INTERVIEW:
Carianne Older
___________
IT has been a real pleasure…
IN THIS PHOTO: The Last Dinner Party
finding out more about the incredible photographer, Carianne Older. The famed L.A.-based photographer and pop culture creative director has shot for some of our favourite celebrities and companies such as, Charlie Puth, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Christina Aguilera, P1 Harmony, Jordyn Woods, Keke Palmer, Maggie Lindemann, Tana Mongeau, Olivia O'Brien, Rina Sawayama, Puma, Footlocker, Playboy, Cadillac, Sony Music, Interscope Records, and Universal Music…to name a few! Older not only focuses on film, but also on the importance of building an inclusive industry as she continues to break down gender barriers through sold-out workshops, nationwide speaking engagements, and her mentorship program based in L.A. - where she helps emerging photographers find growth and success. I have been speaking with Carianne Older about her how she got started in photography, what it is like working in a male-dominated industry, the advice she would give to photographers coming through, and, if she got the chance to photograph Lady Gaga, what would her concept/set be. Follow Carianne Older on Instagram. It was a real joy speaking with this…
IN THIS PHOTO: SZA
INCREDIBLE talent.
_____________
Hey Carianne. How does it feel to be nominated for Tour Photographer of the Year at the iHeart Music Awards?! What was it like to work with Charlie Puth? What does this nomination mean to you?
It doesn’t feel real!! Being nominated for an award for my photography is something that’s always been a bucket list item. There really aren’t that many things you can be nominated for as a photographer, so when I found out about my nomination I was so excited. Working with Charlie was a dream come true. It was always a major goal of mine to tour specifically with an artist whose music I loved. So when the opportunity to tour with Charlie arose, I jumped at it.
Being nominated as a woman in the photography field means the absolute world to me. It means there are people out there who truly believe in me and my work, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
IN THIS PHOTO: Charlie Puth
Can you tell me how you got started in photography? Was music photography the medium you always wanted to work in, or did it evolve through time?
I was working a corporate job up until 2018 in the entertainment sector, and I was so burnt out working for someone else, so I picked up the hobby of photography and started taking photos of my friends for fun. Photography was a hobby until it wasn’t anymore. My early success gave me the backbone to quit my 9-5 and start my own company. Before I could take a breath, I had moved out of my small town in South Florida to start my career in L.A. I always say working for myself is destiny because my initials are CEO. I am so grateful for all of the people in my life who pushed me into my creative career, because without it, I would still be working the same unfulfilling 9-5 in a cubicle the size of a closet.
I was drawn to music and theatre because those are the two things I love the most in life. I feel very lucky that I get to capture photos of some of my all-time favorite artists - I never take a day in this industry for granted.
“I think it’s important to raise up other women. It feels like for every woman in this industry, there are 5 men”
You work in an industry still male-dominated, yet you have an all-female creative team. How important is that, and do you think attitudes towards female photographers are changing in terms of recognising their importance?
I think it’s important to raise up other women. It feels like for every woman in this industry, there are 5 men. Though it feels like things are changing for the better. For example, last night at the Grammys, a female artist won in every single category in the main telecast. Seeing things like that happen gives me such hope as a woman.
What advice would you give to female photographers coming through who want to make it in the industry?
Treating people well trumps talent any time. The entertainment industry is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t burn any bridges – you never know when you’ll need to cross that river.
Are there any other photography queens in the industry we need to follow and check out?
My personal favorite music photographer, and one of my closest friends, is Ashley Osborn.
She never misses; her work is outrageous and she is the kindest soul out there. I am lucky to call her a friend and an inspiration.
“Los Angeles holds so much history...there are so many stories that you can continue to tell here”
Having photographed incredible artists like Olivia Rodrigo, how does the collaborative process go? How do these artists come to your attention, and is there a lot of feedback/input from artists in terms of the shots?
Most artists hire me because my photography has a specific vibe. I feel I am brought onto projects that artists not only want me to shoot, but also creative direct. For the most part, all of my shoots I creative direct or at least have an input in the direction of the shoot. I like to be in controlled environments when photographing artists. I run a full production company with my cousin Paulina, we produce and direct the majority of our shoots in house together, family style! My background is in producing, as it’s what I studied in college, so I have a really good grip on the business aspect of photography that ensures all of my productions run super smoothly.
IN THIS PHOTO: Daphne Blunt
How important is L.A. and its unique and diverse landscape in terms of inspiration and landscape?
I moved to L.A. because I love the landscape of L.A. Most houses, restaurants and shops are still in their original state, which means they all make fabulous places for photoshoots. My style heavily relies on the vintage aesthetic, so I am thrilled that L.A. has kept so many spots in their original layouts. I am heavily inspired by “Old Hollywood”. I feel I am always somewhere shooting with a 1960s convertible, or just below the iconic Hollywood Sign. Los Angeles holds so much history...there are so many stories that you can continue to tell here.
You have said how Lady Gaga would be your dream as-yet-unsnapped subject. If you were to commission, what would that shoot look like in terms of set and fashion?
I would love to shoot Gaga in a theatre...somewhere like the opera at Lincoln Center's stage. I’d have her in some crazy gown - something super extravagant.
IN THIS PHOTO: Jocelyn Hudson
In terms of all of the artists you have shot, who stands out as your favourite? Any highlights or favourite photos?
Ohh hard question! Probably Charlie Puth. I spent the greater half of last year with him. I shot two single art covers for him, as well as 2 months worth of content of him while we were out on the road together. I’ve shot my fair share of concerts, but to go on tour for the first time with an artist I adore and respect while taking photographs that will live on forever was very special and important to me.
I think a book of your photos would be amazing. Is that something you have considered? Maybe part-biography, part-photobook? What is next for you?
Yes! Lots of logistics go into making a book full of people you’ve photographed, which is why I’ve held off for so long. When I do finally make a book, it will be of all of my clown shoots. I’ve done just shy of 20 clowns, so maybe when I get to 100 it will be time for a proper table book!
As I allow all my interviewees, you can finish with any song you like and I will play it here. What shall we go for?
I love this! Been blasting Suzie Chapstick off the new Green Day record lately...so let’s go with that!