Fashion Citizen x Ricky Fontaine of Iconik Images
In the world of glamour photography, there are photographers and then there are artists. One such artist is Ricky Fontaine of Iconik Images. Lately, I've been talking to Ricky about the ins and outs of glamour photography and his company. I decided to pick Ricky's brain in an interview and share it with you. Check it after the more.
Fashion Citizen : When did you start Iconik Images and what is your company known for?
Ricky Fontaine : Iconik Images was founded in early 2010 and we are known for taking beautiful pictures and making our subjects look their absolute best.
FC : How long have you been in the field of photography ?
RF : I've been shooting off and on since high school but professionally for close to 2 years.
FC : One of your specialties is glamour photography, can you tell us a little more about the specifics?
RF : The point of glamour is to emphasize the model's beauty and sensuality without crossing the line of being salacious.
FC : How do you manage to keep your cool around so many beautiful women?
RF : (LOL) I guess the key is being USED to being around beautiful women... Unfortunately, a lot of guys get into this industry (especially glamour photography) to get girls. So, if a photographer isn't in it for that reason, he's ahead of the game. The main thing is also understanding this is a BUSINESS and treating it as such.
FC : When you are asked to photograph a model, what are some of the first steps you take in crafting the shoot?
RF : It depends on the client, whoever commissions the shoot calls the shots on the look then I put my spin on it.
FC : Aside from glamour photography, what other types of photography are you interested in?
RF : I'm interested in EVERYTHING. I find beauty in all types of photographs. I would like to be the eyes of our time and shoot the tastemakers. I'd love for my work to be on the cover of Rolling Stone.
FC : Airbrushed models seem to be the norm in glamour photography, almost to the point of animation...how do you feel about this and how do you maintain the natural look of the model?
RF : I think it's sad... Post-processing has been around forever, but the accessibility of photoshop and digital cameras has gotten a lot of people with no business shooting calling themselves "professional photographers". Over processing to cover up the model's flaws, the photographers flaws, or both is a stain on this art form. How do I do it? I know what I'm doing (during the shoot and in photoshop).
FC : Where do you see Iconik Images in 5 years?
RF : Separated from the pack... Being the trendsetter in photography and the go-to company for remarkable images, regardless of the genre.
