EXCLUSIVE Interview with Fashion Photographer... Justin Coit.
Myfashdiary readers, let me introduce you to one of my favorite Photographers out there at the moment, Justin Coit. The man behind Rachel Zoe’s pictures in the Rachel Zoe Report, Whowhatwear’s editorials, Nicole Richie’s Cosmopolitan editorial & cover, Winter Kate’s advertising, Simone’s lookbook, Olsenboye’s advertising… and the list goes on. I recently had the chance to interview the talented Justin Coit…
-Hi Justin! Thank you for taking the time to talk to myfashdiary. How did you get into photography?
Thanks Tala! The first time I truly fell in love with photography was during my last year of college. I studied abroad in Madrid for 4 months and took my camera with me every where I went. I probably shot a role of film each day- suffice to say that it was an expensive hobby. When I returned home I completely forgot about photography and focused on a career in website production, which only lasted a few years until I became so bored with sitting behind a desk that I knew I had to make a change. A good friend of mine was working as a photography assistant. He was enjoying life so much more than me that I decided to give what he was doing a try. It was tough at first, since I had no formal training but I was so happy to not be working behind a desk that nothing else really mattered. Luckily, I found myself entering the industry exactly at the same time photographers and clients began to shoot digital. With my background in computers, I was able to find a job that put me on set with some of the best photographers in Los Angeles. That’s how I got my start.
-What has got to be the best part about being a photographer?
There are so many things that I love about being a photographer. The first is getting the chance to be creative every day. This is an absolute necessity for me. The second is be able to make my own schedule. Last is getting the opportunity to work with people that are very passionate about what they do. This one is probably the most important. I have always felt that a talented team will create a product that is vastly superior to what any one person can do on their own.
-You have worked with great fashion individuals such as Rachel Zoe, the uber stylish Nicole Richie and the whowhatwear girls – What has been the greatest experience?
The greatest experience is always when I get to work with my fiance Katherine Power from Who What Wear. She’s is a FORCE to be reckoned with- incredibly smart, extremely ambitious and beautiful. I am the luckiest guy in the world.
-Any words for aspiring photographers?
For aspiring photographers I would stress the importance of your ideas. We now live in a time when ANYONE can make a beautiful photograph using just their cell phone and a filter app. What will separate you from the legion of other photographers is your unique vision. This is something that I am still working on myself.
-Myfashdiary is based between London and Dubai – Have you been to any of the two cities, thoughts?!
I haven’t been to London for many many years. Hopefully I will be back there soon. I have not been to Dubai but would love to hit a golf ball off the top of their tallest building, just like Tiger Woods did 🙂
-Your based in LA, what would you say are your top 3 must-do’s whilst visiting LA?
1. Surfing in Malibu.
2. Hiking up Runyan Canyon in Hollywood- great exercise as well as great people watching!
3. Sushi dinner at Katsuya on Ventura Blvd.
-Magazines or Fashion Blogs?
Katherine brings Numero, Pop, and Love home often- I love those for inspiration. For men’s fashion blogs, I really like http://onemansstyle.
-Tea or Coffee?
Neither, orange juice!
-Last but not least, what is next for Justin Coit?
Right now I am focused on jumping deeper into video. I see a lot of possibilities on the horizon for a photographer that can do both well.
