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POSTED October 5, 2011
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY
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By Vanessa Voigt
Photographs from Alice Luker’s portfolio scan like fine art paintings, evidently sprung from Luker’s deep infatuation with Renaissance and Baroque era works. They all capture a beautiful
moment of fashion, intertwined with narrative and emotion that embodies Luker’s finesse and insistence for translating creative visions into dynamic shots, as well as her meaningful
respect for fashion as an art form all its own.
At a fashion shoot, Luker’s effective fusion of tenacity and artistry shed light on her distinctive and distinguished collection of work. For her, it’s not just snapping shots of a set with a model
in clothes - it’s really about developing a concept; something she takes on herself to foster on location even before she picks up her camera. Fashion weaves stories in Luker’s mind, which
manifest into rich internal images. What drives this artist is her deep-felt determination to translate these inner visions into something the world can see.
Her natural delight in the fine arts, which tend to influence her even more than other works of photography, and a compelling affection for fashion, which she conjures with a unique and
refreshing perspective, are sources of passion and enjoyment that serve as an immense wellspring of inspiration and energy. Especially influenced by designers John Galliano, Valentino,
and the 1930s Vionnet, Luker is smitten and uncommonly aware of the many facets of fashion - the history, the strife, the allure, which manifest into multifarious layers in her own work.
Based out of London, Luker has built a reputation for consistently producing profound fashion flashes in time, with esteemed works in publications such as Fashion Insider, Professional
Photographer, Fault Magazine and of course Q+A. She was a finalist for the Young Fashion Photographer of the Year 2010 at the Clothes Show Live, which is considered the UK’s
premier fashion event. This October, Luker will compete for the prestigious AOP Open Award, sponsored by the Association of Photographers, taking place in London. Enthused to meet
the artist behind the lens, Q+A talks with Luker on more secrets to exquisite shots, and why fashion is her focus of choice.
moment of fashion, intertwined with narrative and emotion that embodies Luker’s finesse and insistence for translating creative visions into dynamic shots, as well as her meaningful
respect for fashion as an art form all its own.
At a fashion shoot, Luker’s effective fusion of tenacity and artistry shed light on her distinctive and distinguished collection of work. For her, it’s not just snapping shots of a set with a model
in clothes - it’s really about developing a concept; something she takes on herself to foster on location even before she picks up her camera. Fashion weaves stories in Luker’s mind, which
manifest into rich internal images. What drives this artist is her deep-felt determination to translate these inner visions into something the world can see.
Her natural delight in the fine arts, which tend to influence her even more than other works of photography, and a compelling affection for fashion, which she conjures with a unique and
refreshing perspective, are sources of passion and enjoyment that serve as an immense wellspring of inspiration and energy. Especially influenced by designers John Galliano, Valentino,
and the 1930s Vionnet, Luker is smitten and uncommonly aware of the many facets of fashion - the history, the strife, the allure, which manifest into multifarious layers in her own work.
Based out of London, Luker has built a reputation for consistently producing profound fashion flashes in time, with esteemed works in publications such as Fashion Insider, Professional
Photographer, Fault Magazine and of course Q+A. She was a finalist for the Young Fashion Photographer of the Year 2010 at the Clothes Show Live, which is considered the UK’s
premier fashion event. This October, Luker will compete for the prestigious AOP Open Award, sponsored by the Association of Photographers, taking place in London. Enthused to meet
the artist behind the lens, Q+A talks with Luker on more secrets to exquisite shots, and why fashion is her focus of choice.
Behind the Lens: Meet Emerging Fashion Photographer Alice Lucker
FASHION Q+A: Your work is featured on the
September issue of Q+A. When our readers look at
the cover, what do you hope is revealed or captured
about you as a photographer?
ALICE LUKER: I would like the cover to both entice
and inspire Q+A readers. For me an image is not
simply about the clothes, model or the location but
about the interaction between each and its relevance
to the concept.
I use photography as a platform to express my
creative vision of the world. My ultimate aim is for the
readers to feel a connection with my work and to
grasp a sense of the passion which forms each one
of my images.
September issue of Q+A. When our readers look at
the cover, what do you hope is revealed or captured
about you as a photographer?
ALICE LUKER: I would like the cover to both entice
and inspire Q+A readers. For me an image is not
simply about the clothes, model or the location but
about the interaction between each and its relevance
to the concept.
I use photography as a platform to express my
creative vision of the world. My ultimate aim is for the
readers to feel a connection with my work and to
grasp a sense of the passion which forms each one
of my images.
Q+A: Are there any photographers who you would call influential to your work?
LUKER: I tend to look at art and painting more than I do photography but there are two
photographers which particularly stand out to me, being particularly inspirational
throughout my college years.
Erwin Olaf for his fine art/ fashion crossover combined with beautiful lighting techniques
and Miles Aldridge for his amazing eye for detail and captivating narrative directed
editorials.
Q+A: What makes a great model? What do you look for in a model when casting
shoots? What major models are you dying to working with?
LUKER: For me, the model plays a vital role of the creative process. There have been times
when specific models have inspired me to form a concept entirely based around their look.
The red haired beauty Gisela Kouker I shot for Q+A did just that and I am currently in the
early stages of developing a entirely new project with her alone.
I would love the opportunity to shoot Guinevere Van Seenus and Arizona Muse - both of
who are extremely versatile models gracing the pages of almost every high fashion
magazine imaginable!
Q+A: What designers do you love to shoot and why?
LUKER: I particularly enjoyed working with Rachel Friere's pieces which are featured in my
editorial shoot for Q+A. They are so beautifully crafted with a timeless yet equally
contemporary appeal.
I also work a lot with the two delightful ladies behind Kruszynska Couture. Their pieces are
what I had only dreamt of working with before my career in photography had really taken off
but now have the pleasure of photographing their stunning dresses quite regularly.
Q+A: What about fashion excites you the most?
LUKER: The beauty, mystery, dedication, hunger, frivolity, energy, creativity, passion - there
is so much more to fashion than the average person may think!
LUKER: I tend to look at art and painting more than I do photography but there are two
photographers which particularly stand out to me, being particularly inspirational
throughout my college years.
Erwin Olaf for his fine art/ fashion crossover combined with beautiful lighting techniques
and Miles Aldridge for his amazing eye for detail and captivating narrative directed
editorials.
Q+A: What makes a great model? What do you look for in a model when casting
shoots? What major models are you dying to working with?
LUKER: For me, the model plays a vital role of the creative process. There have been times
when specific models have inspired me to form a concept entirely based around their look.
The red haired beauty Gisela Kouker I shot for Q+A did just that and I am currently in the
early stages of developing a entirely new project with her alone.
I would love the opportunity to shoot Guinevere Van Seenus and Arizona Muse - both of
who are extremely versatile models gracing the pages of almost every high fashion
magazine imaginable!
Q+A: What designers do you love to shoot and why?
LUKER: I particularly enjoyed working with Rachel Friere's pieces which are featured in my
editorial shoot for Q+A. They are so beautifully crafted with a timeless yet equally
contemporary appeal.
I also work a lot with the two delightful ladies behind Kruszynska Couture. Their pieces are
what I had only dreamt of working with before my career in photography had really taken off
but now have the pleasure of photographing their stunning dresses quite regularly.
Q+A: What about fashion excites you the most?
LUKER: The beauty, mystery, dedication, hunger, frivolity, energy, creativity, passion - there
is so much more to fashion than the average person may think!
| "I use photography as a platform to express my creative vision of the world."- Alice Luker |
Q+A: What inspired you to pursue a career as a high-fashion photographer? What do
you hope your work will bring to the industry?
LUKER: There is something about high fashion that I simply can't get enough of. I
remember being drawn to the images of haute couture clothing on the catwalk and have
never looked back. I believe that passion and hard work leads to great things. If you keep
pushing yourself to develop further opportunities are soon to follow, and so far so good!
John Galliano, Valentino, Armani are the ultimate Gods of high fashion. I remember being
taken back at how beautiful their designers were from a early age. One designer that I will
always admire is Madeline Vionnet - one of the most talented designer 's of the 1930s.
I have been inspired by Vionnet numerous occasions in particular her grecian/classical
influence.
Q+A: Tell us, a little about your work and photography style. What goes into getting that
photo fabulous shot?
LUKER: I like my shoots to be injected with a large dose of creative energy. There is a lot of
preparation that goes into a shoot. In addition to organizing the entire team there is also
bouncing moodboards and visual references back and forth before I feel that the concept is
strong enough and ready to shoot.
I often work closely with the Stylist (and good friend of mine) Lauren Eva who is often highly
involved with art direction. This girl is ridiculously talented and deserves a lot of credit.
you hope your work will bring to the industry?
LUKER: There is something about high fashion that I simply can't get enough of. I
remember being drawn to the images of haute couture clothing on the catwalk and have
never looked back. I believe that passion and hard work leads to great things. If you keep
pushing yourself to develop further opportunities are soon to follow, and so far so good!
John Galliano, Valentino, Armani are the ultimate Gods of high fashion. I remember being
taken back at how beautiful their designers were from a early age. One designer that I will
always admire is Madeline Vionnet - one of the most talented designer 's of the 1930s.
I have been inspired by Vionnet numerous occasions in particular her grecian/classical
influence.
Q+A: Tell us, a little about your work and photography style. What goes into getting that
photo fabulous shot?
LUKER: I like my shoots to be injected with a large dose of creative energy. There is a lot of
preparation that goes into a shoot. In addition to organizing the entire team there is also
bouncing moodboards and visual references back and forth before I feel that the concept is
strong enough and ready to shoot.
I often work closely with the Stylist (and good friend of mine) Lauren Eva who is often highly
involved with art direction. This girl is ridiculously talented and deserves a lot of credit.
Check out more work by British fashion photographer Alice Luker, Aliceluker.co.uk