The Regulars: An Interview with Richard DuboisPhotographer: Richard DuboisType of Photos Taken:

The Regulars: An Interview with Richard Dubois

Photographer: Richard Dubois

Type of Photos Taken: Fashion + Beauty editorial and advertising

Website: www.duboisphotography.com

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’ve been a full-time commercial fashion photographer for over a decade.  I make Toronto my home base, but I occasionally travel to other Canadian cities and other countries for work.  Photography is also my hobby, although since I enjoy the kind of shooting I do for clients so much, the line between professional and personal work is fairly blurred.

What is your philosophy regarding photo taking? Any personal rules you stick to?

My number one rule with photography is to treat every shoot as the most important shoot you’ll do.  If I take on a project and don’t do it as well as I can, or decide to “blow it off” because I’m not feeling invested in it, I had no business taking on that project in the first place. 

Tell us about a photographic challenge you overcame?

Because of the commercial nature of my job, I’ve witness just about every complication I can think of, from crazy weather to sick colleagues to shooting at all hours of the day.  I once had a magazine shoot on the top of 1 King West during a tornado warning here in Toronto, where the weather went from blistering hot to freezing cold with hail in just a few hours.  Our light stands were in danger of blowing off the building, but we did get the shoot done.

What is one thing you could not go into a shoot without?

The single greatest asset I’ve ever had on a shoot is a great team.  My work is very collaborative, and the makeup and hair artists, the wardrobe stylists, the editors and art directors, and all the assistants make me look very good.  My best shoots are when there is a lot of synergy in the room.

What gear do you prefer to shoot with?

I’ve shot with both Nikon and Canon, and I use Elinchrom lights and light modifiers at the studio.  I much prefer fast fixed focal length lenses over zoom lenses, usually a 35, 50 and 85.  I also use a tripod often, which allows me to compose a shot more carefully when needed.

When did you first come to Downtown Camera?

I bought my first roll of film at Downtown Camera in 1998, and I’ve been going there ever since.  Other than my first ever 35mm SLR I bought used, I think I’ve purchased every camera I’ve ever owned there, and more accessories than I can remember.  I’ve met dozen of staff at Downtown Camera over the years, and I’ve always enjoyed chatting with all of them.  There’s a reason I keep going back.

Any advice to fresh photographers?

The only advise I would give to new photographers isn’t terribly insightful, but I think it’s very important:  Have fun.  I began my career with film and happily transitioned to digital, and I really like how more people are enjoying photography because of its greater accessibility — it’s great to see so many people posting their work online.  As far as I’m concerned, the more photographers, the better.