We open our blog today to another talented fashion and editorial photographer, Robert Coppa.

The name of Robert Coppa (not to confuse with photographer and photojournalist Robert Capa) is very well known in Canberra and his reputation as quirky and edgy fashion photographer has started to spread across the country and you can now even find him in a book released last year.

We wanted to know a bit about the man behind the lens and ask him our favourite questions to find out who he is, what he does and what he has to offer to the fashion industry as well as for other emerging photographers.

Check out our Q&A interview below.

 

1. Australian-Photo: Who are you?

Robert Coppa from www.robertcoppa.com, blog.robertcoppa.com & www.facebook.com/robert.coppa to name a few ..

 

2. A-P: How did you become a fashion photographer?

Robert: I was very fortunate to assist two great photographers while working in the USA. Although my photography was steadily improving it wasn’t until I worked/learned from them that my skills took a quantum leap. They were both in the fashion field and since my photography is essentially people-centric this was a great platform to spring from. There are so many nuances in how to effectively photograph and communicate with models that I feel those lessons learned have been instrumental in shaping where my current photography is at today

 

3. A-P: What inspires you?

Robert: I think this must be the most asked question from any photographer, or indeed anyone in the arts. Inspiration for me often comes when I least expect it. I could be reading a magazine, watching a movie and just chatting with a friend and then an idea, word or visual starts triggers a thought process that percolates at the back of my head and usually surfaces hours or days later.

 

4. A-P: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt either from a teacher/mentor or by the hard way?

Robert: The most valuable lesson I have learned is to believe in yourself and have a clear vision of where you want to be, an ultimate goal if you like. This of course does not apply to just photography but life in general.

 

5. A-P: Who would be the photographer you’d like to shoot along with? Who would you like to shoot for your next assignment (Model/public figure ..)?

Robert: This changes over time of course, but I would say right now, ummm I’d love to shoot with Jasin Boland on a blockbuster movie set. It’s not fashion but I also do Unit Production Stills for movies and TV. Jasin is a great sounding board whenever I have question in that genre of photography, and he is an amazing photographer and all around great guy.

Do I have to choose just 1 person for my next shoot? No ? – Good! For fashion I’d love to work with Adriana Lima, Kate Moss, Gemma Ward & Miranda Kerr. For portraiture I’d love to shoot Sophia Loren, even at 77 she looks amazing, Angelina Jolie and the boss himself, Mr Clint Eastwood .

 

6. A-P: What’s in your bag/studio (kind of equipment do you use | camera/lens brand, computer hardware software)?

Robert: I am basically a Canon shooter. Although I will happily shoot with rentals of any brand if the brief requires it. I am a strong believer that creativity and ingenuity far outweighs the type of hardware that is in your bag. Granted there is a certain level of professional equipment that is required, above that it’s all about the photographer, the brief and his/her vision. I invested in Canon early on and to change camp at this stage would be prohibitively expensive (however, if anyone would donate their Nikon or Hassy equipment I will gladly take it ).

My favorite lens in studio has to be the 85mm f1.2 (usually hovering around f9 or above in studio ) for location I usually pack 50mm & 85mm primes and 70-200mm & 24-70mm zooms.

I am a long way back PC guy, so gravitate towards that architecture. I think again, the lines are blurred and although there may be lots of Mac die-hards PC are just as good. They just leap-frog each other every 6 months.

 

7. A-P: What’s your favorite piece of gear?

Robert: If I am only allowed 1 camera and 1 lens it would have to be the 5DMK3 + 50mm f1.4

 

8. A-P: What would be your workflow, favorite piece of software?

Robert: photoshop, period !

 

9. A-P: Do you have any suggestions for aspiring photographers?

Robert: I get approached a lot with what camera and lens and lighting hardware to get. I always say buy the best you can afford now. If you have deep pockets good for you, dig deep;  if not look what you can buy without remortgaging your home. In both cases get to know your equipment, learn its strength and limitations. Lastly, get out there and shoot!. Not aimlessly though, have a goal, concept or purpose to why you are shooting something. This helps you evaluate if you are achieving your goals and improving.

 

10. A-P: Anything else we should know about you? (promo, workshop, books, publications, charity involvement..)

Robert: I am working on a couple of shoots that will take me to two islands around Australia. One tropical and one temperate. Can you believe I have never done a beach shoot? That’s about to change soon. I will be doing more one-on-one workshops and have planted a seed for something exciting before the end of the year. Still working out the details on that last one.

Lastly, thank you for asking me to be part of your blog, your continued support is always very much appreciated.

 

Images copyright Robert Coppa. You can find out more about Robert and his work on his website, check out what he’s up to on his blog or simply follow him on his FaceBook page.

Melissa Tan – MUA/Styling: Viktoria Novak

 

Iulia Lungu – MUA/Styling: Viktoria Novak


Nicole Stacy

 

Daniella Kujic – MUA: Jolina O’Hair | Makeup Artist – Hair: Jessica Lewis


Daniella Moor – MUA/Styling: Cassandra Lee


Erica Foster – MUA: Kirstin Pawlicki – Headpiece/Acc: Alice Be Curious

 

Monique Kate Wardley – MUA: Saphire Gasks – Hair: Deanne Leigh – Wardrobe/Styling: Vicky Papas

 

Katie van Den Bos – MUA/Styling: Viktoria Novak

 

Deirdre Crossan – MUA: Saphire Gasks – Hair: Deanne Leigh – Wardrobe/Styling: Vicky Papas-Vergara

 

 

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