Being a photographer to the artists is no easy job. All that glam people make it out to be is truly found wanting.
It’s all about communication and connection, patience and empathy as each artist deals with jet lag, set lists, sound checks and the business end of things. And let’s not forget hunger after a long flight. Breaking that ice is almost second nature to Melbourne-based photographer, Renée Stamatis. For a few years now, she has been privy to the personal lives of touring international musicians and homegrown Australian artists.
Renée Stamatis x Flying Lotus
Slowly building up the attention around her commercial and creative work, Renée was commissioned by Melbourne’s iconic 24-hour bar, Revolver, to create a 3.4m x 3.8m piece for their wall for the month of April.
“A lot of my work explores themes of identity – and I’m equally fascinated by those which are true and those we construct, masks we use to conceal and reveal ourselves,” said Renée in an email interview with Contented.
“I wanted to create something which would work in the venue during the daytime and early evening, but something that will also shine in the dirty depths of the late night 24-hr party period. Something beautiful, yet creepy, that could be interpreted by a sea of people no matter what state of consciousness they were in while standing before her.”
Renée has since sold two framed pieces of this work printed on archival photographic paper at 30 x 33 inches.
In the second of our ongoing feature of Renée Stamatis’ artist portraits, we showcase the story behind her candid, natural and raw photograph of French hip-hop producer Arnaud Bernard, aka, Onra.
What was going on in this very moment between you and Onra?
I had just introduced myself to Arnoud and told him I was there to take his portrait. He was apologising for looking scruffy and tired, and ran his fingers through his hair (I on the other hand was trying not to blush at how incredibly BEAUTIFUL this man was!). He asked me where I wanted him and sat down. He was incredibly polite, holding conversation despite being so tired and jet lagged.
What was he doing there?
He just arrived in Melbourne and had come straight to the venue for soundcheck before heading to the hotel for some pre-gig rest.
What did you guys talk about?
We talked about family mostly, and also travel – the pro’s and con’s of being away so often. And we spoke about food!
Was the barrier easy to break down with your subject?
This was the first time I’d met him, and it was a little difficult in that I knew he was SO TIRED and here I was, a stranger, asking him to sit for me. One of those moments when I knew all he really wanted to do was eat and sleep, but he was lovely in allowing me the time I needed, and didn’t rush me at all.
Why this photo out of all the rest?
Light and shadow for sure! I have learned to not panic when the surroundings aren’t perfect technically for a good shot. You just have to make the best of what you have to work with. When I shot this portrait I didn’t have my lighting equipment with me, just my camera and a 50mm lens. I really love that only a small slice of him is exposed in a mass of darkness – I think it was perfect considering we’d just met and scratched the surface of each others’ personalities.
