Meet Above the Fray’s Director of Photography Mikey Pozarik

We talk with Above the Fray's Director of Photography for an inside scoop on the man behind the enigmatic images that grace our publication

I first met Mikey just before the start of NYFW 2009. Mikey was friendly, outgoing and cheerful from the start. He and fellow Above the Fray photographer Quavondo worked tirelessly, often times staying up till 3 in the morning uploading and processing images from the days’ shows. Despite the grueling hours, Mikey’s enthusiasm never, and I mean Never waned. Even when his camera was stolen backstage while he was operating the video cam (yes, he’s madly multi-talented and works in both film and photography) Mikey stayed optimistic. He was more upset about the lost images than the equipment. And while I would have been drowning my sorrows in my pillow at home; Mikey was back at the tents in a jiffy with a borrowed camera. And, most likely due to his sunny disposition and eternal optimism, he eventually recovered his camera from the jerk who stole it.

In addition to an incredibly sunny personality, this Aussie is incredibly talented, pulling gut-wrenching simplicity and humanity in moments where one least expects it: the runway. His work during that first fashion week simply blew my mind. It was like nothing I anticipated, nothing I had seen before. It showed an intimacy and a connection to the models, the runway and the entire circus that is unparalleled. Here he answers our questions and shares his vision for Above the Fray

AbF: Tell us about your photography background

MP: My photography background is actually based in film. After completing a film degree, I worked for 3 years in the Australian film and television industry. Here I learned the basics and fundamentals of lighting and staging and was exposed to some of Australia's top directors. They were an incredible influence in showing me how to marry the technical and creative elements of a production. During 2007 and 2008, I traveled across South America where my passion for photography flared. I then moved to New York City from northern Colombia.

AbF: You capture a humanity that I've rarely seen in fashion photography—is that your intent?

MP: Yes. When you are surrounded by so many other photographers and the competition is so tough, you need to separate yourself from the 'group'. I try to capture moments and expressions that other people miss. People tend to expect a certain type of shot, usually something they’ve seen before and I deliver something completely different.

AbF: Do you try to achieve anything in particular at each shoot, or in each moment?

MP: Something different. A different angle or expression that the artist, designer, model has never explored before. We are all learning... so I see if both the subject and myself are capable of creating something different.

AbF: What do you think sets your style apart from other fashion photographers?

MP: My approach: I really like to involve myself in every shoot from the beginning —art direction, makeup, hair, and selecting the models. I take on a director's role because I feel that too many fashion shoots are disorganized and it shows. A clear and original vision is something I always aim for.

AbF: When you're shooting, do you lose yourself in an image or in a moment? What is that experience like?

MP: The moment. I feel like the photography side takes care of itself. The lighting and staging are always effected by the mood and emotions in the studio or on the location. I try to respond to the emotions on set, for example, if the model feels uncomfortable, things need to change, or if it starts to rain and the makeup is ruined, things need to change. Sometimes incredibly frustrating and tedious, these situations happen on every photoshoot. But it’s those difficult situations that I thrive in and enjoy most - adapting to the photoshoot and making the most out of it.

AbF: Can you tell me a bit about one or two of images that you've selected to show us here? What was the scene, what were you thinking, etc.

MP: This image (below) was for designer Papusza Couture. One of the most difficult and time-consuming shoots I have ever been a part of. The amount of time and preparation involved was incredible. This included the time I spent at the 'Garden Meetings' in order to become a member of the garden so we could shoot there. Amongst the many meetings to decide models and outfits, designer Katie actually created an entire props selection for the shoot. Inspired by the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party scene, we created an image of an uneasy beauty.

The front page image was for the designer Viktor Luna. Whilst looking through Viktor’s work, I noticed that there was a distinct dress that stood out. It was ambitious and unlike the rest- and I loved it. I called it the 'black sheep.' It was this dress that inspired the theme of a sister that didn't quite fit in with her siblings. This was a wonderful shoot to be a part of and the results were amazing.

AbF: What's the best advice you've ever received?

MP: Never forget that anyone can take a photo.

AbF: How do you continually push your own limits and creativity?

MP: Working with different people with different visions. This is how I push myself - involving others into my shoots and collaborating.

AbF: What is your over-arching vision for creative editorial shoots for Above the Fray?

MP: My vision incorporates a creative freedom with the amazing new wave of designers. I want to continue to capture these incredible designers work with a unique vision.