Interview with Erik Dong: Famed House of CMar member

Please check out the interview below that we conducted with Erik Dong, our talented fashion photographer. For photography inquiries, please feel free to contact him here

CMar: How did you get your start in photography?

Erik: I started with Black and White Film in college. I found that I spent more time in the darkroom trying to get the film to process correctly than I did on the creative process. This was a big turnoff for me and at the time, I didn't fully appreciate the flexibility of a Single Lens Reflex camera.

In 2006 I decided to buy a Digital SLR camera made by Minolta (now Sony) simply as another hobby. The first time I took it out was to shoot pictures of the of the window displays on 5th avenue during Christmas time. I was hooked! It just felt right having the camera in my hand and being able capture time frozen still. It's hard to explain, it just felt right.

It's also worth noting my father was a fashion photography student at F.I.T. He was top amongst his class and assisted for a Fashion photographer before going on to be a corporate art director. A lot of my technical knowledge comes from my father. My mom also attended F.I.T. as a design art major.

CMar: Who's your inspiration?

Erik: Lionel Deluy is my favorite fashion photographer. I just dig his style. Of course Annie Leibovitz, Steven Meisel, Paolo Roversi are all inspirational photographers. I like David Lachapelle for the way he pushes the envelope.

CMar: What do you like to shoot the most?

Erik: I like shooting people the most. I think a story can be found in everyone's face, body expressions, and movements.

CMAr: Is this a hobby or full-time job for you?

Erik: This is a very serious hobby for me right now. I have been published a few times and do get smaller paid jobs from it, but it is currently not my fulltime occupation.

CMar: What was your inspiration for the last C. Marchuska photo shoot?

Erik: The last shoot was for a Look Book, so I was careful to make sure the clothes were shown in full detail. But overall, I wanted to present a fun and light mood for the collection.

We do plan on shooting an editorial which will have a story to tell. For this shoot the lighting and styling will be much different. You will have to wait and see!

CMar: What are your views on eco fashion?

Erik: I think eco fashion is a fantastic concept. I like the idea of sustainable clothes made from natural materials. I think it's growing industry and that fashion will move towards this direction in the future. Now only if C. Marchuska had men's clothes!

CMar: Thank you again for your time and talent! xoxo