A photo team based in Los Angeles, Gaelle Morand and Chris Zwirner have been working together since 2003. They combined their mutual love of fashion photography as well as their unique talents, to create visually stunning images. Both have a long history rooted in the Film Industry, which provide them with a unique versatility.
Shannon: How did the two of you cross paths?
Morand & Zwirner: Gaelle and myself are neighbors. I think our paths crossed initially in the laundry room. We both were working in the film business, she doing CGI work as a “Look Development Artist”, me as a “Gaffer.” It led to discussions about lighting and photography. Gaelle was actively doing shoots where I, had taken a long hiatus from picture taking. I began to pitch in on some of her shoots to help with the lighting. Through that, I was inspired to pick the camera back up. We began to organize shoots together in the hope of building individual portfolios. It became clear that we complimented each other well. The deficiency of one was compensated by the other. Instead of trying to do it alone, we decided it made more sense to work as a team. Plus, we like to work together so why not?
Shannon: With backgrounds in the film industry, what inspired you to choose photography over film as your career path?
Morand & Zwirner: Creative control, the desire to nurture your own vision, and see it to completion. Both of our jobs required us to utilize our creativity, just not to its highest potential and in a very limited scope. The final “look” of the projects we were involved in was always at the discretion of others and at times, we had no control over what projects we were working on. It became a “job” and although we were both well paid at what we did, something was missing. Plus, the hours we were both keeping in the film industry began to affect our quality of life.
Shannon: Do you have a mentor or another photographer you admire? What are the qualities about this person that help you learn and grow in your craft?
Morand & Zwirner: We respect the work of many photographers. Each seems to have something particular that resonates with us. Be it Nigel Parry’s portraiture work, Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott’s or Gray Scott’s fashion spreads. I am a big fan of Gregory Crewdson, his lighting is amazing!
Shannon: What is your signature style of photography?
Morand & Zwirner: A cinematic look is what we think would best describe it. Dynamic lighting, bold use of colors, the ability to be versatile. We are drawn to many “looks” or “styles,” I believe the specifics of the shoot will dictate the style. It is up to us to be versatile and able to capitalize on it.
Shannon: Where do you look to for ideas and inspiration for a shoot?
Morand & Zwirner: The ideas seem to come from nowhere, I get some of my best ideas while I am in the shower. Why? Who knows? Otherwise we are always looking at other peoples work, or shoots from the past. Taking bits and pieces and trying to fit all the things we like together.
Shannon: What is the most important part of a successful shoot?
Morand & Zwirner: The most important part is a clear vision of what it is you are there to capture. Surrounding yourself with a talented and enthusiastic crew is very important, as well. Combine that with a positive “can do” energy, and you have a good recipe for success.
Shannon: How do music and photography compliment each other?
Morand & Zwirner: Sound and Vision, they are the two sisters of inspiration. Music can be the catalyst for a particular mood or feeling. That, through osmosis, is carried over visually in our photos. It is always important to have something playing when we shoot, it usually will reflect the vibe of what it is we are doing visually. I always was taken with a Russian abstract painter named Vassily Kandinsky, he created paintings that were supposed to visually represent what music “looked” like. That idea always stuck with me and I believe it shows up, less abstractly, in a lot of our work.
Shannon: If you had to choose one over the other, which do you prefer: images in color or black and white? Why?
Morand & Zwirner: There is no choice between the two. It comes down to what makes the proper visual impact. We have always been fond of B&W portraits, mostly because they feels timeless, but if shooting the same subject in color better captures what we are going for, then it is an easy decision. The subject and situation will determine whether it is color or B&W. We seem to be able to move between the two pretty effortlessly.
Shannon: Where do you want your photography to take you? (Ie. Is there a particular magazine, fashion brand, etc. that you want to shoot for?)
Morand & Zwirner: It would be amazing to have our work being published in “W,” “Italian Vogue,” and other European magazines. In Europe they seem to be willing to blur the line between art and fashion photography. They allow fashion photography to be elevated to the level of art. It would be wonderful to travel and have the opportunity to shoot clothing that in itself is a work of art. It is inspiring!
To see Morand & Zwirner's portfolio and contact information, please visit their website: www.morandzwirner.com