UNDERWATER FASHION
Interview with Ric Frazier
by Michelle Ryther
www.frazierproductions.com
ric@frazierproductions.com
Michelle Ryther: First, we appreciate your participation and support of Samy's Camera.
Ric Frazier: Thanks. I appreciate you giving me the interview. I always remember how much fun I had going into the Samy's in Santa Barbara while at Brooks, with all the possibilities of new equipment and new mediums to help me create something original and exciting. I remember how helpful and friendly Richard and Linda were. I think of Samy's as a key foundation to my career.
MR: Let's start by asking you to tell us a little about yourself and your work.
RF: I knew I wanted to be an advertising photographer, but never found the speciality that really did something to my creative side. Until, I started shooting underwater photography while at Brooks Institute of Photography and loved it. I found myself being passionate about my work beyond my love of photography and couldn't wait until the next shoot or chance to be underwater. I truly love what I do and feel grateful I'm able to do it as a living. I grew up on the Texas Gulf coast and was always drawn to the ocean as a kid always playing in the surf at Surf side. Now that I look back I'm not surprised I do what I do.
MR: What were a couple of your favorite shoots and why?
RF: One of my favorite shoots was when I photographed World Record Holder swimmer, Michael Phelps, for ESPN magazine. I have to admit I was a bit star struck... As an athletic person myself, I have a huge respect for the incredible natural ability and discipline it takes to be someone of his caliber in his sport. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity and have some beautiful shots.
My parents own a women's clothing store, so there was always a new fashion magazine, such as Vogue or Elle, coming in the mail. I enjoy shooting underwater fashion photography, which is why another favorite shoot was a shot for the Village of Bal Harbour. The shot was a concept driven fashion shoot of a model in a long flowing yellow dress with schools of fish surrounding her. "Element of Style" was Propeller advertising agency's, based in Miami, concepts for the shot. They found some of my work on the web and comp the image for their client.
MR: What photography gear do you use and why? Do you use different products for different jobs?
RF: For the past 10 years I have used an old Hasselblad Housing made in the 70s by Hugyfot for the Hasselblad SWC. I love the look of a medium format transparency on a light box of an underwater image. Since the housing doesn't have a view finder or any way to see the subject I have to pretty much just point the camera at the subject and shot. I visualize exactly what the camera is seeing in my mind. I feel this has helped define my shooting style. Since the age of 7 I've always been computer savvy so at Brooks we always had access to the ealier digital cameras, such as Mega Visions and the earlier Kodak SLR's. I've always had a hand in the digital realm but have felt the end quality didn't stand up to film until recently. So, the past year I recently added a digital underwater housing, Subal Dual 1D housing, for the Canon 1DS MarkII to my equipment list. I enjoy the instant gratification of shooting digital and the peace of mind knowing I have the shot in the can.
MR: Do you think of yourself as a techie type when it comes to lighting and photography?
RF: Yes, I believe you have to be a techie type to be an underwater photographer, but I always keep in mind that all the equipment and lighting are just tools to help create your concept.
MR: Do you use any special equipment, lighting or software?
RF: Everything I shoot underwater I think of it first as... "how would I shoot this in studio or on location?" Basic studio lighting and an equal amount of underwater lights, equipment, and technique.
MR: Do you have any advice or special tips for someone trying to decide what type of equipment to start out with, grow with?
RF: Start simple and build on what you know. Some of my best shots are the most simple to shot but had a great concept driving it.
MR: What other interesting projects are you working on?
RF: I've started directing commercials and I'm building a Directing reel with the Group 101 spots. Also, I recently shot the interstitial footage for the MTV Video Music Awards for 13 awards presented.
