I have always been in awe of Nadav Kander. Repped by Bill Stockland at Stockland-Martel, Kander was always a name that crept-up when you wanted to take a subject everyone was familiar with and make an unexpected picture: “If I see another picture of Tom Cruise with tousled hair, white shirt and a megawatt grin I will stab my eyes out with a pica pole, effing hell, someone call Kandar”—if you actually got Nadav past the publicist of an A-List celebrity I would give you gold in the Photo Editor Olympics.
It all started for me with the book entitled, Beauty’s Nothing (read about it here) where his photographic style was so distinct and arresting I figured I had to try and land him for an assignment. After the book he continued to surprise me with his creative directional use of gels (normally I can’t stand gels) and dark, moody, unsettled portraiture and landscapes for which he is now known.
After many attempts to try and land him I finally did to shoot an athlete portfolio in London that combined lots of creativity and plenty of room to run the results in the magazine. When the assignments unexpectedly turned into a cover and time with the subject plus space in the magazine suddenly shrunk I knew I had lost my opportunity and needed to change to a more conventional photographer. The last thing I wanted was a shoot with Nadav loaded with art direction intended to strip away his distinct style (“can you make it bright and tack sharp focus?”) and no pages to run any photos.
So, I walked away.
I don’t want to hire a great photographer and then hack the shit out of their work in the magazine… at least not on the first encounter.
11 Comments
He’s my favourite photog as I know I could never take photo’s like that. Inspirational.
A true artist and inspiration.
In another league.
As I have been lucky enough to assist him, besides being a great photographer, he is also a really nice person. It was so fun to watch him shoot. One of the best shoots, I have ever been on.
the best
One of my Art Director fantasises in wanting to use him for one of your mags! Hah!! I laugh at his naive enthusiasm in trying to hire a genius for a job that the pay we offer would be embarrassing to mention!
I am a fan also, and LOVE that shot of david lynch. I think a lot of photographers would try to overcomplicate it to make it more “lynchian”, but it’s pretty perf as is.
love him! he did an amazing shot of Kissinger for us when I was at Details.. AMAZING!
Has anyone got a copy of his book? interested in selling? I’ve been after a copy for a while but they’re hideously expensive! I WANT one! :-)
being in school still has perks
found a copy at the library
might be smart to keep it and pay the fine
i kid…i think
Dear all,
You may be interested in the event below!
PhotoVoice Lecture Series: Nadav Kander
In discussion with Joanna Pitman (The Times)
Nadav Kander will be in discussion with Joanna Pitman, giving his audience an insight into his inspirations and experiences, and showcasing his latest project: Yangtze, The Long River.
The lecture will be accompanied by an exhibition of photographs taken by grass roots photographers trained by Photovoice, and all the proceeds from the Lecture Series will go towards PhotoVoice’s groundbreaking work.
Tickets: £10 in advance / £15 on the door
To book: Visit http://www.photovoice.org or call 020 7033 3878
7pm, Tuesday 18th November 2008
Royal Geographical Society
1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR (Exhibition Road Entrance)
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