Emin Kadi – Clear(ly) fashion photography

Emin Kadi is a brilliant self thought photographer, recognized as a trend-setter and with a very creative eye. While working as a booker at a model agency, he found his true calling. He has worked in cities around the world, including Paris, New York, Milan, Vienna, Athens, Cape Town and Cairo proving himself as an international fashion photographer. And the story doesn’t stop here, it continues with a magazine that has been the recipient of 24 design awards with Emin Kadi in the role of creative director and publisher. Clear magazine is globally distributed since 2001 and represents one of his major accomplishments. His large clientele base includes names such as: Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, BMW, Lexus, Zenith and Media Com. As if all this wasn’t enough, the long list of achievements continues with the development and designing of 25 international brands and his recent career in teaching design as a Professor at the Center of Creative Studies. It is of great honor to offer you an exclusive interview with the artist himself.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Trying to make art become my business.

What is the most important thing to remember when you want to capture a good image?
To be loose, let it happen. Also, to think further think down the road, “how is going to be printed or used”. But most of all, to have no restrictions.

Do you have a favorite photograph? Why?
The one I did in Africa. It was the last photograph of the entire trip. We were in a part of Africa where large trees were not very prevalent (Port Elizabeth to be exact). I remember taking this long journey to get to this tree and the sun was starting to come down so we pulled out two battery packs and literally had 5 minutes to capture everything. I remember there was no wind the entire trip and all of a sudden a gust of wind came through to blow the red dress. It was just a magical moment, as if there was a higher being assisting me with the picture.

Do you have a favorite photographer? And why?
My favorite photographer is Guy Bordin. I feel that with the little technology that was available back then, he was able to see in a graphic form like no one.

What did you do to gain your knowledge in this area of work?
My background was as a fashion model and I went to school for architecture but wound up taking more art classes. I believe there were few mentors during my school years that taught me how to see better, but I feel that a creative person either has it or doesn’t, it’s something you are born with.

Do you believe in the saying “a picture is worth 1000 words”? If yes why?
I don’t believe in that phrase. I think it should be rephrased to “a picture is worth a 1000 feelings” because some pictures leave me feeling speechless. But I feel the image as an inspiration.

What makes a good photographer?
Someone who doesn’t believe in boundaries or restrictions, but also someone with a very hard work ethic. It takes a long time to get your eye to match the final outcome.

Where do you find your motivation?
I find motivation in different ways. Sometimes it’s film, music, travel or just general downtime.

Is there any contemporary artist you would like to collaborate with? Any model?
I’ve always wanted to collaborate with a major artist like Takashi Murakami or a visual artist like David Lynch. As for model, I would say Linda Evangelista is my favorite of all time, I would love to work with her. I had one opportunity in Thailand for a campaign but it slipped away.

What would you do if you could start again from scratch?
Part of me wishes that I would have assisted major photographers but then the other part is glad that I didn’t because I had to learn everything on my own.

Out of all the different cities/countries you have worked in which remains your favorite and why?
It would be Paris because of the struggle of living there but the beauty of being there. For environment and overall lifestyle and aeshtic, it would have to be Cape Town because it feels like six or seven countries within 20 minutes of traveling in any direction.

What plans do you have for your professional future?
Definitely shooting more movement, maybe shooting a movie would be a great challenge. Someday, I may put out a book. Although, print doesn’t feel as exciting anymore. Also, installations and galleries are on my list.

Among your numerous career achievements can you pick one that was most fulfilling to you at that time?
A trip to Egypt where I shot a spread for a French magazine was a great experience. I remember riding the camels in the desert to get to the location. I really feel like the experience matched the work. The other one would be founding of Clear Magazine. It was definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done, so far.