Q&A Stefan Gosatti | Photographer
We introduced you to Perth-based photographer Stefan Gosatti’s coverage as Getty Images contributing photographer at recent RAFW 2010 and he is back as guest blogger during June. Stop by, say hi and enjoy some more examples from his vast portfolio.
Name: Stefan Gosatti Nick name: None that I can share.
Profession: Photographer, Getty Images contributing photographer
Location: Perth, Australia
Passion: This is going to sound corny… but photography truly is my passion.
I get my inspirations from:
Imagery… all things visual. From magazines, books, TV, movies & art. When I see certain imagery, I get this overwhelming urge to create.
How I got my break:
Like most things in life, it’s not what you know but who you know! My break came through knowing a magazine editor who was about to launch a new magazine, Box Magazine. I hadn’t done very much commercial work before that connection, but shooting and networking within their circle got me access to people I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Work opportunities started to flow from there and then I started working fulltime as a photographer and haven’t looked back since.
My top tricks of the trade:
Being a good communicator. The ability to communicate with both clients and subjects is critical. With clients, you have to be able to discuss the job both creatively and in a business sense to instil confidence and trust for them to hire you. And with your subjects (the people you’re shooting), communication is the most important tool you have to help create great images.
My style in a sentence: Oh sheezzz… I don’t know. ‘Relaxed… very relaxed!’
Bet you didn’t know I can: Ride 70km in two hours, before breakfast.
My latest project is about:
I’ve been asked to present a lighting workshop to local photographers in a month’s time using a particular brand of equipment. Whilst I know this stuff instinctively, trying to put something together in written form and a cohesive manner is more challenging than I thought it would be.
My last purchase: A U-Boat watch. I love watches, I own way too many. Don’t tell my wife!
My current favourite mecho item:
Casio Databank Retro Calculator Watch
Travel destination and tips:
I guess most creative people dream of travelling to New York, or the like, for culture, inspiration and excitement, which it truly does offer. However, for me it’s a place much closer to home… Bali. I travel to Bali every year for a holiday and to recharge. I love the simpler lifestyle, the beaches and the relaxed atmosphere that Bali encompasses and I always return home feeling truly rested. My tip: stay in a villa, not a hotel.
Pssst… One time I…
I had a real “don’t get caught with ya pants down’ moment!” I was staying at a hotel in Melbourne (a really nice one for a change) and after having enjoyed an in-room meal and then a nice shower, I went to put my room-service tray out when the door slammed shut behind me. There I was outside my room in my jocks – thank god I’d listened to my mother’s words of advice – they were clean! After a moment of panic, I figured I’d just walk the floor I was on and find a phone, call reception and get a key brought up. Well, to my horror there was no phone to be found! After fretting for several minutes, I realised the only solution left was to go down to reception and get a new room key.
Did I mention this hotel has only glass elevators? The ride down (from the top floor) was extremely embarrassing as for some reason at 10pm, there were a lot of people in the foyer. By the time I got down, everyone was looking at me. If ever there was a moment to have a spare sock… or two, this was it! I walked out and was immediately met by staff; and as quickly as I had explained my situation, they, just as quickly, gave me a new room key. By now, people were laughing… a lot. I then retreated to the safety of my glass ‘cage’ for my ascent encore. True Story.
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with Stefan during June… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from June-10. You may leave a comment but please note Stefan is no longer actively responding to any questions post 30 June-10.
If you enjoyed this feature, you may want to Sign-up to our free mecho e-newsletter for our latest style updates, giveaways and other juicy stuff. Don’t forget to check out our current Competitions & Giveaways
Join us on: 
Discover More Stylish features below:
LINK
MORE
GUEST BLOGGER
10 comments
10 Comments Add your own
1.
Matt | June 1st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Hey Stefan, do you find Photoshop a threat or aid in your work?
2.
Emmy | June 4th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Have you always been a photographer, Stefan? What was your very first gig? Must be amazing having your passion as profession!
3.
Stefan Gosatti | June 9th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Hi Matt
In the digital age, Photoshop, or similar imaging software, is the processing tool for developing our digital images and therefore necessary. When shooting advertising/commercial work, the frame straight out of the camera is only the first stage in the process to creating a final image – Photoshop would play a big part in that process. However, when shooting editorial work like Fashion Week, images are never digitally manipulated. They are delivered straight from camera to end user.
I feel there are times when imaging software like Photoshop can be very beneficial in assisting with the final development of images. But for the most part as a working photographer, there is very little time to spend editing images. Clients expect images in the shortest time possible so it helps enormously to get great images in the beginning, straight from the camera.
4.
Stefan Gosatti | June 9th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Hi Emmy
Nah, for a long time I was working in the corporate world. My dream was only realised about 10 years ago.
My very first gig was covering a social event for a friend-of-a-friend. I stressed for days prior to that about all of the details — planning, checking my gear, testing different techniques, etc. I covered the event as though I was commissioned to photograph the Chinese President hosting a party for the Dalai Lama. It was so important to me that I didn’t want to miss anything. I was running around snapping away like crazy and ended up getting great pics, delivering more images than they ever expected. In the end, it all went off very well; the client (my friend) was more than happy. Thinking back now, it’s pretty much how I still prepare and approach jobs today.
Yes Emmy, I am very lucky… life is amazing. Every day’s a holiday!
5.
Hayley | June 12th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Hey Stefan,
It seems like you have already accomplished a lot, so what would be your ultimate achievement in your career that would make you think yeah I’ve made it !
6.
Stefan Gosatti | June 18th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Hi Hayley
Thanks for the great question, that’s made me pause and think.
I don’t think, as a photographer, I’ll ever be able to say that “I’ve made it” completely. There will always be something that inspires and therefore, you chase.
But… for me as a runway photog the ultimate achievement would be shooting all the big shows around the world on a regular basis (with Getty of course), and having my images appear/published in the big glossies.
Yeah, that would be pretty cool. I have achieved only some of that so far. I’m lucky to be shooting Sydney now on a regular basis and I’ve started in New York but there’s still a lot more work to do, so it’s a long away off yet.
Then there are the other areas of photography that I work in. Hmm… many mountains still to climb.
7.
Rick | June 20th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
What do you think about paparazzis?
8.
Cat | June 21st, 2010 at 2:22 pm
hey stefan, any top photo tricks you like to reveal for amateurs and any events/expos you think is worth visiting for aspiring photographers?
9.
Stefan Gosatti | June 29th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
Hi Rick
By paparazzi, do you mean the folks that hide in bushes and or chase their subjects whilst they do their grocery shopping…? Either way, I don’t think much of them! It’s certainly not my cup of tea. However, there’s a huge market for this type of imagery and therefore, there will always be someone out doing it – good luck to them. There is very little skill required, photographically, to work as a paparazzi photographer. All they need to be is patient, thick skinned, bold, stealthy and know how to set their camera to automatic!
Unfortunately, I’m starting to see people tag some entertainment photographers and even photojournalists as paparazzi which I personally find a bit annoying.
10.
Stefan Gosatti | June 29th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Hi Cat
Yes, the top trick is… practice, practice and more practice! Really, the trick to making great images is to expose oneself to many different situations and conditions. Regardless of whatever area of photography you’re interested in, you need to practice within that area regularly – be it outdoor, natural light or studio. Obviously, one must study the theoretical basic principles first, but once you have, get out and start taking photos!
The best event/expo I’ve been to is PMA Australia. It’s held annually in either Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane in the month of June over 4 days. It’s great for seeing loads of gear from many suppliers and it’s where the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers hold the APPA awards. It’s a great opportunity to see images from some of Australia’s best photographers; plus there are the seminars covering all aspects of photography – highly recommended!
Leave a Comment
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed