[Un]Discovers: Mike Lewis

Remember there is a editorial I have talked about called It's The Little Things That Means So Much by Mike Lewis? If you do and like his works, now you are here for a treat because recently I have contacted him and ask him for an interview and he agrees to it. I like his works a lot so I am very excited about it. Let's take a look at what he has for me.

Hey Mike, so how did you pick up fashion photography as your career path? When you were small, did you think about being a photographer?
I would say that I evolved in to fashion photography. I've always loved fiction and storytelling. When I was young, I wanted to be in the film industry. First, I wanted to be an actor, then a director. I went to Film School at the School for Contemporary Arts to learn how to make movies. I picked up photography while in Film School to teach myself about composition and basically learn how cameras work (movie cameras and still cameras work on the exact same principles - aperture and shutter speed). I guess I fell in love with the more intimate nature of still photography. But I also try to incorporate the team mentality of film making into my shoots. It's not just about the photographer and model, it's about every member of the team coming together to tell a story.

Seems like a lot of people study film before becoming a photographer and I wish I had that chance too. Which photographer(s) influence your shooting style? What will you do if you need to find inspiration?
Nowadays, there are so many photographers that influence my shooting style. I think the days of the iconic photographers are fading and it is more and more about the image. With so many excellent photographers out there, every now and then, all the elements come together and something amazing happens. Certainly, there are the go-to's: Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Patrick Demarchelier. Locally, I also keep a close eye on Chris Nicholls and check Flare every month to see what he has done. Ishi too.

I am with you on Steven Meisel and Nick Knight. Their recent works have totally blown my mind. Out of all the shoots, which one do you think was the most challenging one and why?
Every shoot presents its own challenges. That's the joy of this business. When I moved to Toronto last October, I foolishly thought that an outdoor beach shoot would be fine in Toronto in November. Let's just say, it wasn't. The models were literally being blown out of frame from the freezing wind. My assistant actually collapsed like Luke Skywalker in "The Empire Strikes Back" and had to be rushed off the scene. It was messy.

Ouch! I would never do that kind of shoot in November, haha. So other than fashion photography, do you like to take other kinds of photography? If so, what kind of photography do you like to take?
You know, I am constantly being told by the people around me that for a photographer, I don't take many pictures. To be honest, I'm not really a "reality" shooter. If I can't control it, I'm not really interested in shooting it. There are two types of photographers: Those who capture reality in an interesting way and those who create a reality and present it. I'm a creator. I make fiction.

I guess this has something to do with you studying film in the first place. Right now, there are so many people that want to be photographers, what kind of advice/tips can you give to them?
There is no shortcut to experience. Practice. Get good. That's what I'm trying to do. I am by no means where I want to be creatively or professionally. I still feel like I am improving with each shoot. I hope that feeling never ends.

A true artist will never satisfy with his/her works that's why this kind of people never rest in order to keep themselves on top of the business. Well, if you weren't a photographer, what would you be doing now? Would that job be related to fashion or arts?
I think I would be pursuing a career in movies, possibly music videos (if they continue to exist on any kind of professional level). I love fashion. I love beauty. And I love images, still or moving (although I prefer the meditative aspects of still).

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It is now time to get to know Mike on a more personal level. It is funny how few questions somehow just lead back to photography. Now I do believe Mike will never want to get photography out of his mind.

Editorial or Catalogue Shoot?
Editorial for creativity, Catalog for money.

B&W or Color Photos?
Colour for the choices it offers and B&W for its simplicity. Depends on the day and the photo.

Indoor or Outdoor Shoot?
I like any location as long as it fits the theme and offers the space I need to shoot.

Gold or Silver?
Both. Depends on the shoot.

Converse or Nike?
Converse.

Prada or Burberry?
From a photography standpoint, they both have great advertising. I would happily work for either (or both!).

Bacon or Sausage?
Veggie sausage. Veggie bacon's not so great.

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee.

Lara Stone or Miranda Kerr?
Lara Stone.

Batman or Spiderman?
Batman.

Thank you so much to Mike for spending time answering these questions. I enjoy reading them a lot and I wish him all the best in the future. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us in the next editorial shoot. All photos are courtesy of Mike Lewis and if you want to see more of his works, you can visit his official site.