In this fast technological world, it’s not necessary to sit face to face to get to know a person. Especially when that person runs from travels around to capture the perfect image of beauty and fashion. Justin Wu and I got in touch through emails and the result was an amazing peak to his journey on this crazy roller coaster called photography. From his first steps to his future projects, we get an inside look to this fantastic photographer work and mind.
How did Justin Wu start in the photography world?
“During high school I was encouraged to take up sketching at a studio and by the time I went to University I turned my attention away from the arts. I had pursued a more generic career path studying sciences and then business. All the while, I had kept up my sketching and only started photography when my parents decided that I should focus more on my academics. They had assumed that photography would be a quick way to explore my creativity rather than spend hours sketching all night. Ironically, I spent more time with photography and eventually it became my medium of choice. Quickly I became a fine-art photographer and was fortunate to have won some University awards that soon led to gallery exhibitions in Canada.”
What inspires you the most?
“My main influences have been French romantic artists’ paintings, particularly the work from Eugene Delacroix. He often featured grand violent scenes which often evoked for me a certain stillness to them and the works of Hedi Slimane. I’m inspired by both minimalist images and generally darker or comical themes.”
Tell us about your transition into fashion photography.
“During my experimental phase when I was shooting friends in a studio I built in my apartment, I was quickly scouted by local agencies and models about 2 years ago. They wanted me to shoot their new faces and happy with the result, agencies referred me to larger agencies, stylists, etc. In my final year of school I went on exchange to Paris and was quickly introduced to the fashion world. Since then I am now based in Paris and working with designers, magazines, and agencies abroad.”
What was the biggest challenge in that transition?
“I think it was applying the principles of art, which are mostly conceptual, and incorporating that with fashion. Fashion is to me a form of art on people, and as such, I have to respect the integrity of that work and create a universe that not only illuminates my idea, but also the beauty of the model and the clothes he or she wears. It’s also much more involved process particularly when fashion photography often requires a large team including stylists, make-up artists, hair stylists, models, etc. who are all creative individuals compared to crafting a ‘fine art’ picture alone.”
How do you translate the experience as a fine arts photographer into a fashion photographer?
“Without the fine arts background I don’t think I would be as an effective fashion photographer as I am today. It allowed me to hone in on my creative processes and learn how to quickly apply my ideas onto paper. Particularly with clients and my team, it has helped significantly being able to show them visually what the final product can look like before the first shot is taken. Another aspect of my fine art work has been a focus on geometric forms and shapes which are dominant aspects in my photos and helps define my personal style.”
Going through your work, I get a very organic style. What do you want to convey through your images?
“Often the subject of my images tend to be darker or more isolated. I’m intrigued by elements of detachment or dissociations with reality. I’m not sure if I can define my style quite yet, but I have been told repeatedly my photos also convey a particular deafening silence.”
Going through your work, I get a very organic style. What do you want to convey through your images?
“Often the subject of my images tend to be darker or more isolated. I’m intrigued by elements of detachment or dissociations with reality. I’m not sure if I can define my style quite yet, but I have been told repeatedly my photos also convey a particular deafening silence.”
Looking at your video with model Christian Ochsenfahrt, it has a peaceful but still strong feeling to it. As a videographer, how would you describe that video in one word?
“Besides tranquility, I’d say naivete. I tried to evoke a kind of care-free youthful attitude to the overall film.”
Any celebrity, politician, or personal hero that you would like to shoot and why?
“Kate Moss. Despite the many drug related troubles she may have had in the past, I see her as the icon of fashion. A hallmark for a time when supermodels dominated the market.”
We asked u about the biggest challenge you faced in the past, now what is the biggest challenge for Justin Wu in the future?
“The biggest challenge in the future would be to evolve an easily identifiable style that people can point out in the vast sea of photos out there. However, in the short term, my main career objective and challenge is to also be hopefully signed to an international photography agency shortly.”
What are the three things a good photographer can’t live without?
“Creativity, Inspiration, and most importantly Being Personable”
One last quote for our readers.
“The sky’s the limit!”
Upcoming Editorials:
- TWILL MAGAZINE (JUNE 2010). Paris, Milan, London & New York
- MYKROMAG COVER (JUNE 2010). Amsterdam
- DRESS TO KILL MAGAZINE (JUNE 2010). Toronto, Montreal & New York
- CLIENT MAGAZINE (JUNE 2010). London, Paris & New York
- PALACE COSTES MAGAZINE (JULY 2010). Paris
- 7th MAN MAGAZINE (AUGUST 2010). London & Paris
- Website: www.jwuphoto.com
- YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/jwuphoto
- Tumblr: jwuphoto.tumblr.com
- Email: jwu.fashion@gmail.com
Contact Information:
Thanks Justin!
by Eduardo Barrena
Associate Editor
Ebarrena@metrovelvet.com