Meet Ian Spanier | Commercial Portrait Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Spanier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian, what is the most important factor behind your success?
From day one, I embraced the philosophy that consistent, dedicated effort is the driving force behind any success, I have always been athletic, and my approach to business parallels my athletic endeavors. Day in and day out, I immersed myself in the hustle, tirelessly pursuing opportunities, cultivating connections, and honing my skills. The 10,000 hours and then some. With this, a consistency that is represented in all aspects, in everything from the lead up to the job, the team I surround myself with, post photoshoot and beyond. The consistent message is the key to longevity.

This unwavering commitment to the grind has not only propelled my business forward but has also become synonymous with my brand. The hustle is not merely a means to an end; it’s a lifestyle, a mindset that fuels innovation, resilience, and an insatiable appetite for growth. I never, (in sports or career), ever stop trying to learn. I often speak about how I love to fail, and take those failures to learn. That, and I love what I do, so I don’t view it as anything less than a part of me. Working hard to better every aspect, is no different on the field, or in the studio. I am ever keeping one eye out for opportunities, and never rest on my accomplishments to date. There’s always more room to grow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d argue that my distinctive approach to photography, is rooted in a self-taught journey and unique path starting as a magazine photography director, that has been characterized by an understanding of lighting. Light in photography is, after all, what makes photography possible.

My path in photography has been an uphill climb, a relentless pursuit to defy expectations and prove that I am more than just a one-dimensional artist. While my current focus lies prominently in celebrity portraiture, my evolution has been marked by a determination to showcase versatility and a wide-ranging skill set. Light, being the line that draws everything together. If I can light it, I can shoot it.

Breaking free from the confines of a singular niche, I embarked on a journey to always capture diverse subject matters, pushing the boundaries of my own creativity. This path wasn’t merely about proving others wrong, but about challenging myself to transcend limitations and embrace the power in the understanding of lighting. Today, even as my portfolio boasts a variety of celebrity portraits, I am unwavering in the belief that I am capable of being more than one thing. The uphill journey, though challenging, has been instrumental in shaping not only my body of work but also my identity as a photographer who thrives on versatility and the constant pursuit of artistic growth. Clients, finally latched on and realized the asset, not liability, of having the same photographer capable of the celebrity portrait as well as the product shot, for example.

What sets my photography apart is not only the visual aesthetics but the deliberate and nuanced use of light to aid in the telling of the story of the day. Light becomes a powerful storytelling element, weaving narratives and evoking emotions, harnessing that is elemental. My experience as a magazine Photography Director has equipped me with an insightful perspective on how light can transform a scene, capturing the essence and creating a visual language of its own, and truly “see” a story unfold. This background, combined with a personal view that the natural world teaches us every day how light can be interpreted has translated into an intuitive ability to seek and manipulate light, whether natural or artificial, to convey the mood and message I intend. Add to that an ever-growing approach to all photo shoots that there are no problems, only challenges, and I love a challenge. Every day on set offers an opportunity to shine, despite any challenges. This has resulted in a calm demeanor on all sets, that’s infectious with my team and sets the tone for the day for a stress-free day.

The journey from overseeing the work of others to making my own images was a somewhat unique road, originally showcasing my storytelling skills by directing and producing photo shoots at many of the major magazines in NY and LA, then ultimately taking on the role of the photographer. In a world saturated with imagery, my goal is always that my photography stands out as a testament to the artistry that can emerge from a keen understanding of light.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I have now been in LA for eight years now, I am still awestruck by the fact that California is so diverse, Los Angeles being a great representation of the diversity of the state. I am somewhat less inclined to the city as NYC will always be “the city” to me. Instead, I lean toward the places in Nature I can enjoy the great weather (and light) Los Angeles offers. From the beaches to the mountains, and everything in between. Some favorites are the canyon roads and hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Old Place outside of Calabasas and beaches in Malibu.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No doubt any artist is at the mercy of the old eye of the beholder, so thank you to all those photo editors, art buyers, producers, marketing executives and clients who believe in the work I do.

Website: www.ianspanier.com

Instagram: @ianspanier

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ianspanier/

Twitter: @ianspanierphoto

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ianspanierphoto

Youtube: @IanSpanier

Image Credits
all images © Ian Spanier Photography 2023, one-time editorial use only, no additional use granted, no advertising use, images may not be provided to third parties under any circumstances.