While visiting Nashville over Thanksgiving, I was so excited to hear that Scott Schuman, The Satorialist, would be speaking at Parnassus Books about his new book, Closer. Being one of the 14 million readers who view his blog each month, I was thrilled. Wait, that’s an understatement. I was ecstatic. To see the man I’ve read about in GQ to Vogue and spent hours analyzing his photography angles? This was instantly the highlight of my trip to Music City. Hola!
My favorite take backs from the Q&A sesh?:
Scott’s camera: Canon EOS 5D, but for running around/unplanned shots he uses the new Fujifilm X-Pro1.
He thinks a long lens puts too much distance between him and the person. Also, not using a long lens helps people feel more relaxed while he shoots them on the street.
Focal length on camera: Usually 50mm and sometimes 85mm. Maybe 35mm for a larger width with traveling or biking with a camera around the city. Playing with lenses changes the way you interact with the person.
He’s found it difficult if you’ve shot a person before {especially editors}, and then don’t shoot the person the next time you see them {ex: fashion week each day it’s the same people coming in and out of shows} because they think you don’t like their outfit, when really it’s the wrong lighting for his shot.
Closer is focused on what he’s moved by in the photograph. Taking more emphasis on a particular detail in the shot like hair, lips, etc that stick out, rather than the big picture itself.
He never discloses full names. Just first names. It’s not about the people, but about the concept. Not about the suit in the shot, it’s about the idea of the double breasted suit. The idea, concept and abstract is more important.
He doesn’t have a favorite city to shoot, but Morocco is one of top. His goal is to capture the right image, regardless of the city. He said Milan is great but in order to keep it interesting, he tries to mix it up with other cities. Peru and Mongolia are a few places where he plans to shoot next.
When approaching a person to be shot, the interaction with needs to be intangible. When you act sincere to the person, then the percentage of getting turned by them down drops. Scott makes sure to be respectful and adjusts his approach for each person {men, women, old and young}. When Scott gives them direction, they see him taking time for the shot, therefore they respect him more. His goal is to emote a sincerity towards them.
Between hearing Scott speak and reading his fabulous new book Closer, I am even more hooked with The Satorialist brand. Chic, ageless and totally hip.
Whether you’re looking for a great holiday gift for friends or a guilty fashion pleasure for yourself, check out Scott’s newest release. It’s just one step closer to knowing the true eyes behind his lens. B+H
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