Meet the Aussie!
Australian Photographer George Favios aka FAV definitely lives up to his name. He’s a favorite among the fashion industry. He shoots beauty, fashion, editorial, commercial and tons of advertising in Australia. He’s also one of Beauty Verve’s esteemed contributors.
Is America ready for Mr. Favios?
I don’t think we are but we won’t have much choice soon. George has already made a huge success with the agencies here in the states. He’s already a house hold name in Australia.
We caught up with each other recently to discuss his work.
Here we go…….
Me: Thanks for letting us do this interview. Lets get straight to it shall we?
A percentage of our readers are make-up artists, hair and wardrobe stylists. You shoot some pretty amazing beauty work; you must get a boat load of artists from all over contacting you?
FAV: I do and it’s a little overwhelming. It is quite an honor for me. Some really amazing stylists from all over the world contact me on a weekly basis.
Me: That really is quite an honor, but I also think to myself “who wouldn’t want to work with you?”
Me: I know you’ve always said that the team plays a huge role in making the images look incredible. What do you look for when you put together a team?
FAV: I’m very much into personalities; if I’m going to use any type of stylist they must A. do the best work B. they have to love what they do and C. always have fun doing it.
Me: I couldn’t agree more! Without a team who has all those qualities it’s easy to think I’m only as good as my best image.
Me: What made you decide to become a photographer?
FAV: Oh who knows what possessed me. I actually stumbled into it. Actually, I purchased a whiz bang camera just caused it looked impressive and didn’t have a clue how to use it… just played around for a while and thought… hmm this could be fun!
Me: Some of the best photographers started off just like you, of course you could made it a little more exciting for us ? What did you do before?
FAV: Well a business back ground, I used to export fresh produce into Malaysia for 14 years. Yes, go figure! I started a small fresh produce company in Australia from my back yard and after 14 years I found myself sending container loads of cauliflower and lettuce to Malaysia. Crazy hey! After 14 years I had enough of veggies and found my calling for photography. 
Me: Having the natural wonders of Australia as a location set must be awesome. Can you tell us about one of your favorite locations? We won’t tell anyone:)
FAV: I love location shooting! I love being outdoors in my shorts, tank top and thongs… oops you guys call them flip flops? You know the things you were on your feet? Oh… you know what I’m talking about.
Australia has stunning places to shoot from the most amazing beaches to deserts and even urban landscapes.
Me: You work with stunning models all day long, so I’d say that’s the easiest part of your job, what would you say is the hardiest?
FAV: Being able to produce something amazing all the time! I’m probably my own worst critic! I’m never 100% satisfied with what I do. So the hardest thing I would have to say is my desire to push myself too hard and strive for perfection each every time I work. Oh and sunburn on my shaved head! Make-Up Artists should always carry a tube of sun block for me.
Me: Not all shoots are created equal. Can you tell our readers about one of your personal favorites?
FAV: I never really know what I’m trying to achieve before a shoot. I never think too hard about what exactly I want, I do know the type of feel and mood I want but that’s about it. I think if you go into a shoot expecting to get a pre conceived shot you will fail miserably. There are too many variables, location, models and lighting etc.
One of my favorite shoots was for a wedding designer advertising shoot. She gave me complete creative control to do what I wanted. The location was on a cliff top just north of Sydney and an amazing winter’s day. As soon as I got there the inspiration came to me and every shot was an instant winner!
Me: Thank god I’m not a photographer this subject is way too complex for me. I realize that there is a small amount of politics involved even with the camera a photographer chooses to use etc. So lets hear it, what do you use and why?
FAV: It’s all about using the right tool for the job. I use two camera systems, Nikon 3D and a Hasselblad medium format system. I usually use the Hasselblad H3D39, it gives me amazing results but it does need good lighting. For low light I grab the Nikon. Another reason for Hasselblad is the perception that comes along with it, you can’t go into a large budget advertising job with a 35mm camera system, that everyone has, again this industry is about image. Clients that know what they want image wise will expect you to shoot on medium format like the Hasselblad.
Me: Like I said no clue what you mean, but somewhere out there someone will understand all that. ?
Me: I know your planning to come to the states and work with us on a Make-Up Artist Master Class in NY and Miami. We are really excited about that, we haven’t officially announced it yet, but I figured why not get your thoughts on this before it takes off.
FAV: Well it should still be a secret but I’ll give you some feed back from what we’ve done in Australia. It’s giving MUA the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented people. They will also receive that’s hands on personal touch they may not get at workshops. They get mentored by some of the best MUA in the country and then get to work on a beauty shoot with me. They leave with images in their book along with other beauty goodies! The feed back here in Australia has been overwhelming seriously! There is always room to learn in this industry and it’s a great way to get some invaluable experience in a studio, pick up pro techniques and take home beautiful images to start your book with.
Me: I couldn’t agree with you more and we can’t wait to start promoting this Masterclass to our readers!
Me: I have one last question for you. It’s a silly one. When you close your eyes and you stop thinking about work and family, where do you imagine yourself?
FAV: Oh that’s easy, BORA BORA. I would be flying in models from all over the world to shoot, kind of like that old show, Fantasy Island! I’d have my assistant calling, “Fav, the plane, the plane.” or the “models, the models.” Oh and lots of great food!
George thanks for sharing with our readers today. We are really excited about your trip to the states this year.
Readers we will keep posted on all the upcoming details of the Make-Up Artist Master Class coming soon.
If you want to receive an email notification about this event please email us at info@beautyverve.com
For more about George visit his web site: www.georgefavios.com
SOURCE: Meet the Aussie!
