2. Are there any photographer that you admire or have influenced your work?

Yes, absolutely! I’m inspired by many talented photographer. My top 4 photographer that has influenced the most my work are Peter Lindbergh, Tim Walker, Tim Burton & Elizaveta Porodina.

I really love their sens of creativity! I admire the way they imagine and design incredible set for their photoshoots. There perfect lighting, the sensitivy and emotion that we can feel trough their pictures make them my favorite photographer.

The softness of their images inspires me continually in my work to succeed in capturing and making feel different emotions in the portraits that I realize. The imaginary and theatrical aspect that we find in their work inspires me to create costumes and sets / staging to create a whole atmosphere. Also, I like the fact that there is no constraint. I feel a freedom of expression in each of their works.

3. We see a lot of great women photographers recently. In the past 10 years, did you ever feel your gender played a role in your journey?

It is totally true! We see more and more women becoming a photographer. Yes, I believe that the fact that I am a woman can have an influence/role in my journey. Considering the waves of denunciations in recent years, I believe that being a woman photographer reassures many of my clients.

For my part, I notice much more positive influence. Many of them feel more comfortable, confident with a female photographer. The models open more easily to me, and therefore we manage to capture very beautiful pictures and emotions during the photoshoot.

Photography can have an intimate and personal dimension. As a professional photographer, whether we are a man or a woman, it is our duty to act professionally, to be ethical in our working methods and to respect each of our peers.

4. In your opinion, what are the main elements that should be included in every photograph? What makes a photo really stand out?

Each image is different and all styles exist, so I cannot say that there should be main elements that are found in the photographs. I notice a lot of photographers who have much the same style. By talking to several of them, they admitted to me that they were looking for their photo style. I will therefore tend to say to avoid comparing too much and to want to reproduce the same style as another. It’s also very easy to work on developing your style. Soon I will give coaching on this subject. If interested, you can contact me via my website (www.dssanchez.com) or Instagram page (ds_sanchez)

All that to say, not to restrict your artistic creation by the way that you absolutely must have certain elements in an image.

However, several factors can make an image stand out. For my part, there are 3 things that I observe first. The quality of light, that is to say how the photographer controls his light, then the quality of the photo editing. Finally the emotion that the photo evokes, that is to say how the photographer managed to capture an emotion strong enough to make it feel to the one who looks at the image.

5. Your work is impressive and you have an international client base. Is there any shoot that has been your absolute favorite, and if so, what elements made it your favorite shoot?

It’s a great question! In 10 years of career, I have done so many photoshoots, it’s crazy! I can’t even count the number.

There are a lot of photo shoots that I loved. In general, I really like working in a team. When I arrive on a set and work with other artists that I really appreciate, it creates a great energy for the working day.

I remember an editorial photoshoot I did at the studio on an Allian theme. My friend who is a very talented designer in Montreal had made some magnificent unique pieces for the shoot. Then with my very dear friend and super talented makeup artist Marika D’Auteuil, we decided to create completely crazy looks. With my team in the studio, we managed to create a great cinematic atmosphere at this photoshoot.

6. Every carrer has pros and cons. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? What is the most difficult?

My work regularly takes me out of my comfort zone as much in photoshoot as on other professional obligations. For example, I sometimes have to give talks to an audience about photography. My last conference was in collaboration with 500px and Makeup forever. The theme was “life after likes”.

It’s super rewarding to have experiences outside of our comfort zone, to feel growing from this experience and to feel that I was able to share my knowledge and experience with someone. Also, it’s always super rewarding to know that I have accomplished my mission during the photoshoot and that my client is more than satisfied with the result.

As a freelance artist, the hardest part for me was the business side. Now that I have my partner with me, he takes care of that. But before when I was alone, I admit that I found it difficult to have to make quotes, negotiate prices, create contract, enforce copyright, etc.

7. Any advice for upcoming photographers within the fashion and beauty industry?

I think the first piece of advice I can give to anyone who is interested in fashion photography would be to find their own style. Find something you like and that inspire you to create and never give up! You will gain experience and develop your creative skills.

Then learn to master the light in all situations. Once the light is beautiful and controlled, develop your communication skills. It’s super important to be able to express yourself, as much to explain the poses or the mood to the models as to express yourself well with your customers .

Finally, when it’s come to photo editing, your choice of photo and how you frame the picture is also very important.

Remember the passion that drove you to develop your art in photography. The more you focus on what fascinates you in photography, the more you will grow in the environment you want and the less you will feel like working, because you will always have fun doing it.