Sidney Poitier (Matt Sayles, AP)
Matt Sayles is one of the top entertainment shooters in LA. He works exclusively with the Associated Press, and has covered everything from Super Bowls to the Oscars. I interviewed Matt about his stellar career as a respected Hollywood photographer. A portfolio of his work is available here.
---So, run through a week for an AP entertainment shooter -- what are you mostly shooting, how often, when?
It really varies from week to week but a typical week includes a mix of concerts, portraits, premieres, and awards shows/parties.
---During some of your high profile portraits what were some of the major issues/surprises you faced?
The major issues are always time and location. I am usually given a small hotel room to shoot in and have a time limit of 10 mins, which really means 4-5 mins. So it can be really challenging to make great pictures in that circumstance. Every once in a while you walk into a hotel room that looks like a beautiful set.There are rarely surprises when circumstances are miraculously perfect, but given proper planning and execution you can overcome difficult shoots. The best true surprises usually come from a subject who is really energetic and ready to make great pictures.
---What are some of the coolest moments you have experienced during event photography?
There are so many moments. Sometimes when I'm covering an event I look around and can't believe that I'm actually there. The first time I walked down the red carpet at the Oscars I couldn't help but be humbled be the experience. I have just had so many opportunities to meet people and talk with people that I admire. I was shooting backstage at the Palm Springs International Film Festival where I met Joe Wright, the director of Atonement (one of my favorite movies of all time), and we had a great conversation about the film and how they achieved the famous uncut steadicam shot. Its moments like this that make my job special.
---Have you ever been hassled by a celebrity?
On more than a few occasions but I just chalk them up as par for the course. Celebrities are just like regular people and they have good moods and bad moods just like everyone else. They are rarely intentionally difficult . Sometimes they are just tired of having a camera in their face. When I sense a circumstance where a celebrity is/may get up upset, I usually just walk the other direction.
---Do you have a certain lighting technique that you really love to use?
I love natural light so I use it whenever I can. I really enjoy keeping it simple and using backlight or open shade to make a clean, classic portrait. --- Is there any piece of gear, lens, lighting, etc, that you couldn't live without?
In regards to camera equipment not really. When you shoot in so many difficult circumstances you learn to use be very flexible. I love my Canon 24-70 but I could and have lived without it. On the other hand I cant imagine living without my Blackberry and my 24inch iMac. ---For younger photographers trying to shoot celebrities, can you offer a word of advice?
Be respectful, easy to work with, and friendly. You need to make great pictures but how you carry and present yourself is equally important. A celebrity photographer is businessman, photographer, and brand.
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