This week Amber Leigh Doyle caught up with Morgan the Agency's resident photographer Lee Malone. As one of Ireland's most sought after photographers of the moment and just 25 years old... it's hard not to admire his work. He has a debut short film, NAKED, coming out soon too which is being met with great critical acclaim and which may be premiering in the FACTORY soon. Check out this interview and see his opinions on shooting Ireland's top models, working for Morgan the Agency, his opinion of the Irish Fashion Industry and the celebrities he would love to work with.
Q:Your only 25, did you ever imagine in your wildest dreams that you would become this successful so young?
A: When I was 17 I said I'd be a millionaire when I was 25... this has yet to happen! I'm still a bit away yet though from being "this successful" but I am enjoying the journey so far.
Q: You're part of Morgan the Agency, what is it like shooting beautiful women all day long?
A: Yep I have been on their books since October 2012, which I was delighted about when I found out. And what's it like shooting beautiful women all day... well it makes my job that much easier :)
Q: Have you struck up a friendship with many of the girls? What, in your opinion, is the most common misconception of the modelling industry?
Advertisement
A: Yep I have a great relationship with everyone I work with, but mostly with the girls. They are the ones that have to connect with me and my lens the most, so this has built up a great foundation between us. As for misconceptions, I haven't come across any of the usual, the girls here in Ireland are really talented and very smart; they're not just long legs and pretty faces.
Q:Where do you gain inspiration from for big shoots?
A: I get my inspiration from everything and everywhere, for example: art and movies. I think old films and cult classics are great for lighting, 80's flicks are great for that. Art and magazines are also good, but mostly the inspiration comes from my brain :)
Advertisement
A: No trick, you either got it or ya don't. Shoot days are the best as it is the day you and your team's creative ideas come alive.
Q:What has been your favorite photo-shoot to date and why?
A: Jesus that's a tough one, I'm not sure as I have put a lot of passion into all my shoots. In that way, they are all on the same level for me, so I can't choose :)
Q:If you had a choice, which celebrity would you absolutely love to do an editorial shoot with?
Advertisement
A: Ah this is an easy one, but they are old-school and I have a few: James Dean, Steve Mcqueen, Jack Nicholson, Tarantino, Bowie and then Grace Jones, Blondie, Marilyn... sorry I could have kept going there.
Q: If you couldn't be a photographer, what would be your other career choice?
A: Well before photography I studied Graphic Design. I might have fell into that I think, but a fantasy job would have to be a footballer!
Q:What advice would you give to others looking to get into the industry?
Advertisement
A: Forget the phone and buy a camera.
Q:What is your opinion of the Irish fashion industry?
A: Transparent: the whole industry can fit in a room, and I have actually witnessed that happening.
Q:Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?
Advertisement
A: 30!!! Jesus , well I hope to be living in London and working for the best magazines in the business and shooting campaigns for wrangler.
Advertisement
TWITTER
FACEBOOK
MORGAN the AGENCY
