Photographer Daniel Cole, who frequently works with The Associated Press, recently shared his experience of covering the Cannes Film Festival. Despite usually focusing on hard news, he enjoys the opportunity to immerse himself in the glamour and star power of the festival each May. Cole sees Cannes as a chance to indulge in the aesthetics of his photos, capturing the beauty and elegance of the celebrities on the red carpet.
During the festival, Cole is drawn to the visual feast of glamorous outfits and flashy style choices on display. He seizes the opportunity to photograph every detail, aiming to create the most aesthetic images of the biggest stars in attendance. The atmosphere at Cannes encourages photographers to explore creativity and push boundaries, providing a welcome change from the typical routine of a news photographer.
While many stars graced the red carpet that night, Cole was immediately drawn to capturing a unique moment with “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig, the festival’s jury president. Recognizing the catch flash from another photographer’s light, Cole seized the opportunity to create an interesting and visually striking image. By combining Gerwig’s gesture with the added light element, he felt that he had added something special to the AP coverage of the festival.
Cole’s approach to capturing the moment involved creative freedom and the use of wide aperture prime lenses without a flash. Positioned at the bottom of the red-carpet steps, he followed Gerwig with his 135mm lens, anticipating a reaction as she made her way up. When she turned around and waved to the fans, Cole was ready to capture the moment, incorporating the catch flash and blurring lights to enhance the image. The combination of timing, intuition, and visual elements contributed to the success of the photograph.
The photographer emphasizes the importance of trusting intuition and being prepared for the unexpected moments that can elevate a photo. By combining the right star with elements of chance visual magic, a picture can truly stand out amidst the multitude of images captured at Cannes. Cole’s experience at the festival highlights the joy of capturing moments of glamour, elegance, and excitement, showcasing the intricate blend of artistry and spontaneity in the world of celebrity photography.
In conclusion, Daniel Cole’s coverage of the Cannes Film Festival offers a glimpse into the world of high-profile events and celebrity photography. Through his storytelling and images, he demonstrates the skill, creativity, and dedication required to capture unique moments in a fast-paced and glamorous environment. The success of his photo with Greta Gerwig serves as a testament to the power of intuition, timing, and visual aesthetics in creating memorable and impactful images that transcend the boundaries of traditional news photography.
