of the shoot and what your expectations are.
2) Donāt think that everything can be fixed in Photoshop. It is always better to have a good raw file to begin with. You might want a specific background but the lightning is a nightmare, then it is better to change the location where you have the perfect lightning (or where you can fix great light).
3) Always create a mood board. This helps not only you but also the MUSA, model, stylist and the rest of the crew.
Please share one of your favorite photos with us with a short tutorial:
I took this photo at the Jardin Yitzhak Rabin during the early morning when there was this great natural light. I shot it with my Nikon AFS 85 1.8G. My idea behind this photo was how I wanted to show something sensual. After the shot was taken I used Capture One adjusting the light and begun with a smooth color grade. I then used Photoshop to color grade and to adjust the contrast. At last I retouched the models skin using healing brush and dodge and burn technique.
Please share some thoughts on your ViewBug experience as a photographer!
ViewBug is an amazing experience; it is a real community with great photo contests! To become a part of the community, start by uploading your photos, take part in some contests and like and comment on other photographers photos!
For more great photos taken by Yoram, visit his profileĀ and Instagram.
