solz-features

Shaun Tiangsing: Un-retouched Proof

James Carrick

San Francisco, November 2011  --  By Brad Carrick

 

Having worked with Shaun on several fashion events, I had a sense of what to expect in our recent shoot for SOLZ.  Whether at San Francisco Fashion Week 2011, The 2011 SF Fashion Awards or the countless SFFAMA panels and events we have done, the experience is somewhat the same.  Shaun shows up with equipment.  He does not rely on available light, choosing to help create the perfect environment.  Yet once the shot begins, he basically moves into the background, allowing the emotion to unfold naturally.  Maybe it’s his experience working with runway models where direction is not possible, or maybe he just trusts himself to catch real moments.  Only once in a while will Shaun poke his head out from behind the camera to make a suggestion.  Perhaps just “how about an epic shot facing the sun?”, “how about a happy one?”, or more often than not  … “I think we’re all good for this.”  The most consistent thing about working with Shaun, however, is the result.  He works fast, and you can expect to receive a folder of selected photos, enough to give you a fair amount choice but still be manageable.  Don’t expect the choice to be easy though, because they are probably all fantastic.  After our shoot, we had a chance to sit down so that I could get a better idea of what makes Shaun Tiangsing … click.


SOLZ: Nature vs Nurture.  How much of photography is talent and how much is learned?  For the "learned" part did you study photography in school?  

Shaun:  Wow. Starting off with the touqh questions first I see. Talent is more important by far. Anybody can learn all the technical stuff but you can't be taught your vision and ideas. I hate to say this because I meet so many photographers going to school for photography - but you do not need to.  I do understand, though, that everybody is different and some people really need a school environment to learn and benefit. I learned the technical stuff through books and online videos.  I often browse through magazines for the ads as well, but I've learned the most just by shooting.  Shoot, go home and look at the pics, analyze what I like and don't like, go out and shoot again.   



SOLZ: Did you always know you wanted to do fashion photography?

Shaun:  No. Oddly enough, it just kind of found me.  Before this I was taking pictures of my dog.  



SOLZ:  How does your background contribute to your concept of fashion?

Shaun:  I have no background in fashion. I often wonder to myself what am I doing here but somehow I fit in.  My wish for designers is to always try to take it to the next level.  Be a leader and innovate!



SOLZ:  How does your background contribute to your concept of fashion?

Shaun:  I have no background in fashion. I often wonder to myself what am I doing here but somehow I fit in.  My wish for designers is to always try to take it to the next level.  Be a leader and innovate!




SOLZ:  How would you describe your particular photographic style - and why?  Would you say you have a "philosophy" about photography?

Shaun:  Always evolving.  My philosophy on photography is very simple, I just want to take pictures of cool shit.  :)

SOLZ:  What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to get involved in the fashion industry - and photography in particular?

Shaun:  Get in it for the right reasons.  I see so many photographers that are basically creepers.  I get upset about the bullshit because it makes us all look bad.  Also don't be disillusioned.  The fashion industry is not glamorous at all. 



SOLZ:  Are there particular challenges involved in shooting certain types of subject matter, like, oh, say ... shoes?  

Shoes are actually the trickiest things for me to shoot.  Most fashion designers want the focus to only be the clothing - but when I shoot I'm more concerned about the overall look.  Shoes are the trickiest because they are the furthest away from the face and it's just human nature to go to if there is a face in the shot.  You really have to try to make the shoes stand out.



SOLZ:  Well we think you are pulling it off.  You have now worked with SOLZ at several recent fashion shows.  Why do you think SOLZ roll-up flats are a good fit for fashion shows and the fashion community in general?

Shaun:  At the end of shows, I always see models walking around barefoot.  Why?  Obviously their shoes were killing them!!  SOLZ would be the perfect solution for them as they combine comfort with convenience, which is hugely important in this crazy industry.  In fact, can you please get these girls some SOLZ shoes, its such a turn-off to look at beautiful people with dirty-ass bare feet, ha! 



SOLZ:  A genie comes out of a lamp and grants you your ideal photo shoot - describe it to us.

Shaun:  This will never happen because I'd have to have one hell of an insurance policy but I'd love to have a model jumping out of something exploding.  Can you imagine a model jumping out of a window, glass flying everywhere, and fire right behind her?  I think I just want a badass shot you would see in an action movie.



SOLZ:  What is next for Shaun Tiangsing?  

Shaun:  Honestly, I have no clue.  I don't really plan shit.  I figure I've gotten this far and why fix what's not broken?

SOLZ:  Can't argue with that.  Thanks!

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