10 Questions for Celebrity Photographer Frazer Harrison

Possessing the aggression and will to hold your own behind the lens at red-carpet events takes a certain type of individual. They're the brave souls at the Oscars, Fashion Week, as well as any A-list events, weaving in and out of the crowds to snap the most fashionable models and celebrities. Some may even undermine them as paparazzi, but photographer Frazer Harrison draws a fine line between the two. They capture artists and fashionistas at their best, when they want to be photographed.

Born in the UK, Harrison began snapping photos for the Regional Newspaper industry where he mastered a variety of subjects including sports, fashion, and hard news over the course of 15 years. With his family being a strong influence on his work, Harrison moved to Los Angeles to pursue a focus on celebrity photography. The move turned out quite well for him, as he was soon taken under the wing of the notable, Getty Images where he was set out on the carpet on behalf of Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Life. His red carpet success introduced him to event coverage at some of the most prestigious events in the industry, including the Vanity Fair Party.

Currently, Harrison is part of the bevy of photographers who cluster together at the end of the runway, giving us the most desired photos we could ever ask for. In hopes of discovering how he manifested his current success, and what exactly he thinks about his line of work, I asked Harrison 10 questions. With an informative response from the highly-regarded photographer, you will learn about how a school field trip impacted his career, and how he refers to Fashion Week as "potential-aggrevated-assault days."

What would you say symbolizes your turning point in the business?

I always remembered seeing New York Fashion Week and imagined what it would be like. Now it’s hard to think that I’m actually doing it. Now it’s an assignment and I never imagined it could happen. Events that epitomize “making it” include the red carpet at the Oscars, Governor’s Ball, Tommy Hilfiger fashion show. There is a realization it doesn’t get any better. Never thought it would be a reality; 25 years later it is.

How did your interest in photography begin and have you had a consistent source of inspiration?

It began in grade school with a Vivitar 110 camera I had on a school trip to a safari park. There was a photo competition afterwards. I won it and discovered something that I would be recognized for being good at, which motivated me to be better. Inspiration has always come from colleagues. Plagerism is a form of flattery and I like to flatter a lot. I look at other people’s work and learn from it.  Someone I aspire to be is Mike Maloney from my home town of Lincoln in the UK. We have the exact same background and both started at a small regional paper. Maloney was the former chief photographer of Mirror group and is now one of the most awarded photographers in the UK. One time in the local Lincoln pub, we smoked the cigars he got while on assignment in Cuba. If he can make it, I can make it.

Was celebrity and fashion coverage the path you had planned for yourself? If not, what was your original path, and how did that change?

Funny question. My father was huge movie fan. While I was in my earlier career days I loved shooting theatre and live bands. I never imagined I would be covering Hollywood’s biggest events, but my father’s love of cinema influenced my path.

What excites you the most about Fashion Week?

When I see my work. That I actually managed to battle though eight days of long, sweaty, potential-aggrevated-assault days, and I was able to achieve the goals. To be a part of this whole team that is striving to create the best imagery from one of world’s biggest event. Seeing the results that prove that I’m good enough to be there. Also the new generation of stars like Blake Lively and the “Gossip Girl” cast, January Jones, Ashley Greene and Christina Hendricks wear really stylish clothes.

What is your opinion of the shows being at Lincoln Center? How do expect the change in location to affect your job?

Venue is great and good for the fashion industry, by bringing commerce to an area that hasn’t seen it before. I like the way the tents are laid out better at Lincoln Center, but there is a lack of local hotels. We have to walk more, which could be an issue in February, but for now summer is not problem.

What is your strategy on the red carpet?

You have to be ultra alert with eyes on the back of your head to monitor the celebrity arrivals. You are there to create images of celebrities interacting and unique Hollywood moments. Be really observant and able to react fast to make that picture. When standing behind the line, I shoot headshots, full lengths, and accessories. Attract the celebrity to you and not the others photographers. Make eye contact. Be conscious of creating images that are more aesthetically pleasking. I use available light and a long lens to capture the moments down the cartpet. Be like a sniper and spot candid moments.

What would you say are the most difficult aspects of celebrity and fashion coverage?

What I hate most is the pain. Being surrounded by hundreds of photographers in a 1’x1’ square for an hour and a half with no mobility create intense back and should pain.

What makes you photograph someone and why?

I wouldn’t being doing my job if I was prejudided and picked one person over another. If they are on the carpet, it’s for a reason. Even if I don’t know them, they are paramount to the event. We shoot A-listers because we need to shoot them. They are the people readers want to see.

What do you think of the streetstyle photographers/blogs and the impact it has been having on the industry? Does this influence your work?

I started my career in America as a candid photographer/Paparazzi, or as I like to call it, a Photojournalist. Paparazzi has had a bad rap; undeservedly in most cases. We wouldn’t shoot if it wasn’t wanted. There is a demand by the public. They are the ones who flock to the newspaper stands and log in hourly to the celebrity blogs.  And no matter what your opinion is of this style of photography, ultimately publisher and agencies are fulfilling a demand. And when that demand is no longer needed, then that type of photography won’t be taken. California is under pressure from its own celebrity governor and other high profile A-listers who have managed to implement new law changes specifically against this industry. I don’t personally believe that one industry should be discriminated against. Personally I feel these laws are against freedom of the press. And until these new laws are tested in a court, photographers will have to abide by them.

What advice would you give someone who is trying to make it as a photographer?

Practice, enthusiasm. Don’t ever think it’s going to come to you. Because it isn’t. I had to go out there and use my enthusiasm and passion from day one to climb the ladder.