The inner workings of a photo shoot . . . .

We caught up with photographer Phoebe Cheong as she finishes her second year (of three) at the Arts University College in Bournemouth, asking her what inspires her, the work that goes into putting a shoot together and who she dreams of photographing . . .

What first got you into photography?

Memories. I was drawn to photographs since I began to move around countries due to my parents work. As a young child away from my home country (Malaysia), I use to carry and keep photographs of my favourite memories of my close family and friends whenever and wherever I go. As I grew older, I was the 'official photographer' of my family and friends, it sounds very cliche, but that's how my journey began. Fashion photography came a bit later when I conducted a 'photo shoot' on my 16th birthday with a few friends, using my bed sheets as backdrops, a table lamp as lights, silver cardboard as a reflector and a summer fan as a wind machine! (-at that time I didn't even know that a 'reflector' even existed!). I then began to take an interest in fashion photography, producing images of my close friends, and when my art teacher saw my natural eye for composition in my images, he then began to introduce me into the real world of photography. 

* Who inspires you? 

My culture, colours, people, personalities and breathtaking locations. 

* What are your favourite three blogs/websites?

I tend to browse around various sites, but I would say the current ones I'm hooked on are: Stumble Upon and asianmodelsblog.blogspot.com. 

* What do you see yourself doing once you graduate?

I would love to see myself travelling, assisting photographers everywhere I go, embracing different cultures and using those experiences to conduct a fashion shoot and photograph something spectacular wherever I find myself inspired. I would love to photograph mixed race models, as I find them so uniquely beautiful. 

* What's your favourite location you've ever completed a photo shoot on?

So far, it would have to be the photo shoot by the 'Blue Lagoon' in the middle of a Quarry that I surprisingly found on Google Maps!

* What's a typical day like on one of your shoots? Is there a lot of prep work involved before the shoot?

Depending on how big the production is, some shoots can take up months, and some can take up only a day to plan. I love spontaneous photo shoots as they are so unpredictable but what I love most is the ones with a huge production, large group, and an amazing location.  A typical day on my shoots would definitely be exciting and fun but also a little nerve-racking (for me at least)! It's kind of like when you are about to step on stage, theres always butterflies in your stomach before you do your 'performance'.

* What is the one item of clothing from this seasons S/S collections would you love to shoot, and with which model?

Xiao Wen (IMG) is on the top of my list at the moment, and  wearing an Elie Saab Haute Couture dress, shot on the Great Wall of China, whilst snowing. Imagine that! 


For more behind the scenes videos and photos from Phoebe's shoots make sure you check out her website, where you can also view more of her work, as well as on Facebook and you can also follow her on Twitter.