“I am old enough to know better and young enough to still have an imagination!”
It’s that imagination that has led the Montreal-born and bred photographer Naskademini to a career in photography, specializing in what is best described as honest portraiture. His images depict their subjects as their truest self, free from filters and free from distractions that might pull the attention of the viewer (perhaps any of his more than 52,000 Instagram followers) away from what seems an intimate trade of gaze.
Although Naskademini does not have a formal education in photography, he did learn to develop film in a darkroom during high school and it was there, during those impressionable years, that he fell in love with photography. “It was seeing my first roll of film in the larger. The concept of freezing a moment in time and then bringing it back to life in a tangible medium,” says Naskademini, is was what gripped him with such a passion that it became his career.
Adorama spoke with Naskademini to find out what really gets him excited to shoot and, in turn, how his images are building his legacy.
Adorama: First things first. What is your gear setup and your usual editing workflow?
Naskademini: In the studio I love to shoot on medium format with a macro lens. I currently use a Pentax 645Z. For travel and street photography I use a Leica M with a 35mm lens. It forces me to get up and close to my subjects and tell a more intimate story. After a shot I usually like to sleep on them for a day or two and then revisit them in their RAW format before I begin to process them. I then take them into Adobe Lightroom and I use some custom presets that I have created for myself, especially when I am editing subjects of color. I always found it difficult to find pre-made presets that targeted people of color, so I made my own that I will one day have for sale because there seems to be a demand for it. I may also run the image through Adobe Photoshop for more detailed touch-ups. I don’t like to over-process my images, and I try to get the most of my lighting and contrast in camera.
Adorama: What would you consider to be elements of your signature style? (colors, composition, subjects, lights, etc)
Naskademini: I think my style is distraction-free, dark backgrounds to keep the focus strictly on the subject. I think detail in skin has also become part of my style and it’s what I look for when making a portrait.
Adorama: What do you find so appealing about photography?
Naskademini: The ability to immortalize people and places. I think about photography as something to appreciate 20 to 30 years from now. I always try to imagine how my photos will be viewed in the future.
Adorama: What gets you extra inspired or enthusiastic to shoot?
Naskademini: My dreams. Most nights I dreams about ideas, light setups, and subjects. That is what gets me excited to tackle my day the next morning. The joy of having my own studio allows me to test new things every day and practice my craft. I believe in the “ten thousand hour” theory of practice in order to master anything, so everyday life gives me inspiration to shoot.
Adorama: How do you form a bond with, or coax, a subject into connecting with you and your camera?
Naskademini: The process starts as soon as they walk into my studio. I observe their body language and look for clues in their personalities that can give me an in. I also take them on a tour of my studio and make them feel comfortable before we start our session. I tell them anecdotes about myself that could be viewed as self-deprecating in order to let them know that I am just as nervous as they might be.
Adorama: How much preparation do you put into a portrait (or a series of images)?
Naskademini: I think it’s important to do some research on your subject before a session, but also let the universe and the vibe do the rest. You don’t want to over-plan because a lot can change the day of a shoot.
Adorama: You’ve worked with brands ranging from Leica to Timberland and Cadillac. Do you have any tips for staying true to your vision, despite having to satisfy both your client and yourself?
Naskademini: I feel that when a brand or client reaches out to you, it’s because they appreciate the you that they are hiring. I have been fortunate and blessed with opportunities to work with people at great brands who appreciate my work and style for what it is. I always get to deliver something that I would be proud to have in my portfolio.
Adorama: Tell us about your time photographing in Haiti. Why Haiti? What were you looking to capture? And how has that trip perhaps influenced your outlook or your style going forward?
Naskademini: I was invited to Haiti by a friend who was doing great work with the the Minister of Tourism. My mandate was to capture Haiti in a light that is not often shown in the media, as the Haitian people are often depicted as in despair, poverty, and destitution. While that is some of the reality on the ground, it is only a fraction of what’s to be found in the country. Haiti is rich in culture, culinary experiences, and beautiful and humble people. It was definitely life-changing being able to travel across the country and capture these images. Haiti really shaped my outlook on photographing subjects that look like me. There is a lack of representation both in front of and behind the camera in the photo world, so I think it’s my job and duty to break through that ceiling.
Adorama: What’s your single favorite photo you’ve captured and shared, and can you tell the story behind it?
Naskademini: It would have to be a portrait of my father. He came to my studio and I was able to capture him in a light that I think befits his stature and personality. It also was the first image I ever submitted to an online portrait contest and won! In my experience, Caribbean parents are hesitant to have their photo taken. So it was a great feeling to be able to have him sit for me and for him to like what we made together.
Check out Naskademini’s full Through the Lens: Canada episode below:
For more inspiration, check out our Through the Lens: Canada-influenced Spotify playlist here:
