Photography from Kait Robinson

 

7STOPS: Could you start off by telling us how you come up with the ideas for your photoshoots?

Kait Robinson: Well I typically first get a general concept into mind, something I’m usually inspired by. Then I do a ton of photo research—looking at various fashion photography websites, some of my favorite photographers work, and even Tumblr, which is surprisingly a very helpful resource.

7S: Is it correct a lot of the models you work with are a bit younger and with less experience?

KR: Yes. The most recent model I shot is fifteen years old. But she was surprisingly very good.

7S: What are some of the challenges with working with models that are inexperienced?

KR: They don’t move as easily and fluidly as someone who has been modeling for a while. They are also at times uncomfortable in certain settings.

7S: Do you see it as your part of your role to get them to be more comfortable and open up?

KR: I definitely try to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Before we even start shooting, I try to talk to them as much as I can, just so they feel more at ease. But you can only do so much to make someone feel comfortable.

KR: I also try to give them positive feedback while shooting them because when you feel like you’re doing a good job, you tend to open up more.

7S: Moving focus a little bit. With the entry cost of getting into photography dropping and cameras getting increasingly easier to use, do you feel like what you have to do to set yourself apart as a photographer is changing?

KR: Absolutely. You see so many people these days with DSLRs and similar equipment to what I have. But taking good photos is so much more than having a quality camera. Now it’s becoming more important for me to have solid concepts and ideas. This is what I feel will set myself apart from other talented photographers.

7S: Which do you feel is most important in your shots? Is it the model? The clothing? The surroundings? Or are they all integral to the shots?

KR: I would say they’re all integral to the shots. While most people think in “fashion photography” that the actual fashion is the most important aspect, there are so many other parts of it that make a good shot just that. Hair, make-up, location, lighting, choice of model—they collectively make an image successful or not.