FASHION BLOG
5 Minutes with Karen Roze 27/01/2012
Karen Roze is one of those
girls you know has a talent from the minute you meet her. Babe-ness
aside (her long hair reaching far past her perpetually-booty-shaking
hip), this stunner creates images that are both thought provoking and
downright beautiful. Take fashion photography, mix in some ethereal
artfulness, movement, dramatic emotion, sweet ass style, a pile of
talent and you have this gal. With a resume boasting collaborations
such as Fashion Magazine x Calvin Klein Beauty, Fashionisto, Schon
Magazine and beloved local Chloe Comme Paris, Karen Roze is a force to
be reckoned with.
CW: What defines your aesthetic?
KR: My aesthetic is often defined as having an undertone of ethereality juxtaposed with a sense of darkness.
CW: What do you think it takes to produce an interesting photograph? Is
there a magic mixture?
KR: Oftentimes, photos that you initially think are mistakes turn out to be the best images! I think that the ability to perfect capturing a unique “decisive moment” is a key element to producing a great photograph. The “magic mixture” is simply a team of makeup/hair artists, stylists and models, who are all on the same page and haven’t lost their passion for creating beautiful imagery.
CW: What defines your aesthetic?
KR: My aesthetic is often defined as having an undertone of ethereality juxtaposed with a sense of darkness.
CW: What do you think it takes to produce an interesting photograph? Is
there a magic mixture?
KR: Oftentimes, photos that you initially think are mistakes turn out to be the best images! I think that the ability to perfect capturing a unique “decisive moment” is a key element to producing a great photograph. The “magic mixture” is simply a team of makeup/hair artists, stylists and models, who are all on the same page and haven’t lost their passion for creating beautiful imagery.
CW: What has your favourite experience been as a photographer?
KR: One of my favourite experiences as a photographer is not having the restrictive confines of a typical 9-5, as well as having the freedom to divide my time between Toronto and Paris.
CW: If you could shoot anyone in the world and in any setting, who would it be and where?
KR: If I could shoot anyone anywhere in the world it would be a mermaid underwater ;)
CW: Who and what influences your style? Does anything or anyone in particular inspire you?
KR: My inspiration for a shoot often starts with coming across a specific location that then spawns a web of ideas. When it comes to being inspired, the organic process of internalizing all sensory experiences, whether it’s a particular scent, dream, song, etc… are what gets my wheels turning. During my days off, I spend a lot of time watching films and accumulating video clips, songs and images of all sorts, which I’m sure subconsciously influences my style. (These can be seen on my blog: archival.tumblr.com)
CW: What has your favourite or most memorable experience been as a photographer? Have you worked with anyone truly awesome?
KR: One of my most memorable experiences was shooting the Creep Clothing F/W 2010 Lookbook. The client rented out a grand neo-Gothic church for the day and we had full access to the altar, pews, etc. It felt quite intimidating and creepy to be in there in that context. Assisting for the photographer Ishi, in Paris, was very inspiring. It was great to hear insights on the industry from someone who is not only young but has been working successfully for years and remains humble and unjaded.
CW: How do you feel your work is situated within the Canadian context?
KR: In Canada, I’ve often heard of my work as being “too creative”, making it difficult to find a comfortable place in the seemingly conservative Toronto scene.
CW: Theme song ?
KR:“Human Nature” by Madonna and the chorus of “Hustlin” by Rick Ross
See more of Karen's work here:
Website: www.karenroze.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/karenroze
Tumblr: http://archival.tumblr.com
-- Chloe Wise
Artist Photo by: Jessica Milan
Artist Photo by: Jessica Milan
