Anyone who has ever taken a closer look at portrait photography and beauty photography has probably come across Felix Rachor - online or offline. He has turned his passion for photography into his profession and now earns his living as a freelance photographer and seminar leader. In our interview, you can read about what makes beauty photography special for him, his greatest successes and what we can expect in his new beauty book.
How did you get into photography and people photography?
Photography came more to me. My father taught me photography with an EXA2. I started digitally at 18 and have been developing my photography ever since.
What fascinates you about beauty photography?
I've been painting and drawing all my life and eventually I became a graphic designer. The beauties are like graphic works of art to me! I love to create, especially when it's very effective and colorful
What makes a good beauty portrait for you?
First of all, as a beauty photographer, you have to understand that the photographic part is unimportant. The beauty products, the make-up artist and the model are what it's all about. As a photographer, I have to be able to set the scene and, above all, show it properly! But I also love it when beauties are very artistic. In my book I show how you can get really creative and in the accompanying video I tell you something about each picture (224 pages and 2.5 hours)
Who has inspired you and your photography the most?
Graphic designers, illustrators and artists. Because you can draw an incredible amount of ideas from them. I have a few books such as Herakut or a collection of illustrations. But I also love artists like Tim Walker, Patrick Demarchelier and David LaChapelle.
Where do your inspiration and picture ideas come from?
I usually have great ideas when I come back from jogging, or when I'm on the train or plane. Then I write everything down. My head always revolves around photography. It wakes me up and puts me to sleep. That might sound exhausting to some people. For me, it's just the coolest thing
Do you have a certain principle when taking photos?
I have 2 different principles: 1) I want the best for the customer. Actually, I always want them to earn good money with my photos. And that they come back, of course. 2.) When I do my things: I don't compromise and think big!
Do you have a set procedure for a shoot?
Yes, there is a fixed procedure:
- Good preparation, planning, conception
- Try everything out beforehand (including in the make-up room and during styling)
- Test a lot
- When I have my light, there's a series
- Don't shoot too much (concentrate more on the important things)
- Selection, post ready
What has been your biggest success so far?
It depends on how you look at it. I've had the pleasure of accompanying Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. I've done the cover for Hape Kerkeling. Or earned over ?50,000 in one day with a shoot. But what is also a success for me is that everything has been doubling for me for 10 years and I'm still on the market. It's going well and I'm happy. Because that's the most important thing
What can we look forward to in your new Beauty book?
Lots of creative images from a wide range of different categories. 224 pages full of inspiration, which I also explain in a video. For me, it's my biggest work! I think it's worth it & the feedback is bombastic!
What advice can you give young photographers?
Quite simply: doing a lot helps a lot. Doing nothing helps nothing. So set your goals very high and try to do it the same way as the greats
What gets you out of bed on a Monday morning?
Hahaaahh! Every day I'm already awake at 7:00 am, much to my wife's chagrin, and already want to edit pictures. But above all the joy of doing something new again and again
In conclusion: Photography is for me:
My life. Not just a profession or a passion. I love that it's so fused together.
You can find more pictures of Felix Rachor and his workshops - as well as prints and books - on his website. You should also check out his Instagram channel and his Facebook page www.felix-rachor.com Instagram: @felixrachor www.facebook.com/felixrachor
25.01.2018 | JJ
