We get to learn a little more about talented Oklahoma based photographer Iris Greenwell in the first of our monthly Artist’s spotlights. Iris featured in Issue 3 of Flawless Magazine with her exceptional photo shoot ‘Reflection Eternal’.
What attracted you to a career in photography?
Photography for me is all about creativity, artistic designs and challenges. I started in photography as a landscape photographer six years ago. As you know, landscape photography requires discipline and constancy, but, at the same time, it also gives you a sense of freedom and accomplishment when you get all the elements you need to get a great image. I would be totally charged of the selection of colors, locations and creative compositions for my photo assignments. This creative process worked well for me when I moved into fashion photographer later on. The fact that I could choose concepts, themes and places helped me to develop my style when I was creating a story with models.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Sometimes my inspiration comes from interesting places or locations. I travel a lot and I like to incorporate ideas of the culture and people I meet in those places. When I am working with people, I like to photograph them outdoors. I prefer natural light, especially the morning light.
On the other hand, I also keep a collection of images from magazines that inspire me. Not only can I use these images as inspiration but also I can see the new concepts, new trends and new colors used in fashion nowadays.
Who are your influences?
I follow the works of two fashion photographers closely; Paolo Roversi and Emily Soto. Both of them inspire me to use better lighting techniques and unique locations. I specially like how they use light and texture in their productions creating special atmosphere and mood in their work.
What do you love most about photography?
One thing that I enjoy about photography is the flexibility and freedom a photographer can get in the creative process of the development of an idea or concept for a fashion editorial. In fashion photography, I feel like a narrator telling a story through my images. As a storyteller, I use my imagination to creative an editorial based on a cohesive theme. I want to produce images that draw viewers into them. During this process, I want to be able to have a strong message with the best choice of location, lighting and styling.
What has been your greatest achievement?
In February 2011, I was considered the artist of the month by the Artist of the Arbuckle Gallery in Oklahoma. It was an honor to be part of this group of talented artists and as well as received this recognition of my work. My pictures were displayed in the gallery for the entire month and there were several articles published in local newspapers about this event.
What has been your greatest obstacle/challenge?
Since I live in a small city, it has been a big challenge for me to hire models for my editorials and get published my work locally.
What has been the most memorable photo shoot you have worked on so far?
My last editorial called “Reflection Eternal” has been the most rewarding experience I had so far. I worked with the talented model Margot Summerson who helped me to develop a sequence of frames related to the ethereal theme. We worked together for around five hours in the area of Lake Murray. Finally, we got very excited when our production was published last December.
If you could work with any model, who would I be?
I would love to work with Kate Moss. She has the elegant and sophisticated look I like in models.
Three words that describe your work?
My work is classic, simple and dreamlike.
How do you see your career evolving in the future?
As a new resolution for this coming year 2012, I like to continue doing more editorial for international magazines. I am working in the opening of my own studio to be able to work in fashion and portrait photography making my work more flexible. Finally, I am incorporating new marketing ideas to let more people know about my work in fashion photography.
View Iris Greenwell’s work in Issue 3 of Flawless Magazine.
