Flavia Raddavero Fashion Beauty Photographer Interview

Q: Do you like to talk about yourself or your pictures? If yes, about what aspects of photography? If no, why?
A: I do not like to talk about me or my work, I like to here the reaction regarding my work. So I try not to influence peoples point of view.

Q: How would you describe your attention span?
A: Small.

Q: When did you decide to become a photographer?
A: After doing arts schools, a couple of diplomas in hand I decided to take a photo class , woauuu I felt in love with it I knew that was it, I found what I was looking for.

Q: What does photography mean to you?
A: EVERYTHING, I am lucky to be able to share my passion with my family and specially with my husband who is in a completely different field.

Q: Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
A: Yes! I was leaving in San Francisco at the time, I made a self portrait very disturbing and provocative, it was exposed in a couple of places and I always got the craziest comments on it.

Q: How technical is your photography?
A: I work mostly with my heart , if it is a way to speak, technique is a battle for me, I know it but I try to leave it aside.

Q: Where is your favorite place to live and work as a photographer in the World and why?
A: In California, was great, I am in Paris, France now, it is sooo beautiful here, but I find that is extremely difficult to work freely, it is too bad….

Q: Define the word “beauty”!
A: You find that in your heart.

Q: How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
A: I am extremely concentrated , I probably not see if a lion comes next to me at that moment

Q: How do you feel about missed shots which cannot be recreated?
A: Horrible, very upset, can describe that feeling.

Q: Ever concerned about failure?
A: In permanence of course, I always say fashion photography is a big mountain to be climb and you have to have very good shoes not to fall.

Q: Who are your influences?
A: Avedon, love him, Mapplethorpe incredible man.

Q: What is your favorite image, either your own or someone else’s or both? Describe its creation or meaning to you?
A: There are too many, there are many talented people out there.

Q: Describe a day in your personal or professional life.
A: Drop my kids to school, kiss my husband good bye, get to my studio, once the make up artist, hairdresser stylist are here, coffee , then the model is here, and there we go to have fun. No hours to finish, but always to see my family and tell them about the day.

Q: What are the biggest personal or professional challenges you face on a daily basis?
A: Keeping my point of view about what I do.

Q: What has been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer in whole?
A: Not having somebody to represent me since I do not know how to sell myself!

Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: Fashion, beauty, editorials.

Q: Tell your funniest, scariest, most bizarre, most touching story from a photo shoot!
A: One day working in Argentique for a newspaper, first assignment I was sent photographe somebody doing a speech , the person was here just for one hour, well I did the photos, but I forgot to put the film in the camera…I still do not know how I did not get fire, nice boss.

Q: Have you ever thought about or actually stopped doing photography? What were the circumstances?
A: Sometimes, when I see people who think are the greatest, or certain magazines who do the same, but is impossible, I am stuck with photos, I just love what I do and what it comes with so I assume.

Q: Do you ever have photographer’s block and if yes how do you deal with it?
A: I hope it will never happen.

Q: What types of assignments are you attracted most?
A: Of course, editorials, fashion and beauty magazines.

Q: Describe what black and white photography means to you?
A: The base of all, I started with that.

Q: Do you think of yourself as an artist and what do you think of the word artist?
A: I never consider myself as an artist, I a simple a woman who is passionate by her work, and can not imagine doing something else.

Q: How do you describe your photographic style?
A: Simple, sometimes provocative, full of emotions (I hope)

Q: What has been the most surprising or most predictable reaction to your photographs?
A: Every time people, and specially models who are well known that my work should be publish in the biggest fashion magazines!! I a very flattered by this, now I am waiting to see if one day it will happen.

Q: Tell a little secret about yourself that no-one knows …
A: I am extremely shy? yes, even if I talk a lot, shy shy shy.

Q: Who or what would you love to shoot that you haven’t already?
A: A big campaign, I mean big one (smile).

Q: What would you have done differently during your photography career so far and could this be an advice to others?
A: Listen to your self, when you have an idea don’t give it up. When we start a career we think some times that others with more experience are right, and that is not necessarily true.

Q: What are your thoughts on the paparazzi and their effects on photographers and photography?
A: No comments.

Q: How do you feel about digital manipulation and to what extent do you utilize it?
A: It is a great thing, but me I stay away from this.

Q: What other thoughts would you like to share?
A: Did you notice yet?, I love my life, my work I consider myself very very lucky.