Photographer Victor Demarchelier follows in famous father's footsteps
Acclaimed fashion photographer Victor Demarchelier proves that he is an artist in his own right, writes Kavita Daswani
His son Victor, 30, is not the sort to bask in his father's glory. The shared surname might have opened a few doors earlier on, but the younger Demarchelier has blazed his own trail since then, whether it's a scarlet-lipped Naomi Watts for the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia, erotic girl-on-girl shots for Interview or artsy black-and-white still-life portraits for his solo exhibitions. Demarchelier, who was born and raised in New York and still lives there, says his earliest recollection of being involved in his father's world came when he was a child.
"I remember being on a shoot for British Vogue in St Barths when I was quite young," he says. "My father asked me to jump in the model's lap. That picture was eventually used for the cover."
Still he was not certain, even as a student, that this was the field he wanted to work in.
"I knew I wanted to do something creative," he says. "I initially was interested in architecture." He studied economics and fine art at Vassar College, where he focused on printmaking. After graduating, he began working with his father on some shoots, and his future career clarified itself when he began making prints of his own personal photos in his father's darkroom. He concedes that helping his father out "was a great way to meet people in the industry", and acknowledges that his family ties have pushed him to excel.
"My father has taught me everything I know," he says. Among the most valuable lessons, and one he will try to pass on to others starting out: "Do what you love to do, and you will be successful in life."
Demarchelier says his liberal arts college background and interest in architecture propelled him along, though he cannot pinpoint a defining moment when it all came together.
"I try to bring out the best in my subjects," he says, something evident in the youthful exuberance in many of his fashion shoots, or the gravitas he has brought to photographing film producer Harvey Weinstein for Vanity Fair. "I try to work fast and efficiently so that the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for them. I think this shows in my subject's beauty. I enjoy shooting everyone. It's the variety of personalities that makes this job exciting."
