Buckle up and brace yourselves for a fascinating look through the lens of Eric Hason – he’s got an eye for all things chic, captivating, and downright city-centric, whisking us away with every snap he takes. A true-blue New Yorker from the get-go, Eric’s journey from self-taught shutterbug to big-shot industry player is a testament to his relentless drive and unwavering passion.
Picture this: You’re a designer with a killer new collection ready to take the fashion world by storm. But how do you make sure your creations get the attention they deserve in a sea of online noise? Enter the unsung hero of fashion: the photographer! Whether it’s for your website, social media feed, or wholesale catalogs, you need those jaw-dropping shots to make your designs pop and your brand shine.
That’s where the magic of Eric Hason comes in. With his keen eye for detail and knack for capturing the essence of every garment, Eric turns your fashion dreams into pixel-perfect reality. So, get ready to light up the fashion scene because with Eric Hason behind the lens, your collection is about to slay!
The first step in setting up a shoot…I asked Eric Hason about his approach to selecting models based on their headshots and what qualities he looks for – or avoids! Here’s what he had to say
“Well, each project is different, you know? It all starts with chatting with the client and the team to figure out the vibe we’re going for. Once we’ve got that nailed down, I’ll start scouting for models that fit the bill. Sometimes we need someone young and fresh-faced, other times it’s more about finding a mature look,” Eric explained. “It really depends on what the client’s after and who their audience is. When I’m browsing through model portfolios and Instagram profiles, I’m always on the lookout for expressiveness and personality. The last thing we want is someone who looks the same in every photo, you know?”
So, when you’re not knee-deep in client projects, what kind of photography gets your creative juices flowing?
“Ah, when I’ve got some free time on my hands, I love diving into passion projects that really let me flex my creative muscles. So, I’ll often team up with other talented folks like fashion stylists, makeup artists, and hair stylists to cook up something cool. We’ll brainstorm ideas together, maybe throw together some mood boards, and then pick out models to bring the whole thing to life. It’s all about filling in those portfolio gaps and just having fun creating something awesome,” said Eric, adding with a laugh, “I also love shooting portraits of family, friends and strangers, as well as my 4-month-old vizsla puppy!
Can you share a favorite experience or encounter with someone you’ve recently photographed.
“This is not recent but one of my favorite experiences. I was hired to shoot publicity photos for the Beach Boys. They were performing in Las Vegas, and we did the shoot at a casino poolside stage the day of their show. The shoot was about 2 hours, getting in individual and group photos. I was blown away that I was getting to shoot the iconic band that created the California sound which shaped and influenced music to come. The last shot was group pics of the entire touring band. “
“After the last frame was snapped, I asked the group if they could kick off the vocals of the classic Barbara Ann and let me come in with the falsetto part of the harmony. I knew I have a terrible singing voice and had absolutely zero chance of holding pitch. Mike Love and the band started off singing the classic “Ba-ba-ba, ba-Barbara Ann” for a few measures, and on cue I joined with the falsetto. I heard 10 groans, the singing stopped, and I was told to stick with photography.“
Intimate Exposure: Revealing the Artistry of Eric Hason Photography! Share on XDo you have a preference for shooting in a studio environment or on location, and how do these settings influence your creative process?
“I really don’t have a preference. I enjoy shooting both studio and location. Frequently I combine studio and location images into a single shoot to help tell a story. Some of those shoots have been personal favorites which you can see on my website.”
How do you navigate challenges or unexpected situations during a photoshoot – and any examples?
“During one shoot for a long-term outerwear client’s lookbook and campaign, an unexpected hiccup arose when the female model booked by the creative director looked nothing like her online photos,” Eric recalled. “This left the client upset and disappointed, unsure of how to proceed. I stepped in, suggesting calling some agents to find a replacement model, pay the original model, and just not use her for the shoot. After sorting out the logistics and overcoming the awkwardness, a friendly agent sent over a model I had worked with before. Despite initial embarrassment, we smoothly transitioned into the shoot, starting with the male model before the female model arrived an hour later, ultimately resulting in a successful session.“
My job is problem-solving. I approach every job with a can-do attitude, prepared to tackle any challenge from no-shows to equipment failure to illness, ensuring smooth sailing even in the face of adversity.
eric hason
Can you share a favorite or standout project you’ve worked on that pushed your creative boundaries or offered a unique opportunity?
“I shot an editorial for Grazia Bulgaria with Holli Kingsbury, a stylist and creative director I frequently collaborate with. We shot in Times Square guerilla style with a full team. We had a great model, Holli pulled insane wardrobe, we shot at night, the temperatures were below freezing, traffic was insane, we wound up shooting until 1 am, and the photos turned out better than expected!”
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers looking to establish themselves in the industry and develop their own signature style?
“Developing a signature style in photography takes time, experimentation, and dedication. Take the time to look at and study the work of other photographers the genre you are interested in,” Eric advised. “Notice their techniques, compositions, use of light, and subject matter. Understanding what has been done before can help inspire finding your own voice. Find your passion, shoot what you love. Identifying with your subject will help keep you authentic and will show in your work!”
Eric Hason – Secrets to Success
“Make sure you are technically proficient. Experiment with light and techniques.
Show your work to others and get constructive criticism. Don’t let other’s words discourage you, use them to inspire you.
Be patient, your style won’t come through right away, it will take time and should change over the course of your career.
Keep a beginner’s mind. Always remain curious.
And don’t forget to shoot, shoot, shoot!”
Eric Hason
Read next: 50 Astonishing Lingerie Stories from History
