Daniel Schache is a commercial photographer from Melbourne, Australia. From his studio, he has enjoyed creative and commercial success. We were therefore really happy at Urbanity Chic when he agreed to complete a Spotlight Interview to showcase some of his work. Read Daniel’s full interview below to discover how he grew his business in 2010, who his favourite photographer is and what motivates him to pursue a career in photography.
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: How did you get into professional photography?
By being a little gig rat and getting into all the best concerts around town for free with my camera whilst in high school.. This then lead onto me getting into the International College of Creative Arts (ICPP) in Melbourne to study photography full time over two years where my passion then changed to fashion and advertising. From then on it has just been a lot of persistence and determination to get myself to where I am today.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
I enjoy the excitement that my team creates around me when we are on the right track to achieving an excellent image or set of images. Making other people happy is easily the most enjoyable thing about photography for me. So long as people are happy with my work then I am happy.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
2010 was a pretty constructive year for the business. We spent a lot of time shooting concepts, tests and jobs that were all quite crucial for the construction of our folio. Coming into 2011 we had a great folio and focused more time on getting work and less on folio building although we are always thinking about the folio and continually getting it more refined.
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: Who inspires you?
Steven Chee -- Fellow Australian photographer who is absolutely inspiring in every possible way.
Carlos Nunez -- This guy has incredible talent to get models naked haha.
Greg Kadel -- He does no wrong by me.
Anton Corjbin -- An absolutely timeless image producer. His photos will be remembered forever I believe.
Peter Ryle -- The inspiration that hits closest to home, coming out of the same studio as myself.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
I’d have to say I am a big fan of Pete Doherty’s fashion.
Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
In my opinion a good photographer consists of most importantly a nice, vibrant and fun personality. Someone who is confident and a pleasure to communicate with.
Secondly they must be creative, controlling and knowledgeable with their lighting.
What equipment you have is nothing compared to the above components.
A photographer who can also do their own retouching is also a stronger advantage to one that cant but this isnt very crucial with the amount of excellent retouchers currently available.
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
Absolutely love the aesthetics of film, if I could I would shoot film all day everyday but these days clients/models/etc want to see photos right there and then. Film adds too much of a delay in the process for the worlds current trends, even more so for up & coming photographers like myself when it is pretty crucial to turn over photos quickly to keep everyone happy.
Im currently working on a few projects that will be shot on film that will hopefully come out well, so stay tuned on that one.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
The studio is my vice. But at the same time I love the freedom and challenge of a good location shoot.
Q: Do you have an interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?
One interesting story that brings a smile to my face is from a recent shoot we did with a up & coming student fashion designer, Joseph Jang.
Joseph being the young designer he is, was absolutely exhilarated by the whole essence of the photoshoot that we were doing for him. The whole environment and the processes that were happening just seemed to get him so excited. Also being so close to Easter I had just bought a stack of chocolate chip hot cross buns for the team to keep them happy and energized on the shoot.. We gave one to Joseph to try as he had never had one before and he absolutely loved it.
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
At this point in time I dont currently see a unique style in our work but this could just be my judgement. Does anyone else see a style in our work? I’d be interested to hear!
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
I dont think its possible for me to narrow this down to one photograph. There have been so many fantastic photographs created in this world and I just cant force myself to favor one.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I’d have to say Greg Kadel or Guy Bourdin.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?
In front of the camera I would love the chance to work with Rosie Huntington-Whitely or Miranda Kerr. They are both amazing! I have a photo of each of them up at my workplace in hope haha.
Behind the camera I would love to be able work with Steven Chee, that guy travels to some amazing places around the world for photoshoots.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
This is a tough one. Fashion to me is about keeping up with or ahead of the times with individuality and self expression. Being able to look the best you can with material objects for the enjoyment of others as well as yourself.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
I would define my personal style as quite laid back, relaxed and easy going. I do my best to stay in control over everything and I find getting stressed about things is a weakness to the idea of being in control.
Q: Where are you based?
Based out of a cosy studio in North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
At the moment its freezing and wet, we are coming out of a drought straight into many flash floods & torrential rains.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
There has been a few highlights so far, to name a few:
-- Nomination for Australia’s next top emerging photographer
-- Nescafe Big Break Semi Finalist
-- Photographing the 2006 ARIA Awards
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
My first internationally shot fashion shoot. Anyone wanting to host a photographer and help produce a fashion editorial?!
Q: What do you do to relax?
This changes a lot. Currently my relaxing consists of rolling cigarettes, smoking them and watching Entourage.
Next week I am anticipating it will be cooking pizzas, eating them and watching Entourage.
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
As I right this; Radiohead -- In Rainbows album is playing.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Thinking about this, it doesnt seem I do have any interesting hobbies.. Well none that are G rated anyway haha.
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Daniel Schache: SHOTATCLOSERANGE Photography
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
It would be the same piece of advice given to me from another Melbourne based fashion photographer; Emily Abay -- “Test as much as possible”. Just do as many shoots as you can to gain experience and to broaden your portfolio.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
The excitement of creating something new and different, and all the production that goes into organizing it.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
I’m currently considering holding an international protest against capped internet.. WHO’S WITH ME?!
Editor’s Note: Daniel has an enviable knack of giving each photograph depth and personality. When this is partnered with SHOTATCLOSERANGE’s diversified array of work covering editorial, fashion, corporate, advertising, product, wedding and portraiture we believe at Urbanity Chic that Daniel will enjoy further commercial and creative success for 2011 and beyond.
If you’d like to see more work or contact Daniel, just follow the links below:
facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/shotatcloserange
myspace link: http://www.myspace.com/shotatcloserange
web page link: http://www.shotatcloserange.com
About Urbanity Chic
