Jennifer Byron is an upcoming fashion photographer based in Manchester, UK. When we checked out some of Jennifer’s Avant Garde inspired work we were really keen to feature her on Urbanity Chic. Check out the in-depth interview below where Jennifer discusses, amongst other things, what she enjoys photographing most, her current career highlights and what motivates her to do what she does.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Kim Kardashian - Gold
Q: How did you get into professional photography?
I’ve always been creative and have followed my passion through college, into University and always continued shooting in my own time. I’ve recently moved to Manchester to continue working freelance as well as behind the scenes in a family portrait studio.
Q: What do you enjoy most photographing?
I enjoy meeting new people and creating new and unique images that fuse fashion, beauty, & portraiture together.
Q: Who inspires you?
So many people and so many things inspire me! Obviously I have my favourite photographers which are quite a few and include Tim Walker, Cecil Beaton, Mert & Marcus, David LaChapelle, Rankin, Anton Corbijn, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier ….and many more.
I’m inspired by the fashion world, films, make-up, music, art, everything feeds my imagination.
Q: Which modern day fashion designers or fashion icons do you look up to?
To name a few, Alice Dellal, Vivienne Westwood, Rihanna, Josh Beech, Alexander McQueen, Gwen Stefani, Chanel, Adam Levine, Dior, Lindsey Wixon, Porcelain Black, Beyonce, Jeffery Campbell, Agyness Dean, Coco Sumner.Q: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
I think someone who continues to produce amazing work time after time, and someone who likes to experiment and perhaps shock & surprise on the odd occasion.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Calvin Klein - CKIN2U
Q: Do you prefer using film cameras or digital?
I must say I prefer ‘using’ digital camera as I use one nearly everyday, but I LOVE film camera, from the look of the different films, to the smell of the chemicals used when processing. I also love instant film as it’s so enigmatic and you never know how it will turn out, it’s always a lovely surprise.
Q: Do you prefer to shoot on location or in the studio?
I love both, shooting on location, if outside, gives you the ability to use natural light that I love and it makes everything it touches beautiful. But there’s the downfall of outside elements that you can’t control. I love using the studio as you can create anything you like and if you have a large space it’s somewhere for your imagination to run wild!
Q: Do you have any interesting stories about a particular photo shoot you’d like to share?
Nothing too exciting as again in a few more years!
Q: Do you have a specific style of photography that makes you unique?
I don’t think I have a particular style yet, I’m still growing as a photographer and have got lots more to try out, at the moment I just like producing high quality fashion & beauty images.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Givenchy - Very Irresistible
Buy: Givenchy -- Very Irresistible
Q: Do you have a favourite photograph?
There is no way I could choose a favourite.
Q: Who is your favourite photographer?
I can’t choose one, but at the moment due to the work they are producing and the fact I seem to fall in love with every new image I see, it’s got to be Mert & Marcus Piggot.
Q: Is there anybody you would like to work with (either behind or in front of the camera)?
So many people but I’ll keep it simple, behind -- Perou & infront -- Alice Dellal.
Q: What does fashion mean to you?
I love fashion, it inspires me a lot and I love learning about new styles and trends. I love going out and seeing the different takes various stores take on new fashions also.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Tommy Hilfiger
Q: How would you define your personal style?
Hmmm I’m always working on it. I’m not a girly girl but I do love myself some glitter and jewels so with makeup, jewelry & accessories I go for something that will brighten up a simple outfit. I have a lot of black in my wardrobe with dots of bright colours and some nice patterns.
Q: Where are you based?
I’m currently based in Manchester, UK.
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
I’m from South Manchester and it’s fine, nothing exciting but much better than some places I know. Manchester as a city is great, it has everything and I do feel at home here again.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Just getting to meet and work with so many different people. It’s built my confidence a lot and I just love chatting and collaborating with people from all over the place.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Moschino - Glamour
Q: What are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 months?
Well it’s nearing the end of 2011 now so I’m comfortable how I am. Next year I’d like to increase the about I’m photographing and continue to work my way up.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I like to watch movies, travel, visit friends and family, customise various clothing and accessories, mess about with make-up, read, and still photograph 🙂
Q: What songs are on your iPod at the moment?
The new Noel Gallagher solo album, a lot of Depeche Mode, Mark Ronson, Caro Emerald, Agnes Obel, newest Duran Duran album, David Bowie’s greatest hits, and a random Ministry of sound electronic 80’s compilation.
Q: Do you have interesting hobbies?
I suppose photography is my most interesting hobby, but I do like making things, from little art pieces including sculptures and illustrations, to customising clothing and accessories inc. bags, phone case, jewellery.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Beyonce - Heat
Q: If you could give a little piece of advice for aspiring photographers what would it be?
Just what another fantastic photographer gave me; ‘just keep taking photos, everyday and keep practicing’.
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
I think it’s the beauty of capturing a moment in time, something about the composition of colours, light, outfits, make-up, eyes, and hair, location I love. It’s an art form really and I just love being creative and producing something unique.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
Just to have a look at my work on various websites, and spread the word! A shout out for 2 of my closest supporters, my partner is also a photographer, Google him: Gavin Rolph and my sister is a very talented illustrator so go Google her too: Dominique Byron.
Jennifer Byron Photography
Jennifer Byron Photography
Ress
Editor’s Note: Jennifer Byron has all of the attributes to take her career in fashion photography to the next level. At Urbanity Chic we’re looking forward to seeing her portfolio grow over the coming months and years.
If you’d like to see more work or contact Jennifer Byron, just follow the links below:
twitter link: www.twitter.com/JenniferByron
facebook link: www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Byron-Photography/108269869266028
modelmayhem link: http://www.modelmayhem.com/630514
web page link: www.jenniferbyron.com
tumblr link: www.thelandofnod.tumblr.com
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