Page 65 - Arts Management Magazine Future Issue

Left, Lupito Nyong’o at the Oscars. Above, Kendrick Lamar.

engage in. With photography that was always the 50% partner, that comes into the same space to try to highlight their
it was the theme of process. It makes traditional photography, in unique individuality?
some ways, more valuable, but it is somewhat of a disappointment. MS: We really just create a lighting situation that we know
is going to look very photogenic, then we work with our
LJ: How do you decide how to approach a personality that already subjects to make those pictures. I give them a lot of direc-
has a well-known image or brand? tion usually but most of the people I work with, whatever
MS: Mainly what we do is talk with the magazine about what type of artist they are, we try to keep a sense of who they
their ambition is, what their idea is. Typically, I will control that are within that context. So that really shows, even if we
myself in terms of what I want to do. But in some instances, are controlling it quite a bit.
they have preconceived ideas and so we just elaborate on that
and embellish that. If I get an assignment where I can do any- LJ: Let’s talk about the Kendrick Lamar photo.
thing I want to do, then the process is very planned out. I’ll MS: Kendrick Lamar was for Rolling Stone. That was
figure out who the person is, what the story is, how to create an really wonderful because I didn’t know very much about
idea – that is all the work that I do on the front end. It depends, him, I knew a little bit about the music and I just found
sometimes it’s very simple and sometimes it’s a big concept, it him to be a great subject, completely willing and trusting.
just depends on the personality. He worked hard, he came in at 8:30 in the morning after
playing a show the night before and then working all night
LJ: For something like the Oscars Studio where you have a pre- in the studio. I found him delightful. He’s a very generous
arranged set, is there a way that you approach each personality subject, he’s also a nice person. I remember after the shoot

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