“I used to have this awkward 2×2 meters room as a studio for portraits, then I realized the outside world is one huge studio too and never thought of shooting inside again.”

Canadian photographer Rupert LaMontagne attaches great importance to a natural approach and authenticity when it comes to his work. That is one of the reasons why we love so much what he does. Another one is that we never tire of looking at his images, that show this great ability to portait his models unaffected yet in the most stunning way one can imagine. We talked to Rupert about what he thinks about fashion photography, connecting to the model and about trusting your guts. And additional we serve you an exclusive series starring mesmerizing beauty Gillian shot in Los Angeles.

I already wrote a lot about your work. That you are capturing more than just pretty faces and that I always feel a very strong connection to each image and the person in it. What is it that you personally are trying to capture with your images?

The authenticity or the accuracy of the role played by my model in its context.

The world of fashion and lifestyle usually shows a sleek and perfect surface. But your images show something more profound. A sort of reflection of the outer and inner beauty and feeling of the model. Is this something you are doing on purpose or this just happens as it is your natural style?

My favorite pictures of any model I ever handpicked are the agency’s polaroids. I guess this says a lot about my natural approach and what I look for!

When I scroll on your page I see tons of comments of your fans who feel exactly the same as me when seeing your work. Are you touched by what people see in your work and when they give you compliments?

It means the entire world.

And what do you think about fashion photography in general?

It’s particularly boring. The only thing I like about fashion photography is that you can do whatever you want, still 99% of fashion photographers somehow manage to be boring. Tim Walker is the remaining 1%.

How do you work? Do you have a final picture in mind while shooting or you just go with the flow?

I spend a lot of time researching online so that 50% of me is ready, while the other half goes with the flow!

Is it important for you to have a good connection to the models?

It’s essential. I need to be able to tell the model what I really have in mind. I like to brief them before the shoots at my apartment with references and coffee.

When did you start taking pictures?

I grabbed my first camera when I started studying in Professional Photography in Montreal (got kicked out shortly after). But, I think I started about 4 years ago.

Oh really? Why did you get kicked out?

I was always late and didn’t care about shooting flowers for hours in the school’s studio. I’m surprised they almost kept me for 2 years haha.

What is one of your favorite images and why?

Right now? My cellphones background picture, because my mom’s in it. Major mommy’s boy right here.

I don’t really remember seeing any studio image from you. Is it anyhow something that you are doing as well?

I used to have this awkward 2×2 meters room as a studio for portraits, then I realized the outside world is one huge studio too and never thought of shooting inside again.

What about photographing males – ever thought about that?

There’s this one guy called Jordan Barrett based in NYC I think that I need to shoot! Maybe this summer!

What other photographers or artists inspire you?

I don’t really like any other photographers. Music and Cinema triggers most of my inspiration.

So your favorite movies and music?

Pretty much any movie directed by Ingmar Bergman, David Lynch or Wong Kar Wai. As for music, I like everything (from country music to black metal to any Mozart piano concerto) but so far today, Elvis Presley, Terry Stafford and Bobby Vinton are on repeat.

How important is Photoshop for your work?

I play with colours and remove pimples but I don’t like spending more than 20 minutes on a picture. It has to stay as it is, I’m not a painter.

Who would you love to have in front of your lens?

MMMM… Brooke Shields in her early 20s.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In Europe or South Africa doing the weird projects I keep locked in my head. Hopefully happy and satisfied!

Any advice you want to give to a fresh photographer?

Three advices: Trust your guts. 24/7 brainstorming. Embrace your obsessions. (oh and I hope you like ramens cause you’ll eat sh*tloads of them!)

instagram.com/rupertlamontagne

Gillian by Rupert Lamontagne x C-Heads