Anders Brogaard is a man of many talents, showcasing his works via photography and film; he effortlessly captures his subjects in his trademark glamorous style. Whether shooting fashion or portraits, the London based photographer’s glossy look shines through and now with a few years in the industry, Brogaard counts the likes of Vogue and Gucci as past clients. In these new images, Brogaard presents the ‘Quantum of Solace’ actress, Olga Kurylenko, in a series of intriguing photographs with a distinct vibe of old school glamour. We talk to the international photographer about growing up in Denmark, working with Olga Kurylenko and where to eat, play and stay in London, L.A. and Barcelona.
Photographer & creative director / Anders Brogaard
Maillon Panthère Earrings / Cartier, Jules Audemars Watch / Audemars Piguet, Dress / Bottega Veneta
You were born in a small town in Northern Denmark. How do you think your childhood has influenced your work?
Coming from a very small town does have its benefits I think, you are not so hyped with what’s cool and not, so later it’s hard to be impressed by the latest must have trends and it kind of cools your head a bit.
You’ve lived in LA, Barcelona and now London. Have you found that there were general photographic styles that were relative or associated with the different cities?
LA is very much a beach and glamour style city and the London fashion crowd would say its commercial, I find it very inspirational, but not necessarily my style. Barcelona has a big art scene, a bit like a sunny version of Berlin. It’s very inspirational. London is and will probably always be very special to me; it has an intense underground fashion scene and also a very high-end luxury fashion world that shaped me in many ways. Some of the best photographers in the world are based in London, so a lot to live up to.
Do you find that your work is influenced by your surroundings at all?
We all are, either we want it or not. Sometimes you see designers or photographers coming up with almost identical looks a week or two apart. It’s simply because we look at the world and get inspiration from what is going on in it. For me nature is one of the greatest influences, maybe not directly as inspiration, but I need nature to keep my mood and spirit up.
Photographer & creative director / Anders Brogaard
Arpeggio Earrings / De Beers, 5 Line Ring / De Beers, Dress / Chanel
You specialise in fashion, beauty and portrait – do you have a preference and if so, why?
Well to be honest, it’s just some words put on my biography for clients to have an idea of what I do. I don’t see myself as limited to any categories as long as I enjoy doing it. I find it very hard to shoot anything I don’t connect to or enjoy. Moving or still images or being in front of a TV camera, I don’t label myself so much anymore, I just want my clients and the people watching to enjoy and feel happy.
What was it like working with Olga Kurylenko for these images?
Olga is an amazing actress and such a warm fun person. When she entered The Langham Hotel in London, where we were shooting, she just had such a great energy and we connected instantly. Giving her a role to play was easy, she delivered so much and we had great fun shooting. We shot with film light from Filmplus, to make her feel more at home as an actress. I would love to work with Olga again soon, so I hope my agent Michael at One Mega Management reads this and get it set up.
In what ways do photography and films differ in terms of what you are able to communicate to your audience
With movies you can tell a longer story, with photography you have to be very direct and simplify your message. However the moving image is brief unless you replay over and over, the photography you can look at and analyse for as long as you want. Its two very different and yet somehow similar worlds, I love to bring the cinematography feel to my still work.
Photographer & creative director / Anders Brogaard
Arpeggio Earrings / De Beers, 5 Line Ring / De Beers, Dress / Chanel
You’ve already accomplished so much. Could you please tell us of your future plans and what you would like to achieve next?
I just finished shooting ‘The Complete Package’ for ITV, working with Cesar Perin and Gavin Myall from Unsigned Management. That was an amazing experience and we are working on new projects together. I also just shot and judged Holland’s Next Top Model and it’s very inspirational to work with such big crews and complex productions as it develops myself as a creative director, which I hope comes to good use on a fashion movie that is on the drawing board right now. I would like to shoot for Gucci at some point, so I’m working towards that. I was so privileged to shoot Chinese actress Li Bingbing at the Gucci watches headquarters and it was such a great experience. I have a note beside my bed [saying] ¨Send print to Gucci watches head of marketing¨. I didn’t send the print yet, I like having the note there a bit longer. If I could get Bianca Balti or Helena Christensen for a shoot within the next few months, I would be very happy.
If I was to pay a visit to Barcelona, L.A. and London, where would you tell me to eat, stay and play?
Barcelona’s W hotel is amazing, right on the beach and great standard. From there you can go to the beach clubs on Barcelonetta beach. In LA Chateu Marmont is a complete package for staying, eating and playing. Or you can eat at Providence and have drinks at Soho House. London’s best night club is The Cuckoo Club, amazing cocktails and great crowd, I can’t tell how many fun nights I’ve had there.
Last but not least, what do you do to relax and re-energise?
Gym and healthy food and good red wine, great movies, documentaries and good books is always a good way of unwinding.
Photographer & creative director / Anders Brogaard
Lea Earrings / De Beers, Dress / Fendi
Photographers agent / One Mega Management @ www.onemegamanagement.com
Photographer & creative director / Anders Brogaard at One Mega Management.
Stylist / Nicola Kavanagh.
Make-up artist / Kenny Campbell at Premier using Chanel.
Hair stylist / Christian Wood at Premier using Bumble and Bumble.
Photography assistants / Alexander Meininger & Rob Walker.
Fashion assistant / Giulia Santocono.
Film light production / Filmplus.
Color grading / Darkroom digital.
Location / The infinity suite, The Langham London.
Special thanks to Neil Soni at LoftStudios.
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Contact: info@onemegamanagement.com
Interview / Nicole Leybourne
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