Working with photographer Dylan McLardy is one of the best things about how we operate at Revival Runway. Discovering amazing new creative talent is one of the reasons why Revival Runway exists. We love Dylan’s particular vision, the way he can elevate a fashion shoot into portraiture is amazing.
WHO IS DYLAN MCLARDY?
“I started as a photographer in Mallacoota at age 17, living independently in a caravan on a family friend’s block. It was the only hobby I could hold onto and felt passionate about. It was mostly wildlife pictures and photos for the local newsletter,” Dylan explains.
“Once I moved to the city for uni I accidentally stumbled into the fashion scene while trying street photography when I ran into the brand Plagiarist, and from there I became involved in showing up to all their pop up events and met so many incredible people.”
Meeting ‘incredible people’ is what Dylan loves most about the activity that has become both his passion and his profession.
“My favourite part of photography is the different people I’ve been able to meet and how wildly different each shoot can be,” says Dylan.
“I don’t see myself as a fashion or documentary photographer but just as a portrait photographer. Being able to learn about different ways of living has broadened how I look at the world.
“Photography has never felt monotonous to me as there is infinite potential depending on what happens.”
FAVOURITE SHOOT AND FAVOURITE COLLABORATOR
“My favourite shoot was the ‘Cannibal’ shoot I did with Branidi. It was our first shoot together and was a great fusion of our ideas and what we both wanted from the experience.
“The shoot had everything from being naked outdoors to fake blood and meat. It was so hectic and I don’t think many models could have pulled it off like her.
“Not only were the images incredible but it marked the start of many more amazing collaborations between us.”
THOUGHTS ABOUT AI AND PHOTOGRAPHY
As a creative photographer, Dylan, like many working in the creative industries, has some thoughts about Ai and its possible impact on the photographic industry.
“My thoughts on AI are mixed. I think that ultimately the fear around it is overhyped. The same fear existed when digital photography became more popular than film and people said it was ‘the end of photography’ yet here we are,” Dylan explains.
“AI can be a tool for creative photographers to use just as any tool in photoshop can be.
“I do believe, however, that the images used for AI need to be more heavily regulated and that people should know and give permission if their images are going to be used for image generation.”
Dylan’s top 3 tips for getting the shot
- Be open to straying away from the mood board. It’s only there as a rough guide you should still be experimenting.
- When working with others, collaborating is best. Whether that’s asking the opinion of the model, lighting assistant or Makeup Artist more heads are better than one!
- Be persistent, it’s rare you’ll get the photo the first time. The more time you can spend working out the shot the better.
THE FUTURE
Where to from here for Dylan? Dylan says that he is currently working out a path that combines two areas of photography that he feels strongly about.
“As of right now I’m at a crossroad in my career in photography. I’ve found a passion for documentary photography but it’s not a path that I’m familiar with,” says Dylan. “I have also built a path in fashion that I’ve already worked hard on.
“I hope that I can merge these two paths and create work that can cause change and have a positive impact on the subject as well as the wider community.”
Discover more of Dylan’s photographic work at @mclardy_photos. All images: Dylan McLardy
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