We chat to photographer Dan Wilton about shooting Heresy’s new lookbook

Date
25 September 2014

London-based brand Heresy presented its new collection this week in the guise of its Autumn Winter 2014 lookbook. Entitled Forming, the collection is a quiet amalgamation of illustration and traditional workwear, combining illustrated elements and hand-drawn type with carefully crafted structural staples made from loop-back jersey and felted wool.

The lookbook was shot by multi-disciplinarian Dan Wilton, who’s just as happy photographing a band on tour as he is recreating a 1970s-themed porno to be screened on VHS. A natural fit, right? We spoke to Dan about the process of shooting a lookbook and the concept behind this beaut for Heresy.

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Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

How does shooting a lookbook differ to your usual photoshoot?

The overall look and styling is naturally a lot more streamlined and uniform. And of course, you’re generally going to be working direct with the designer as well as a stylist. But it really varies a lot – I’m still not sure what a usual photoshoot is to be honest.

Your other projects are specific to your interests – is it difficult to turn up and be led by the brand rather than your own mind?

No, it’s no problem at all. I work on brand/client led shoots all the time. If I could just spend my whole time photographing devout Cheeseheads totally would but I have to pay the bills somehow.

What’s something to remember when shooting a lookbook? Or perhaps what advice would you give to someone before they shoot one?

I guess the main thing is that you’re probably going to have a little less freedom than you do when shooting editorial. That’s just a given. It’s a very close collaborative process between yourself and the designer/label. With this shoot Dom and Jasper had story-boarded the whole shoot out which was ace. I wouldn’t always want to work like that as it has the potential to be a little constructive but for this shoot it worked really well.

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Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Would you say that this was something that is out of your comfort zone?

No, not at all – I had a great time.

How important are props and styling when it comes to a look book?

Styling is always key, especially with a clean, studio based shoot like this as you’ve got nowhere to hide.

Would you rather style something as well as shoot it?

No, I far far prefer working with a stylist. The last thing I am is a stylist. And more importantly – collaboration is great.

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Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

What was the concept behind the Heresy lookbook?

Dom and Jasper came in with a really strong idea of the aesthetic and narrative of the shoot. They wanted something minimal in tone but also playful – with references to raw materials and mark making. We toyed with shooting a mixture of location shots as well but in the end thought it cleaner to keep it all in studio.

What was the best thing that happened while you were shooting?

Lunch! Jasper brought along a batch of the most delicious homemade sandwiches. If there’s one way to make me happy on a shoot it’s quality homemade sandwiches, mmmm…

Did you manage to blag any freebies?

I haven’t yet, but rumour on the grapevine is there’s a delivery arriving at my studio real soon.

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

Above

Dan Wilton: Heresy AW14 Lookbook, Forming

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About the Author

Maisie Skidmore

Maisie joined It’s Nice That fresh out of university in the summer of 2013 as an intern before joining full time as an Assistant Editor. Maisie left It’s Nice That in July 2015.

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