Interview with Bibi Photography, a Renowned Fashion Photographer

Ladies!  I got to interview Bibi from Bibi Photography, a renowned fashion photographer.  She has been published in several fashion magazines, including Vogue. Since I’ve had the pleasure of working with her several times, I wanted her input on makeup for fashion photography.

When working with Bibi, everyone on set gets this supernatural boost of confidence and joy.  It was with pure excitement and joy that I did this interview with her.

How did you get into fashion photography, Bibi?

B: I started being interested in photography when I met my husband. His family has a long history in the photography field, dating back to the early 1900s.

He introduced me to the art of photography.  At that time, I start to be fascinated by the universality of emotions and the unique language of human expression.

S: Wow!  I had no idea that photography ran that deep in your roots.  It definitely shows in your work, though.  You are very professional and have such a great eye.

What do you love about photography now?

B: The universality of emotions and the unique language of human expression still intrigues me. I enjoy the creative part of photography side, but the most fascinating is a trust that families or couples share with me and let me in.  They let me into their personal dynamics and space to document moments in life that they experience.

S: I love that too.  Whether it’s a model who lets me put blue lipstick on her (just to see how it looks) or a bride who lets me be a part of her big day, it is so neat that people let us in.  Not only do they let us in, they choose us, which is even more special.

When shooting weddings, what do you look for?

B: When photographing weddings, I like to capture the essence of joy between a couple and those in love. I strive to capture elegant and timeless images with an editorial feel. that can be relived and enjoyed for years to come.

S: Yes!  I love that too.  Your brand, Photo Elegance, for wedding and family photography speaks to that feel.  The feeling of love and timelessness is definitely captured in your photos.

When shooting fashion/editorial photography, what makeup do you like to see?

B: In the fashion and editorial photography field, my motto is” less is more”. Even though the trends are changing and evolving at a high pace, I as a photographer and artist want to create images that stand the test of time. By definition, Fashion means trends and constant change at particular times.  With that said, I have to photograph and stay on trend.  But, my goal is to give my own signature style and timelessness when possible.

S: Again, I believe you do a very great job of that.

What kind of makeup for fashion photography do you not like to see?

B: Lately, the general trends for bridal make up are kind of extreme, meaning: a lot of face contour, big lashes, etc. This is something I do not like to see because I believe that makeup up should be used to enhance bride natural beauty and not change her entire appearance. My advice to brides is to look for highly professional makeup artists  (not youtube makeup artists)  that are skilled to enhance the bride’s unique beauty without overdoing it.

Fashion/editorial photography has a different approach for the makeup. Makeup has to be part of the story that the creative team tries to communicate. It’s all about feelings, mood, the lifestyle.  It is not so much about a person that is photographed. In such cases, there is more room for creativity and freedom to create and express ideas.

S: Agreed!  Overdone bridal makeup is going to look stark in the years to come.  When a bride opts for bold brows or the current trend of Instagram makeup, I’m afraid her grandchildren may be scared by her wedding album.  I always mention my grandma being a big force behind my becoming a makeup artist.  Her wedding album was always on her coffee table and she always let me play with her makeup.  She was a timeless, elegant bride.

As for fashion and editorial makeup, I love being part of a “story” as the makeup artist.  Bringing whatever vision the creative director has in mind is so fun for me.  It’s like playing, which makes this type of work so much fun for me.  Whenever I get to work with you, Bibi, I get super excited about the mood board!

For hair, what is most important for photography?  Does it need to be sleek or is texture ok?

B: From my experience hair is one of the most crucial pieces for any photoshoot.  It doesn’t matter if the choice of hairstyle is sleek or textured.  It simply has to be done well.

Because of digital photography, we are able to fix many things but hair if is not good the entire shoot can be toast.

In the case of bridal hair, it is even more personal. If the bride ends up not liking herself in photos, it is my experience that  the hair that is not well-styled.

S: Thank you for clarifying.  Hairstyles come and go, but I have noticed that whether I am doing makeup for photography or makeup for video, flyaways and unevenness show up so much more on camera than in real life.  It’s frustrating, but so empowering when you already know to look for it!

What is your favorite fashion/editorial job you have ever done?

B: This question is not easy to answer! When photographing fashion editorial my emotional attachment to the story is very important.

I do have many emotional attachments. I will let the viewers decide which fashion story speaks to them.

I always look for new stories and new adventures, most likely every time I find that the last fashion story of mine, to be my favorite.  That is, until the next story arrives.

S: Good answer!  I think that is how I am with weddings as well as other jobs.

How much do you have to do in editing with the makeup?

B: I feel very fortunate to work with you as a makeup artist. Your work is beautiful and very professional done. By this saying, I do have to do very little retouching after the shoot.

The model’s skin is very important as well.  It alone can reduce or increase retouching time.

Conclusion, model skin and makeup artist skills will determine how much time is needed to finish an image.

S: Awww, thank you! I love doing makeup for photography, especially when working with you.

Overall, what would you say your style is?

B: I believe my photography style has clean and elegant aesthetic.

S: And I would agree.

What are you looking to do more of in the future, or where do you see Bibi Photography 5 years from now?

B: In the future, the plan for Bibi Photography Studio is to photograph and create more content for boutique-style fashion brands as well as to create a solid beauty portfolio.

S: I hope I can be a part of it!  I would love to work with you on boutique-style fashion photography and obviously creating a beauty portfolio.

Thank you so much for your time, Bibi!  Chatting with you is the best.  I enjoyed it and I am sure my readers will as well.

If you would like to book your own fashion, editorial, bridal or family shoot with Bibi and myself, please contact me here.  Bibi’s contact information is listed below:

XOXO,

Shannon & Bibi