Erez Sabag is generating top images for some of the world's most elite publications. The photographer has shot for magazines like Elle, GQ and InStyle Russia; he's snapped a richly diverse set of celebrities such as Maria Sharapova, Bjork and Martin Scorsese. 

Erez works with one of fashion's most visionary and relevant agencies, Kate Ryan. His style blends striking high fashion concepts with subtle artistic undertones. One has only to catch sight of Erez's photography to realize his deep passion for his profession. 

Recently I was granted the opportunity to ask Erez about his incredible images and views on the industry. Here's what the multimedia artist had to say.

Who or what influenced and shaped your photography style?

I began shooting at 16. As a teen growing up in Israel, I was always interested in magazines like The Face. Nick Knight and Javier Vallhonrat were photographers I admired.

The turning-point came when I moved to Paris to shoot for magazines like l'Uomo Vogue, Detour and 20 ans (of which Emmanuelle Alt, today editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, was fashion director).

You can still see traces of that influence in my work as a director and multi-media artist. For example I did a show at the International Fashion Festival in Japan, "Master Minds of Mode," which was all about painting my subjects with lighting.

So many of your portrait shots not only convey a message, but have an artistic nature infused within. What’s involved in the creative process to capture your photos?

To each portrait shoot I bring 100% of my energy. I aim to capture the best of each subject, looking from the perspective of a warm heart with a cinematic sensibility. I’m only satisfied when magic happens on set, and have been fortunate to work with an amazingly talented team. 

I spent almost three years shooting images for my first book "My Favorite T-Shirt," which explores the lives of artists in New York. It was a fulfilling journey for me as an artist, very pure and honest – no digital, no retouching and no cropping. It felt like I was seeing everything for the first time.  

I’m amazed with how you use location and setting to create a real depth in so many of your images. What are some secrets to making your surroundings work for you and not against you?

Some places really inspire me, such as Azerbaijan where I shot a story for Baku. You can see how we enjoyed shooting this in a behind-the-scenes video we made. I enjoy integrating subject and setting, creating a synthesis. An inspiring location helps create dynamism, movement and high energy, as well as the interaction of textures, colors and light. Trying to do justice to the setting, you have to make sure you’re not distracted from your subject.

What advice might you have for other young photographers who would like to achieve the same level you’re at?

Keep going. There are so many others in the field now, but you have to focus on ensuring that the amount of love you have for the craft shows up in the images. Trust yourself!

With the rise of digital cameras, how do you see professional photography changing?

All the technological advances have opened doors to new ways of photographing but it's what you bring to the technology that really matters.  

What’s your favorite camera to use on a fashion photography shoot?

I use Hasselblad with p+30, P45, Canon 5D Mark2 and MAMYA RZ. It all depends on the project.

Who are a few models you’ve worked with whom you would recommend and were great to work with?

Evgenia Vodinova, because of her professionalism and sweet personality – plus she’s gorgeous! Marloes Horst, whom I shot for ELLE Russia, is also stunning and a very inspiring person. For an InStyle Russia cover I shot tennis megastar Maria Sharapova and found her to be very warm, humble, a kind and beautiful woman.

What place do you think software programs such as PhotoShop should play in photography?

Use in moderation! Surface editing, sizing, cosmetic changes, not the content of an image. In the case of my second book “SERIOUSLY” (a compilation of my pictures originally published in art magazines), I used PhotoShop in a few images to layer illustrations created by a very talented artist, Paul Weil. I think it’s suitable for that kind of collaboration.

Who is a photographer you think is really shaping where the photography industry is heading?

I think Nick Knight still has a huge influence on fashion. He is a very talented gentleman.

Of anyone, past or present, who is someone you would/would've loved to shoot?

My grandfather, who passed away when I was young. Most of the people that I meet I love to photograph in the present.

For more on Erez, visit his Web site.

For booking, contact:

Kate Ryan Inc.

333 Hudson Street. Suite 1002, New York, NY 10013

Tel +1 212 929 5399 Fax +1 212 929 5428

kate@kateryaninc.com

shabnam@kateryaninc.com