PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
My name is Silvia Draz, I am a fashion and beauty photographer currently based between London, Paris and Amsterdam.
WHERE HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION FOR A PHOTOSHOOT?
I have a few favorites! I loved the beautiful mountain backdrop in the Dolomites, endless sand dunes in Marocco, jungle in Bali, and a gorgeous studio in Dubai.
WAS PHOTOGRAPHY ALWAYS A DIRECT PATH FOR YOU, OR WAS IT SOMETHING YOU DISCOVERED LATER?
I have always wanted to be a furniture designer, however, my career path steered towards photography since I was able to enroll in university in the North of England. After I graduated, I moved to London to look for opportunities in the industry. Since there are thousands of people who are after the same jobs, I had to work very hard and do a lot of assisting before I became the photographer I am today.
HOW HAS BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
I think it has made me realize that photography has a lot to do with human interaction and that it should be enjoyed and not drowned in stress! I think it changed my character for the better and I have discarded some of my Eastern European traits, such as grumpiness, constant negativity, and close-mindedness on what is a good image.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR JOB, AND WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING?
I love shooting – so my favourite part of the job is to create images. If I could, I would do it every day and never look at the editing screen! On a serious note, the most challenging is working with talent. Shooting someone who is not a professional model can be difficult if there isn’t much time and they do have a particular way to present themselves. My way about it is to listen and make sure they are happy with their images first, and then try to suggest something they might end up liking but didn’t think of to do.
HAVE YOU EVER PHOTOGRAPHED SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE? HOW WAS THAT EXPERIENCE?
I have photographed one of the greatest athletes, Venus Williams, recently, and the experience was amazing because Venus was amazing not only in sport, but in person and in front of the camera!
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR “RAPUNZLES” SERIES, AND DID YOU ENJOY MAKING IT INTO A ZINE?
I have been inspired by long hair by looking at Edwardian photos of women with long hair. There is a long hair competition in Lithuania also, which is still going and it’s fascinating to see all the young participants and how much pride they have in growing their hair. However, I wanted to explore people from different backgrounds which is way easier in a melting pot such as London. I am so grateful for my team to help me in this journey as it wasn’t easy. I thought that this project would be a great format as a zine, and since I haven’t ever made one, it was also a learning curve in printing.
ARE PHOTOBOOKS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Yes, I think photobooks are important to me and should be to others not only as a coffee table read (which I think is a must in every household) , but also as a source of culture that people in the future will discover and think of when thinking of our decade. I think we have never been so free and able to create like before; there are resources available and so much talent out there that it would be a shame to leave it all just as a web format.
WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER?
I think this year in general has been amazing to me (I know that it is not over yet but I want to acknowledge and appreciate and send out the gratuity to the universe). I have been to amazing locations with wonderful people, been on shoots with so many teams I have huge respect for, and for me it is the greatest achievement to be able to do that.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHOOTING IN DUBAI?
I think Dubai is such a crazy place that only coming here and seeing it makes people understand how much potential there is here! I loved working for the client and meeting people I haven’t seen for years, and I loved meeting you guys!! Thanks so much for looking after me on this shoot, and I would 100% come back if I had the chance.
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