In what way can a photographer's personality affect their photography?
"I like a friendly atmosphere on set, and because I'm good at communication I find it quite easy to make the models feel comfortable. We'll chat, get to know one another, listen to loud music – preferably rock 'n' roll – and even though it's hard work, we're still having fun, which always gives a better result in the end."
A key trait of your style comes from how you play with light – how has your technique evolved during your career?
"I used to prefer shooting on location only with natural light, but that came from insecurity. Over the years I've honed my studio lighting skills but I still prefer natural light. When natural light comes through the window, it gives a very artistic edge, much like Vermeer's work. I also like mixing natural light with little pointy lights, even in a very DIY way, with the help of a little torch or flash."
What's been the most valuable lesson you've learnt during your career?
"I am an extremely impatient person when it comes to my work, and at the same time I'm a perfectionist, which is an exhausting combination. I'm learning to appreciate where I am right now, instead of being constantly on the road, moving from one shoot to the next, without enjoying the journey itself. It does mean I've never been bored, though."
Is there a particular commission that stands out in your mind as being the most poignant or unique?
"In October 2018 I was photographing for FOXES Magazine at a festival in Joshua Tree, California, called Desert Daze. I was told I had five minutes to take backstage photos of the band Eagles of Death Metal. Five minutes became 20, and the lead singer Jesse Hughes suddenly asked, 'do you wanna see my gun?' I laughed and said, 'yeah… sure?'. So he went back to his room and came back carrying his gun. He started loading it in front of me and I kept taking photos of him. All the while he was telling me about the terror attack at their show at the Bataclan, Paris, in 2015, when almost 100 people were killed, and how he felt about it. To this day, I still think those portraits are some of my strongest."
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Website: wanda-martin.com