Photographer Ian Cole

One Nation Magazine catches up with contemporary fashion and pop photographer Ian Cole.

So tell us a bit about you?

I’m Ian Cole, Contemporary Fashion & Pop Photographer and Chief Photographer (UK) at metrovelvet.com.

How did you get into photography?

As a graphic designer I wanted specific stock images and had some crazy ideas, so I decided to shoot them myself, found I was pretty good at it and got hooked straight away.

Are you a self-taught photographer or did you have a mentor that showed you the ropes?

100% self-taught. Knowing the basic principles of design and an understanding of the importance of light really helped me though.

What sort of equipment and software do you use?

Nikon digital SLR cameras and Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator™. I prefer natural light, but to me a light source is a light source whether it be the sun or artificial. I have used the most basic of equipment and got great shots.

Who would you would most love to shoot?

Dead: Ghandi, Alive: Annie Leibovitz

What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?

Well firstly, I spend more time taking a smaller amount of good shots, as opposed to pointing the camera and shooting hundreds. I work on getting the lighting and exposure levels right, so less Photoshop™ work is needed. Photographers who shoot the same shot over and over and rely on post-edit to make the shot look good annoy me. I have more respect for photographers who shoot film, because they get everything right on the day. I endeavour to do this, but good, authentic post-processing is a VERY important part of my work.

Black and white or colour photography?

I LOVE and prefer black and white photography but my colour work keeps me interested.

Where is your favorite location to take pictures in your studio or location? How do you decide on locations & subjects?

Without doubt location shoots, they add character to shots. I have a process for shoots were I draw up a creative brief and consider a number of locations based on the concept/theme/wardrobe, etc.

Where is the most spectacular place you’ve ever been for a shoot?

(Laughs) I actually love shooting on location around London, the city is so full of energy, and it really powers me up. I have shot once in the Lake District as it has so much to offer, I look forward to doing so again. I am travelling to New York in February, so looking forward to shooting there.

What would you say to other enthusiast photographers out there who aspires to what you’ve achieved?

Be honest with yourself, work your ass off, shoot, shoot, then shoot some more, experiment, find flaws in your work and do your own thing. If you try to mimic another photographers’ styles, you will fall flat on your face.

Whom do you look up to in the photographic world?

Peter Lindberg, Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Webber and Mariano Vivanco.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Music Production/Songwriting

What is the ONE lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?

To make people wonder and drift away someplace else.

Your top 5 websites you think people should visit?

designscene.net – the coolest in everything from architecture to fashion

modelmayhem.com – a must have for new photographers and models looking to test

metrovelvet.com – run by the nicest people in the world

samscottschiavo.com – a site you can get lost in with amazing editorials

dazeddigital.com – a great read, always

How do people see your work and get in touch?

People tend to find my website, and email me direct. I am on a number of networking and social network sites, but my website gets by far the most traffic.

Visit iancole.viewbook.com

Image © and courtesy of Ian Cole

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