Dixie is known for Dixon, international fashion, lifestyle and advertising photographers, glamorous images that she makes for elite brands such as Disney, Virgin and. People magazine. She answered our ten questions, told us what she cannot do without gear, inspires her, and why Vaseline is indispensable.
What are the care items in your bag?
Mostly Nikon Z8, Z9And Zf Camera. I have been shooting their cameras and lenses since the age of 12, so I think you can say that I am a Nikon girl who is my whole career and now I am grateful to be Nikon Ambassador. Love you Nikkor 85 mm f/1.2 lens-The Portrait lens is ever amazing! Other lenses should be: Nikkor 35 mm f/1.2 For broad fashion shots, 105 mm macro f/2.8 For beauty and jewelry, Nikkor 50 mm f/1.8-I is primarily a prime lens shooter for the cinematic look. But i always take Nikkor 14-24 mm And this Manfreet 410 Giared PAN Tilt Head, who is great for shooting architecture. And some random that I keep in my bag: Advil (will keep those headaches away during the 14-hour shooting), additional battery, Profoto Remots And B1x lights For shooting location (which I do a ton) Tiffen star filter For creative effects, and Sandisk memory card,
A battery-powered leaf uses perfect hair fans for the blower-on-location shoot-and a silver insulation board from the hardware store-makes this correct reflector.
What will be surprised to other photographers in your bag?
Vaseline, I use it to meet a creative effect-a film like a film with blurred edges. I use it on an old filter or glass piece in front of my lens as it will not clearly come later. Although it is quite fun!
When do you shoot in an automatic mode, and which mode?
I always shoot too much in manual mode, but every time I will throw it into an aperture priority if I am taking pictures of an event or some fast-moving. I am like a control freak, so manual gives me the ability to dial to everything. I use autofocus most of the time on Z9 and Z8, and it works incredibly well to achieve crazy sharp images outside the camera. Or, if I am shooting the jewelry, I will switch it to the pinpoint focus.
What technique do you use the most?
I shoot through moments to catch natural-spirit, unplanned shots, so even though we are done with a look, I will continue shooting when they relax because sometimes where the best, most authentic images are created. I can burn some additional digital files in this process, but it is worth it. Also, when your subject clicks on your camera and your good response, it creates their confidence as your shoot!
If you were starting, what will you do differently? Or what would you advise a photographer?
I would say that the most important aspect of starting as a photographer is to get out of the classroom and go out in the field to shoot all the time and help other photographers. Go and make the kind of work for which you will dream of being hired! You essentially shoot and show the type of work you like to shoot, so people will start hiring/paying you to shoot. You may have to build your portfolio shooting for free at first, and then when people ask you to shoot, you start charging. You have to do personal work throughout your career because you develop to keep your work fresh! This is a cycle that never ends.
What art books should every photographer have?
I am a great fan of coffee table books, and I have a huge collection! Recently, I am in love with Richard Avedon Books -Christian Shular, Annie Libowitz and Joe McConley to give some name! In addition, I think not only a book super assistants for photographers but entrepreneurs are called books. how to Win Friends and Influence People By Dell Carnegie, because it teaches how to work effectively with people.
Do you have a ritual? Superstition?
I do actually! I will always have to wear a hat for all my shoots, and it has become a kind of ritual. I really feel more creative when I have my photographer hat, as it may seem. This is essentially my work uniform, and I started wearing a hat at the beginning of my career.
Where do you find inspiration for an image?
I get inspiration everywhere, but especially in travel. I think that immersing yourself in other cultures and scenes can create your boundaries constructively forward. I travel as many times as possible and shoot everywhere even after client gigs. In addition, I keep a bond of images that I find in magazines that I love and hold on hand when I need to come up with concepts. It helps me find pose, lighting inspiration, etc., I have also started using AI for concept ideas, and it is very surprising to use it for pre-pluns complex shots. Inspiration is everywhere; All you have to do is tune in it.
Do you work with a team? If yes, how did you get team members? How did you know that they were right for the team? How would you advise someone about making your team?
Over the years, I have created a solid team and am very grateful to them, because we work like a well-oil machine on the set-we almost don’t have to speak, and things happen because we are in the sink. I work with my lighting tech, Eric, which is incredible about every shoot, as well as my amazing manufacturer, nancy, who all shoots and keeps me organized – a lot of needs! It took me a long time to find my team, but I will work with those who eventually make you better, more creative, and push you! Work with those who creately inspire you and with whom you are on the same page – positive people! When you find those people, work with them as much as possible. As far as sourcing of a team is concerned, most of the production will be a good list of assistants and crews in homes or gear rental places and can usually recommend the best people in the region. I will start from there.
When you look at the earlier work, what are your thoughts?
I sometimes laugh at my early work, as I can see where I was learning Photoshop and things are over-remed or creative vision was a bit slipped, but I could see that I was trying to go with it. It is fun to see development over time. The best goal for you can be for you, to make sure that you are better than tomorrow – always to learn.
Bio :: Dixie Dixon is an international fashion, lifestyle and commercial advertising photographer and film director located outside the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. She travels around the world, works with brands from Disney to Virgin People The magazine, and spent bringing creative scenes for life for brands, advertising agencies, fashion and commercial customers in the last decade. As a Nikon Ambassador to the United States, he brings a wild positive energy to set that creates a kind of experience for its customers. The style of Dixie symbolizes an idealistic approach to photography and speed work, which works with a touch of intimate realism. As a full-service production company, his team and he regularly makes the latest expedition for lifestyle brands, beauty companies and high fashion advertising campaigns. “I was excited to learn quite early in my life that if, as Confucius said, you choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Top ten There is a recurring feature in which we give remarkable photographers a list of questions from which they select their favorite 10 to answer. Answer can be edited for length and clarity.
All photos used with permission Dixie Dixon.
