Timothy Hogan is an award winning photographer who splits his time between Brooklyn, London and his surfboard. Technically exacting and graphically driven, his photographs intertwine ideas of elegance, perfection and mystery.
Timothy’s work incorporates both beauty and still life photography and he has a client list that would be the envy of most photographers, including global advertising and editorial clients: Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Maybelline, Vogue, Glamour and InStyle.
For me, the beauty of Timothy’s work lies in the details – a lock of hair falling across a models face, light reflections bouncing off a models skin, water cascading down the side of a bottle. Timothy captures these details so intimately and presents his subjects in the most glorious light. I particularly love his images with of the models bathed in a neon glow – they are just stunning!
Check out my interview with Timothy and a selection of his work below. You can view his full portfolio on his website here.
What made you want to be a photographer?
Would you believe.. a lucky guess? I had (for some reason), originally wanted to be a computer programmer. I attended a weekend orientation at Syracuse where I proceeded to watch a bunch of computer geeks do ray-tracing programs on their linux stations and freaked out. I went back to the student center, began frantically flipping through the coursebook, trying to figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life! I came upon photojournalsim, stopped, and said to myself.. that looks cool…
How did you get into the industry? What was your first gig?
Between freshman and sophomore year I did what any photo geek does… works at a camera shop. Simonds Photographic in East Hartford CT became my home for school breaks and the summer. I learned my way around all the equipment, and most impostantly met all of the pro;s in the area. I soom began assisting on mostly corporate industrial shoots with a lot of really talented guys, going to phtograph jet engines one day and corporate headshots the next. It taught me to think on my feet and how to adapt to a lot of crazy circumstances.
What equipment do you use?
I’m still stuck on my Imacon 528 digital back. Its from a few years ago but it really is an incredible piece of equipment. And the multi shot and 16 shot exposures are incredible. I can put it on my RZ for beauty, or my Rollei xact2 for still life. It works like a charm. I recently picked up a 7D as well, and like it for the speed of shooting, but I still prefer the more methodical way of shooting with the medium format back on the RZ. I think about the image I’m making more.
What’s involved in a beauty shoot? Which part of the process do you enjoy the most?
A lot of planning. The communication involved amongst all of the people involved (model, makeup artists, hairstylists etc) is intensive, and really need to be so that everyone is on the same page. As for what do I enjoy the most? The collaboration and the magic that happens when everything comes together. Its a good counterpart to the very controlled still life we do.
What do you think are the most important things to consider when taking glamour shots?
The subtleties. A move of the camera by a half an inch, or the sparkle or thought visible in a model’s eyes from one frame to the next is the difference between a successful image vs simply a pretty image.
Out of all of your images, which is your favorite and why?
My favorites are those which look at something in a new light. I’m particularly fond of the beauty series I did a while back as an exploratory for Shop Etc magazine, the ones which are paired with nightscapes of times square. They obvously are not your usual “beauty” images, and impart a very distinct feeling, a sense of being there.
Who/what inspires you?
Inspiration strikes in many forms. Its the challenge that drives me, but I find inspiration and ideas all around. Simple things will call out to me – the way light plays through a piece of glassware, the colors at night in the city… who knows. I’d love to point out one simple thing but its much more fleeting and transient than that.
What are the best and worst things about being a beauty photographer?
I think the best thing is being able to create something that people can appreciate. The worst part? The never ending self-criticism and the constant need to keep going.
If you could photograph anyone in the world, who would it be?
Thats kind of like the which historical figure do you want to go to dinner with question! I never have any answer for that one. Stumps me every time.
What do you do when you’re not taking pictures?
Pay bills, answer emails, etc etc. I’m hoping you see the humor in that. When I’m not in the studio I’m usually out trying to surf as much as I can. Living in NY thats not the easiest, but its my church, therapy and vacation all rolled into one.
Cheers Tim! Keep up the great work.
