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In conversation with
Kirstin Sinclair
The fashion photographer tells Kaye Holland about her secret to success, mentoring others and why she’d love to work with La Moss
It’s hard to know where to start with Kirstin Sinclair’s CV. The Cambridge native has photographed the front-row of every international fashion show, written and published a book – A Front Row Seat with a foreword by supermodel Erin O’Connor – curated a Catwalk to Cover exhibition at The Fashion and Textile Museum and, in recent years, established herself as one of the foremost street style photographers shooting street style content for Getty Images and well-known brands including Kurt Geiger and, Coach New York.
So how did she get her break? It happened by serendipity. Sinclair started out as a painter – “photography wasn’t big back then” – but, while studying Fine Art photography at Cardiff University, she had to learn three mediums: Sculpture, painting and photography. “One day, my lecturer came over and said ‘Kirsten, your paintings are nice but your photography is exceptional’ and the seed was sown,” revealed Sinclair.
Upon graduation, Sinclair landed a job working for catwalk photographer Anthea Simms – with whom she spent eight years – “and that’s when my journey as a fashion photographer really began,” she recalled down the phone from her east London home, where lives with her three black cats.
She continued: “It was a fantastic opportunity for me. I got to meet and network with many different people from the fashion industry and build up my technical knowledge and confidence as a photographer shooting some of the world’s most recognised models and celebrities.”
For the last nine years, Sinclair has been working for Getty Images at events including Royal Ascot, London and Paris fashion weeks – as well as award ceremonies and parties for the likes of Cartier and Chloe.
When she reflects on her bank of star-studded fashion memories in a bid to recall her favourite, her highlight, Sinclair stumbles upon Ralph Lauren’s 50th anniversary fashion show and dinner – which took place on Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace around the iconic Bethesda Fountain back in September 2018.
“The scale of the celebration was unprecedented and the stars were out in force. Oprah, Robert de Niro, Julianne Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Kanye, Steven Spielberg and a slew of American fashion designers including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Donna Karan were all there in black tie – but no one had me briefed me re the event or the dress code so I had to urgently borrow a dress,” she laughed.
“I remember, at the end of the evening, walking along what must surely have been the longest red carpet ever to the exit and calling my Mum to tell her about my ‘pinch yourself’ evening.”
Not that life as a female fashion photographer is always a bed of roses. “I worked the front row at fashion shows for eight years and certainly experienced being pushed around by men,” Sinclair grimaced.
She added: “No favours were given. As a result, I developed my own style. I got to know security who would give me the heads up when a celebrity was about to be escorted out. I worked in a certain way – I wasn't part of the paparazzi so I never behaved like paparazzi.”
In part, Sinclair credits a community of photographers – “I’m in a WhatsApp group of around 100 international photographers and we regularly check in and help and support each other” – for her career longevity and has taken to mentoring University of West London photography students herself. “I answer their questions and offer work experience wherever possible,” she said.
“I always tell budding fashion photographers to work hard, believe in yourself and remember that success rarely comes without trial and error along the way. If something doesn’t work out, sit down and work out why so you can learn from what happened and improve.”
When the fashion industry was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic – stores closed, orders were cancelled, factories shut and fashion shows were called off – Sinclair admitted to bracing herself for a tough year. Thankfully the last 18-months haven’t been all doom and gloom.
The silver-lining of coming out of lockdown? “I’ve learnt that rest and reflection are just as key to a successful career and happy life as hard work and dedication,” shared Sinclair.
Due to Getty Images’ vast library of photographs – Getty Images makes its money by licensing its millions of photos to publishers, advertisers and corporate customers – she was fortunate to be able to earn a passive income. Furthermore, the photographic agency actively encouraged Sinclair to get out and shoot street-style content in between lockdowns.
So what makes Sinclair stop someone to take a picture? “There’s more to it than a nice outfit,” she revealed. “It could be because of the way a person uses colour, texture or print or how they interpret a trend. I am drawn to people who have fun with fashion and who see it as an extension of their personality.”
When asked who she would most love to photograph, she replied without hesitation: “Kate Moss. I’m a huge fan of her personal style as well as the incredible work she’s created throughout her career appealing to women of all ages. She’s been my favourite model ever since my GCSE days.”
In her downtime, Sinclair loves “practicing yoga and meditation” and, pre-pandemic, enjoys “travelling whenever possible. I have a big love of the beach, swimming and sunny climates.“ She is also “looking into taking jewellery design classes in my free time – I love the cultural history and personal meaning jewellery can hold.”
Like everything Sinclair does, one thing is certain: it will be worth the wait.
