CALEB SCHAFTLEIN,
Could you please provide us with a professional introduction about yourself and your photography work? Full name
This is a group of works about denim style. My creations always focus on the balance between deconstructionist aesthetics and modern visual tension. This group of works constructs a visual narrative of both rigidity and softness through the collision of heavy knitted jackets and leather shorts, the texture layering of ripped stockings, and the futuristic finishing touch of silver-blue contrasting eyeshadow. The deconstructed and reconstructed denim bedspread is deliberately selected as the background. Its torn texture and the destructive design of the clothing form a material resonance, which is a metaphor for the rebellious spirit of urban youth. "The light and shadow processing uses a combination of high-brightness soft light and hard light contours to outline the sculptural texture on the model's wheat-colored skin. The silver highlights flow with the facial turns, forming a cold contrast with the denim blue background.
Can you tell us about how you got started in photography?
I got into photography because my mother's brother is an artist who likes street photography. So I also started to record with a camera while traveling. My friends and family all recognize my photography skills. I also started to systematically study art courses in high school. I have a certain aesthetic foundation, so I began to challenge the fashion photography industry. I began to learn more professional and complex lighting.
What was your passion driving you during your journey? Who or what prompted you to begin?
Because I have a lot of wild ideas. I really want to make it a reality. Fashion photography allows me to tell this story with a lot of ideas, props, scenes and characters. So I have a lot of creative passion.
Could you walk us through your photoshoot planning process?
Every time, when I go out to study with my teacher, I see a scene and have an idea and start to make a plan. What kind of clothes, makeup and lighting are suitable? Or what style I want to try, I will look for a lot of brand cases and various reference pictures. The model's reference picture is also very important, because of the material characteristics of the clothes, what kind of action do I need to show it, and what is the overall mood. I will also find some music that fits this shooting so that the model can fit in better. It's like a movie.
As a photography expert, what sets your work apart from other photographers?
Maybe I will pay more attention to some details, and I will pursue more artistry and beauty. I will also take some normal and formal photos. More selection in a photography. I will be exposed to more different styles, and I will not limit myself to one style. Like some painting artists need to pursue their own style. This is what I think early photographers need to constantly explore in order to accumulate experience and may have new inspiration.
Where do you get your ideas for photoshoots?
Life. Art comes from life. Observation. For example, when you watch a movie or TV series, you will think of its scene structure, tone and color. You may find many scenes when you go out and keep associating.
Can you tell us about the most memorable moment you've had as a photographer and what experience you gained from that?
In fact, the most memorable thing is that every time I shoot, I will find a lot of problems. Then I will constantly summarize my experience. I know where my shortcomings are compared with those great photographers. Not stable enough, not paying enough attention to details. I will know how to solve it next time.
What are the most important components of an extraordinary photograph, in your opinion?
The most important part is "paying attention to details". The quality of light and shadow, the material of clothes, the technique of makeup artists, the state of the model. It seems simple but very complicated.
How do you strike a balance between your artistic expression and your client's expectations during a shoot?
I will agree first. Then when shooting, I will take a few photos according to my own and let the customer see if they like it. But I will also shoot according to the customer's expectations. I also occasionally take some of my own photos. After all, the customer paid the money and we must shoot according to his tone. Because some customers may not know what they want, so we first add my personal ideas based on his expectations.
How do other artists influence your work? Are there any other photographers you look up to? Who?
The photographer I first liked was Chogiseok from South Korea. He has a very strong storytelling and creativity. And the color matching and visual impact are very strong. I really like it. So I may subconsciously want to create works with stories.
How do you enhance your vision after a session by post-processing your photos? Do you have a best-kept secret for editing processing that you'd like to share?
You can increase clarity and contrast. Make the skin texture better.
Can you tell us about the most difficult photographic challenge you've ever had, including lighting, unexpected situations, and how you managed the issues on set?
Perhaps the biggest challenge is that sometimes you can't find the props you want, so you can only make them yourself or find something else to replace them.
What are your top tips for aspiring photographers on skill development and finding their own creative voice? How did you develop yours?
I usually work with my mentors, and I will observe how they shoot and schedule models and some light applications, so that I can learn more knowledge. In the early days, when I saw a certain film, I would first choose to think about what lights were used, and then implement it. I think this way I can master the methods of each tool faster.
What is your favorite piece of work you've ever shot?
At present, I don’t have a favorite, but I like them very much because I spent a lot of effort to complete them. I participated in all the work, including clothing matching, makeup design, lighting selection, scene arrangement, and post-production. This submission is also a work that I am very satisfied with.
Can you tell us the story behind creating the photographs you submitted?
This set is a series of works divided into three parts. My keyword is denim elements. I want a white background, but it feels boring. Then I plan to use a mattress as the background. When I was shopping for decorations, I found a holey fabric that I thought could be used as a bed cover. In terms of clothing, I looked at many brands and various trends before I found the direction. Because I was afraid that each series would be too similar, I felt that if only one part of the denim elements appeared, it would not need to include clothing, etc., which would be too integrated. So I think denim equals a cool feeling. Denim has a lot of holes. I thought of making stockings torn, and clothes or pants can have the texture of denim.
Where can we view more of your work and connect with you?
Because I am a creator from China, I rarely use Instagram. Most of my works will be on Chinese media.
Instagram: hannnngraphy
