Carmen Chaplin for Jaeger-LeCoultre by Kurt Iswarienko

1917 Key Art/Film Promotion by Kurt Iswarienko

‘Tis the season to be merry and joyful, and today we are definitely joyful! We bring you good cheer with another exciting post with the outrageously talented photographer, Kurt Iswarienko.

Kurt started out as an electrician in Hollywood working on different movies throughout the years (including Pirates of the Caribbean!). He soon made the switch to full time photography after briefly deciding to be a cinematographer, lucky for us, since his gorgeous work needed to be seen.

He’s worked with the top in entertainment, from taking portraits of high profile celebrities, actors, and musicians, to leading the promotional campaigns for award winning movies and TV series. His cinematic visual style also lends itself to making stunning landscape shots and beautiful advertisements. Unwrap this early gift and see why Kurt’s work makes us merry!

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART AND HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED WITH COMMERCIAL WORK AND PHOTOGRAPHY?

I'm a portrait photographer primarily in Entertainment and Theatrical advertising for movie studios and streaming platform, but I do a nice mix of traditional commercial advertising, music, editorial, and fashion photography as well. I got involved in commercial photography because it synthesizes all of the elements I'm attracted to in photography - telling a story, solving logistical problems, innovating techniques, and working with a diverse range of clients in different genres of industry.

WHAT WAS A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

The moment I decided to not have a back up plan and go for broke making a name for myself as a photographer. That happened sometime just after 2000 or so. I stopped taking work as a movie electrician and I set out to succeed or die trying as a photographer.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SHOOT TO WORK ON?

I really thrive on complex large scale productions where the stakes are high and there is pressure to do something new and captivating. I also really enjoy travel jobs because those projects deeply immerse everyone involved in the project, bringing everyone all the more together.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE PROUDEST MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

Anytime my team and I have to pitch for a project I know could go to any of the other photographers in consideration, and we win the project. It's a group effort at all stages to do what I do, so I am most proud when we get to go to work together on a project we all had a hand in winning.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU ENJOY WHEN YOU AREN’T ON SET?

I'm a pilot. I fly as much as I can in my downtime because it balances my mostly far flung artists' brain. You can do photography any way you like, but there is only one right way to fly, or you end up dead.

Dexter Key Art/Film Promotion by Kurt Iswarienko

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING ON SET?

Being with all the people in this craft who make it possible for me to do what I do, and solving technical and logistical problems efficiently and with a sense of Zen.

WHAT DOES #PONYUP MEAN TO YOU?

Pony Up to me means take responsibility for what you bring to the table, for the mistakes you make, and for the risks you are willing to take to push yourself and your team to do their best work. Pony Up to me means take responsibility for what you bring to the table, for the mistakes you make, and for the risks you are willing to take to push yourself and your team to do their best work.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

Trying to figure out the meaning of life…and also preparing a very busy January 2022 for some exciting travel jobs to Prague and South Africa for some entertainment advertising.

Black Label Lincoln Aviator advertisement by Kurt Iswarienko

WHAT IS ONE THING YOUR FANS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?

That I am the 5th band member of U2. Bono and I are both featured as lead vocal & guitar, but I have chosen to remain out of the limelight to protect my anonymity. Just kidding! But in an alternate Universe I’d be on stage instead of behind the camera.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU PROVIDE FOR FUTURE PHOTOGRAPHER?

Find your voice in the story you want to tell. Technology will make things easier and easier on you technically, so focus on storytelling and then use technology to tell your story.

Check out Kurt in action:

Website: Kurt Iswarienko

FORM Artists

Instagram: @kurtiswarienko

FORM Artists Instagram: @formartists

Meet Photographer Kurt Iswarienko

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