Nicholas Lapite is a talented professional photographer from London. Nicholas is our latest StarNow competition winner and we were delighted when he agreed to complete a Spotlight Interview for Urbanity Chic so that we could share his work with you. Read on to discover how Nicholas became interested in photography, which modern day fashion designers he looks up to and what style of photography makes him unique.
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Q: How did you get into professional photography?
I always liked photography, and my uncle was a photographer too, so it was something I thought I’d like to try one day. I never really felt it would be a moneymaker for me, so I followed a more academic route. After working in telecoms for about 5 years I figured I needed to explore my creative side before my head exploded, so I quit my job, bought a camera and that’s pretty much how I started.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
People. Women. My wife (even though she hates having her picture taken). I don’t think there’s anything more appealing or refreshing than a beautiful woman, in print or in person.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
Great… I’ve gained more clients and my name is more recognizable…
Q: Who inspires you?
Anyone who does a selfless job.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
Alexander McQueen. He had a real gift.
Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
Someone who only needs one light and one frame to get the shot.
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
I like both to be honest. Each has it’s use…
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
Again I love both. They each offer different opportunities and challenges…
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?
I don’t have any particularly funny stories, but there was one shoot that made me laugh. I’d been on set for about 4 hours and hadn’t taken a single shot because the team were taking ages getting the models hair right. When the model was finally ready I took about three shots, the art director shouted that’s it, that’s the one. And that pretty much was it, so I went home…
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
It’s uncomplicated. I don’t like things getting in the way of the beauty of the subject, so I keep things as simple as possible…
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
Not really…I tend to like them all…lol
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
Paolo Roversi…he’s a purist…
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?
Natalia Vodianova. She seems really cool and down to earth…oh and beautiful…
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
It’s about self expression. Being confident enough to show the world who you are, wherever you are and whatever you’re doing…
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Simple and relaxed….
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Q: Where are you based?
Islington, London.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
London is great. You can rush around and be at the centre of everything, or you can just kick back and relax. You can tailor the city for your way of life.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
The fact that I do this for a living is a highlight in itself, especially when I consider what I could be doing right now…
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
Greater success!!
Q: What do you do to relax?
Catch up with family and friends..
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
Wow… too many…
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Nicholas Lapite Photography
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
Not really…. Football, running, music… that’s about it…
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
Take your time to learn the business and also to discover what you’re good at. You might want to be a top fashion photographer because is seems glamorous, but you might be ignoring the opportunity to have a more successful commercial career.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
Let’s be honest, if you need motivation to do a job like this, you might as well get another job.
Editor’s Note: Nicholas Lapite’s pure photography has a certain personal style that allows the model’s personality and their relationship with the scene to exude through every image. We can see Nicholas’ style being continually used both for editorials and advertisements in the future.
If you’d like to contact or see more Nicholas Lapite’s work just follow the links below:
twitter link: http://twitter.com/#!/nlphoto77
web page link: http://www.lapite.com
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