Patrick Bellair

When I have an idea, I scribble it on a piece of paper. The rest happens on the phone with my makeup artist, between two laughs as we are good friends. Together we select the model, the style, the colors and as I said a little above, the rest is a matter of feeling once the set is in place.

I mainly use flashes to illuminate my images, the Profoto system is for me the ideal tool. I am fortunate to have eight flashes, which allows me to be very precise with my lighting. I mainly use the beauty dish, which I place very close to the model for a mixture of softness and hardness in the light. I also use a lot of the softbox stripes to have a specific, recognizable light. Finally, the XL silver umbrella is just incredible, it's my go-to when I want a wow effect on my image.

A good photo in my opinion tells a story and leaves room for the imagination.
As a Beauty Photographer, the team that accompanies me has an essential role. The model, the hairdresser, the makeup artist, the stylist have a role as important as mine.
The light, colors, contrast, originality, and framing all have to come together to create an incredible picture.

My best experience as a photographer repeats itself every time I'm behind the camera. The pleasure I take in capturing each image is incomparable. Each photoshoot is a completely new experience, comparing them would be disrespectful.
My worst experience was a photoshoot in the countryside. A guy came with a shotgun, asking what we were doing there. He demanded that we leave the gear on the spot and vacate the premises. Happily, the police arrived a couple of hours later, caught the man, and gave me the gear back.