What it takes to be one of fashion’s most sought-after photographers

Fashion photography is a difficult thing to get right, and the advent of social media has meant that it’s possible for everyone and their mother to have a stab at it (here’s looking at you, Brooklyn Beckham). A big part of fashion photography now isn’t just the art of capturing a model or celebrity wearing beautiful clothes; a lot of it now comes down t0 capturing a real person in their element – and often when they are unsuspecting – on the street. And that’s what Adam Katz Sinding – aka Le 21ème – does best.

He captures men and women attending these weird, wonderful and highly glamorous fashion events in all of their real and raw glory – on the phone, stepping into a car or talking to a friend. What Adam does is make style and fashion exciting and accessible for every single person who wants it.

When did you first discover your love for photography?

I started to shoot around Seattle in 2004 as a hobby, so I guess then. But I didn’t shoot people until later in 2007. I don’t know if it was a ‘love’ for photography or not, but I did love what I was doing. It’s now just a part of me.

Have you always focussed on shooting fashion? Or did that stem from something else?

I used to go into abandoned buildings, or the port of Tacoma, or shoot while I was hiking. I was always interested in fashion, but was totally uncomfortable shooting people. I don’t know when I let my guard down a little and started to shoot people on the street exactly, but Le 21ème started around the same time.

What about the fashion industry excites you most?

Not much anymore, to be honest. It’s so much of a consumption machine that it’s a bit scary. However I do feed off of the fast pace of the industry. I like to have a sense of urgency in my work. It’s what drives me.

Who is your favourite kind of person to shoot?

There is no “type” of person I look for. I only look for individuals and people who I think are interesting. People I guess subconsciously I envy in some way, in their ability to express themselves.

Where is your favourite fashion city?

Copenhagen and Paris.

What are 3 items you always travel with to stay stylish.

I don’t try to be stylish ever. I wear what works for my job; I find the “coolest” version of what works for me, I guess. Black jeans, a hoodie and t-shirt, and a jacket. Normally black. I try to blend in.

What’s the biggest challenge you face with the ever-growing number of photographers creating work similar to yours?

Clearly missing photos. But this drives me as well. Nothing pushes me more than missing a photo of something amazing. So, the more photographers, the more obstacles; the harder I work.

What advice would you give to any aspiring photographers?

Get your ass out of bed. I don’t care if you didn’t sleep. The show starts and the people are coming whether you’re there or not. Are you going to miss this for another hour of sleep?

What’s next for Le 21ème?

More of the same. Travel. Sleepless nights. Hangovers. Running. I love my job. Many photographers shoot street to make money, or to use this as their foot in the door to commercial work. I love the street. This is what I’m meant to do.

Join Adam’s 440k Instagram followers at @le21eme and visit his website here.

All images by Adam Katz Sinding via W Magazine