Artist Blog for 02/01

Love in the Afternoon, Spread in Allure Magazine, Norman Jean Roy

Teen Vogue, August 2009, Norman Jean Roy

Harper's Bazaar, August 2009, Norman Jean Roy

Norman Jean Roy is a fashion editorial, advertising, and celebrity portrait photographer who began his career in Paris after having quit his job for Saturn as a graphic designer. However, Roy considers himself a documentary portrait photographer, as he sees his job as an opportunity to document his life; “it’s not the photography that matters, it’s the journey.” In 1999, Roy was named one of the 30 most promising photographers under 30 by PDN magazine. Currently based out of New York, Roy has shot for numerous advertising clients such as ABC, Coca-Cola, and Nike. He’s also shot for major magazines including Vanity Fair, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and a slew of others.

In an interview with Mamiya as one of their Master’s Showcase exhibits, Roy describes his approach to his subjects as “run-and-gun.” He prefers to do little research on his subjects as he thinks working this way allows him more freedom by being able to shoot his subjects how he sees them without being inhibited by prior knowledge; he finds there is something enticing about the rawness and unpredictability of the moment. When asked about his lighting, Roy mentioned that he lights his sets himself, commenting on how a lot of people put too much emphasis on lighting: “I think it’s another thing to just react to light, to allow the photograph to be what it is.” He goes on to discuss his different lighting methods, using minimal light (such as an on-camera flash) for some shoots, and having to use 10 to 15-packs for others.

I work very closely to Roy’s process and perhaps this is why I am so connected to his work. It is evident in his photographs that he operates on the fly and that optimism and confidence in himself as a photographer is very apparent and equally inspiring. While I am not working with celebrities, I am still able to feed off the personalities and moods of the models I do work with and I can easily agree that working in this manner is freeing and much more gratifying. I think over-planning, let alone planning, is incredibly hindering and could potentially upsets the authenticity of the photograph. Roy’s process of “run-and-gun” is most obvious in his fashion and/or portrait photography that he shoots on location. There is an emphasis on working with-and reacting to-the light and atmosphere with which he is shooting. His images are candid and effortless; exuding an honesty that I don’t think is present in many other fashion photographers’ work.

Norman Jean Roy Photography

Interview with Mamiya