We recently chatted with NYC based music & fashion photographer, Santiago Felipe.

He also shared a statement about Annie Leibovitz in The Back Room.

Here’s our full interview:

1. How would you describe your work to someone just being introduced to you?

Cinematic, I think. I always go for expressions & emotion. It comes naturally. What also helps is that I stand out or in a weird way I’m drawn to who I’m photographing. I’ve had clients say that they love how I work. When shooting concerts I’ve had artists pose, smile or point at me out of all the photographers shooting the show. It’s kind of great and even throws me off sometimes.

2. Where does your imagery stem from. What inspires you?

Music. For example, all the fashion/portrait stuff I’ve been setting up lately, it just comes to me when I’m riding on the train or something, just listening to my iPod. I’ll start forming images or ideas.

I’ll feed off the vibe or mood the music put me in. I believe that’s why a lot of my concert photos come together. If I’m really enjoying myself or know the music well, the photos always seem to turn out great.

Read the remainder of this interview after the jump…

3. What’s been the most fun shoot that you’ve been a part of?

There’s been quite a few over the last couple of months. NYE with Fischerspooner w. Dangerous Muse, basically because I got to hang out in the photo pit the whole show. Other then that, Kylie Minogue and the interview I shot with The Golden Filter.

4. What do you have lined up for the beginning part of 2010?

So far 2010 has been amazing, and I sensed it! I’m sort of leaning a little bit towards fashion or press/promo work this time around. I have so many ideas too. In a few days I’ll be working with a beautiful young lady, Carolina Ramirez. She’s worked with Christian Siriano & Brad Wash.

I have a friend and costume designer, Michael Ventelo, on board for this project. He’s made pieces for Trajal Harrell that featured & reviewed in The New York Times. I still have pieces from artist Jason Villegas that I need to use on a shoot. So much really. I’ve also been asked to shoot some great shows that coming up.

5. Are there any misconceptions that you’d like to clear up?

Ready for my rant? Photographing live shows has always been a passion for me, especially if it’s an artist I enjoy listening to. I didn’t pick up a camera just because it was the next hip thing to do or because I got a new blog or any of that nonsense.

I started at 17 with a regular 35mm camera and never thought anything about it–except that I loved going to concerts and taking pictures.

I couldn’t go to a show without bringing my camera. It was my thing. I never went to school for it. I don’t think I ever fully read a camera manual, everything has been hands on–even when I was working with a professional 35mm cam.

Also, just about all my equipment right now is handed down or used, because I simply can’t afford to cough up so much money on it. So I’ve never had the privilege of some younger photographers.

Still, at times I believe I’m looked down at first by clients or other photographers just because I’m not carrying the 2-3 cameras with the 3-4 different lenses. I actually think I would look silly with all that stuff on me. It’s like guys… we’re here to shoot a indie show or whatever, not some huge sports event.

I don’t know, that’s just me. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with a great eye & vision. That’s what’s brought me this little success so far and I’m very proud of how I’ve done it.

Posted on February 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm