Page 25 - holmag FW2020

House of Lafrance Magazine - F/W20
25
Giselle Serrano.
“I’m Giselle Serrano, a Fashion Photographer based in Fort Lauderdale. I grew up in South Florida, but I’m originally
a Jersey gal with Cuban and Dominican background. Photography became a passion of mine early in my life. Art has always been a massive part of my family. Growing up, I watched my father paint and illustrate. My grandmother photographs our families memories, while my mother was into interior design and my sister, in the culinary arts. I embraced being part of such a creatively talented family. I began learning photography skills by creating photoshoots with my best friends back in middle school. I later took what was a lifelong hobby and started making a career out of it. I am now a graduate of the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. I love bringing creativity and uniqueness to each photoshoot. My inspiration comes from diverse new styles and fashion trends, allowing my photos to tell a story.”
From hobby to career, when did you realize you wanted to do this professionally?
I started taking my photography hobby of photography more seriously when I entered high school. I signed up for photography, TV production, and yearbook courses. I attended all school-related events and performances just to get in the extra practice. You would never catch me without a camera in my hand.
As a photographer why did you choose fashion photographyas your primary focus?
Growing up watching America’s Next Top Model,
I remember wanting to do these creative shoots. Photography allows me to express my freedom and creativity. I’m drawn more to fashion editorials where a simple photo can tell a whole story. When I look through magazines and come across a fashion advertisement or fashion editorial, I always think, “wow, I wish I took these photos.” I strive in my profession to be that person.
Who/where do you get your inspirations from when shooting?
My inspiration starts with various fashion trends, whether it be modern or vintage, or even a particular item that can spark inspiration for my next shoot. Ultimately the location is what really sets the scene. I try to see the area several times before coming up with some form of inspiration for my photography.
Do you remember your first shoot? If so, what was it?
One of my first photoshoots was in middle school, I had a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. My friend and I would dress up, taking pictures around my house, finding the perfect scene. For a 12-year-old, I’d say they weren’t too bad, I even remember editing them through PicMonkey. Since then, it was something that stuck with me, they loved having new photos to share, and I loved coming up with that next shot.
When shooting fashion, is your “perfect shot” planned or does it find you in more of a natural flow?
It’s a bit of both, I start by letting the model get comfortable, moving naturally, and feeling their “vibe.” As I’m shooting, I can conceptualize the shot in my head, I’ll direct their poses to get that “perfect shot.” Typically, before a shoot, I will gather inspiration by looking up fashion poses as a guide for the shoot.
What so far has been the biggest challenge for you as a photographer?
My biggest challenge as a photographer is building my confidence level. I have always known this is what I love doing, but I’ve been nervous, putting myself out there.
I recently started getting over this fear and realized I can go my whole life wanting to be “ready,” but it comes down to self-realization.
“The Magazine for the Emerging by the Emerging”