Louscious Feature - Interview with Photographer Michelle Lanchaster

Next in our series is the Queen of Bookcovers and Male Photography.

This Lady truly knows how to take sexy, creative and imaginative pictures.

She´s responsible for a lot of hot bookboyfriends 😋 - so let me introduce you to

Melbourne based Photographer - Michelle Lancaster

Instagram:

Photography: @lanefotograf Bookcovers: @coverqueen_of_hearts

Website: michellelancaster.com

Tell me a bit about yourself. Where are you from?

I'm Australian, born in freezing cold Melbourne. I grew up an only child with lots of time on my hands to create and imagine. Thought I'd be a singer.

How long are you in the photography business?

I've jumped in and out of photography over the last decade.
I've been full time for the last couple of years now.

How did your career start?

When I finished high school, I tried to study computer programming, which bored me to tears (I was one of two girls in the whole class).
Consequently, I spent more time in the recreation area playing pool/billiards. Eventually, I dropped out and began to study graphic design.
I found myself working for a music band and shooting gigs around Australia with imagery for Rock mags and Posters etc.
I didn't know what I was doing, but it was fun.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by many things, sometimes its just the way light falls on a wall. I like models who are interesting from the core,
it's not only surface beauty that makes me want to photograph someone. It's their energy and way of being.
I like to shoot someone brave and creative who isn't afraid to try new things and is open to suggestions.
Models who can act or dance are great at emoting. Conversations inspire me throughout a shoot. Sometimes pain inspires me.
One of my best shots was when I was in utter despair. It's an outlet and an addiction for me.

How would you describe your photography style?

I'm very mood-driven. I want to feel like I can capture a feeling and freeze a moment in time that people can visit
whenever they look at my work. I want people to ask questions in their mind when they view my work, what was going on at that time?
What's the story behind this image? Why is he or she sad, frustrated, laughing, sexual, moody. I want to capture real feelings.
Which is why fashion was never a strong point for me due to the trend in deadpan faces. It just wasn't me. I need to feel something.

What is the most challenging part of being a female photographer?

I don't think there is anything gender-specific that is challenging shooting from a woman's perspective.

What do you like most about being a photographer?

Everything!! It is my passion, my addiction, my escape. It takes me to a world where nothing else matters.
It's almost a healing meditation for me. I forget all problems and all fears when I shoot.

Pet Peeves.

My number one is a terrible fake tan. If it’s patchy, I know I’m just not going to want to retouch those shots after the shoot.
My second pet peeve is models that worry about looking too gay in a photo. I like models that will explore the creative process with me
and have faith that I know what I’m doing. And lastly... models that show up an hour late when I’ve booked two hours studio.
I sound like the grinch, but come onnnnn!!! Oh, I also don’t like huge beards unless they turn up on a Harley or carry presents in a red sack.

Can you describe that "moment" (experience, emotion) when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?

I think it was looking at imagery by other photographers that inspire me. Annie Leibovitz, Peter Lindbergh, Herb Ritts, Wong Sim.
I've always had an infatuation with Superman and Michelangelo's David. So roll that into a ball, and you get my work.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Old. haha… hopefully rich and living in a beach house with a studio to work from.

3 People you're dying to work with

Dying is the word. I would've have loved to have photographed Jeff Buckley, but unfortunately, he's dead.
I guess I'd like to shoot some actors. Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, and Ansel Elgort.

How important was social media for your career?

All of my work is through social media. Instagram gives me the ability to show the world what I do.

How do you combine being a mom and a photographer?

It's like living two lives. In one, I photograph men, and in the other, I'm wiping snotty noses.
Everything in life is about balance.

Any tips for aspiring photographers?

Try new things, be unafraid, learn from others, and don't give up.
Feed your mind with imagery from the greats.

You accidentally ate some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the Super-Power of your choice! What's it gonna be?

The power of persuasion

Name the top five things to take with you during a Zombie Outbreak.

My phone, a hot man, food, wet wipes, and a jet

What kind of music do you hear while editing pictures?

Every photo I take has a soundtrack.. that's why I usually post music with my Instagram story posts..
I always hear music when I look at images. The style always varies.

What kind of gear do you use?

Canon!

What's your favorite lens?

At the moment I'm using 28-70mm 2.8 canon lens.