Proenza Schouler Interview Terry Richardson
We met photographer Terry Richardson recently when we were on a photo shoot for ID magazine. Terry has always fascinated us because he seems to have a total disregard for any kind of formula. He does what he does, playing by his own rules. This kind of individualism is rare and wonderful to see. He is a true creator who has managed to document a record of our times in a truly honest way.
There used to be a hard line between the word of art photography and fashion photography. You seem to have disregarded this boundary. One day we’ll swing by PS1 and see a huge installation of your work, and the next day we’ll open French Vogue and see a story you have shot. Have these traditional boundaries ever meant anything to you?
Variety is the spice of life. I feel very fortunate to have so many creative outlets. It’s really great to shoot campaigns one day, work for magazines another, and have shows in galleries and produce books and direct videos and commercials as well. To me, everything is personal, because it’s my life. I think the art and fashion world blend together more and more everyday.
How would you compare the fashion folks and the art world?
In the beginning I just tried to get my work published in magazines, and I took pictures of my friends and the environment around me; to me, that was the logical way to start. Then one day I was offered a show at Alleged gallery and a book for Hysteric Glamour. All of a sudden new doors and possibilities were opened to me. Since then I have been exploring both worlds. Fashion folks and the art folks are very similar. There is an obsession with money and fame and a certain lifestyle people yearn for. The ideals are pretty much the same.
Some people out there might know that your father, Bob Richardson, was a brilliant and very influential photographer. Sometimes having a well known father might make one shun the limelight, or even reject their parent’s vocation. Is this something you ever did, or did you wholeheartedly embrace photography early on?
In the beginning my father helped me to get appointments with people in New York. We actually worked together for six months, as well. When I went out on my own and started going to London, no one there knew who my father was, so it made it much easier to be just myself and not have any connection with him.
What made you want to create images?
I’m not sure; I just became obsessed with creating images.
Your photographs sometimes seem to disregard what is traditionally considered “tasteful” to many. What is it about pushing the limit that is so fascinating to many of us?
In the world in which we live, in we are bombarded with images. To me, you want people to stop and look at your images, so you need to make them powerful. Maybe we are becoming numb, so we need stronger and stronger images to get us off. The bottom line is I want to create images that people remember.
What is the source of your work? Are there any artists who have or continue to be a source of inspiration to you, be it photography or not?
There really are too many inspirations to list. I could go on and on. I work on instinct and usually make things up as I go along.
Do you walk in to a job or a shoot with a plan, or do you play it by ear?
Aha, just as I was saying: Sometimes there is a layout and a concept that a client has drawn up, or a reference. But I find that my best images are spur of the moment, spontaneous and accidental. I have no interest in copying something that’s already been done. It’s really uncomfortable sometimes when people have all these references. The key is casting and then having all the other elements fall into place and just going for it. To create something which is emotional, the first rule is there are no rules. Shoot and ask questions later. I don’t rely on technique; I prefer mystique.
Finally, what is it about you that makes people so comfortable around you? Why does everyone get naked for you?
It’s a Jedi mind trick. If people feel comfortable and trust you, then they open up. Somehow I’m able to get people to open up and cut loose. I’m interested in total freedom. That’s what makes images of people exciting for me.
