BACKSTAGE WITH ODA EIDE
Backstage - an interview series bringing you backstage with the creative people. In this edit, I spoke to Fashion Photographer Oda Eide.
How did you get into photography, and how did you end up in the fashion sphere?
Funnily enough my path was pretty linear, and according to my parents I already knew I wanted to 'be a photographer at fashion week' at quite a young age. Both the photography and the lifestyle in itself really appealed to me, as I have always been a very extroverted person that loves being around people, traveling and thrives in a bit of chaos. The urge to travel I have inherited from my dad and my granddad, the latter was an avid photographer in his spare time and he even had his own darkroom at home, but never worked as a photographer professionally.
Is there a thing you always bring on set?
I always bring what I like to refer to as 'the little yellow camera' - most of my clients and creatives I regularly work with would know exactly what I'm referring to and how much I love it! I bought this small digital underwater camera on eBay for a shoot in Sardinia a couple of years ago, as we wanted to capture some imagery in the sea. Later on I started bringing it with me on set and realized how amazing it was for capturing close-up beauty images and detail shots. It shoots only small JPEG files, however I've captured some of my favorite images on this camera, including a Vogue Portugal beauty story and a printed Marlè Magazine cover, I also always shoot with it on my jobs for self-portrait. One more thing I use on most of my shoots is a ladder, as I love to shoot from above. However when this isn't logistically possible I just find something else to climb up on (which is sometimes even more fun).
Describe being a Fashion Photographer in three words
I'd say this happens quite a lot! I'm so grateful for the life I am able to live, creating with so many amazing and talented people and having so much fun. I've definitely had a few moments during the bigger shows at fashion week, especially when I'm able to be a fly on the wall backstage. Being around so many talented creatives is such a privilege, and these moments always leave me feeling really inspired and motivated.
What has been your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
What would you say to someone who wants to get into fashion photography?
I think one of the most important and helpful aspects for me was how much I wanted this. I think a bit of obsession is needed to stay motivated, not just on the good days but also when everything feels difficult and overwhelming. To me it was key to be constantly creating and evolving, shaping my own identity as a photographer and finding out what inspires me. Starting out I said yes to pretty much every single project that came my way - be that a food photography job, corporate headshots or someone's kids birthday party. I learned something from every single job, and slowly but surely narrowed my focus more and more. Building relationships with other creatives and self-initiating projects is crucial, and it was through shooting creative stories and editorials that I started to really find my artistic direction. Alongside this, assisting other photographers was a great way to grow technical skills and learn how everything works on set!