The Face Hunter, Swiss fashion photographer/blogger Yvan Rodic, was in Bangkok recently to promote his new book and he tells Life how he created a dream job of fashion, travel and fun.
The Face Hunter, Swiss fashion photographer/blogger Yvan Rodic, was in Bangkok recently to promote his new book and he tells Life how he created a dream job of fashion, travel and fun.
Snapping pictures of stylish people and posting them online, something he once did for fun, is now a full-time job for Rodic, who is internationally known by his blog name, Face Hunter.
Last week, Rodic was in Bangkok to promote his new book and Life sat down with the Face Hunter to find out more about the life of a world-renowned fashion blogger.
Rodic in a Bangkok tuk tuk. Facebook
How did you come up with the name Face Hunter?
I started to call myself that because my early photos were about faces. I started doing headshots of people, and that's when the name Face Hunter came along.
When did you realise it's no longer a hobby?
After I started blogging for six months, I went to New York and Conde Nast approached me. They asked me to take pictures for them and paid me. That's when I realised it had potential to be more than a hobby.
People were excited about my work and started to recognise me. I thought to myself. 'Wow, something is happening at this point'.
You started blogging in 2006. Have you noticed any changes in the way you work now?
The mission is a diversification of activities, from one blog to two blogs to video projects and publishing. Blogging is only one part of an activity now, and it has become much more international than ever. And, yes, it has become more of a business.
What about your style, has it changed?
The fact that I am constantly photographing people, I have become pickier. I have seen many people with different looks and characters, so I always want something more to surprise or seduce me. I guess I am more difficult to please now.
At first, you started with a blog, now you have your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, as well as your official website. Do you work on your own or you have a team?
I work by myself, but I have people who represent me, DBA (Digital Brands Architects) in New York. They negotiate my contracts. It is one of the biggest blogger agencies in the world.
Images from Rodic’s new book A Year in The Life of Face Hunter that represent his fun and playful style of photography.
You have been travelling around the world for your blog, which city impressed you most?
Rio de Janeiro is very interesting. The city is beautiful. People are charming and friendly. The music scene there is great, as well as the food.
Everywhere you look, you'll see something beautiful and colourful. It is really inspiring.
What about a city that surprised you or was beyond your expectations?
I was very surprised by Jakarta because it is a lesser-known city compared to others cities where I have been. I found a lot of creativity there. Now I know this city has a lot to offer.
What do you think about the Bangkok fashion scene?
It is a great spot. Because of the weather, I think people cannot really dress the way they want all the time. It is more of an event-orientated scene, I guess. The scene is colourful. People are daring. It is very playful. I like it.
What makes you different from other bloggers?
I think what makes my work different is that it includes culture and travel. I think I am the one who travels the most, including to lesser known cities, while others usually blog about big fashion cities.
Who is your favourite photographer?
Rineke Djikstra. She is a Dutch portraitist. Her works are very natural, very inspiring.
Since you have photographed many people in many places, what do you personally find a fashion faux pas?
Wearing flip-flops in the city. The beach is OK, but not in the city. Especially for guys, I think men's toes should be hidden [laughs].
stylish – fashionable; elegant and attractive นำสมัย, เข้าสมัย renowned – famous and admired for a special skill or achievement ที่มีชื่อเสียง hobby – an activity that you do for pleasure when you are not working งานอดิเรก approach – to speak to somebody about something, especially to ask them for something or to offer to do something เข้าหา realise – to know about ตระหนัก รู้ potential – what is possible ความเป็นไปได้ recognise – to give praise or approval to someone or something เป็นที่ชื่นชม ยกย่อง mission – an important piece of work that a person or a group of people has been given to do ภาระกิจ หน้าที่ diversification – developing a wider range of products, interests, skills, etc. in order to be more successful or reduce risk การทำให้หลากหลาย constantly – continuously; all the time อย่างต่อเนื่อง picky – liking only particular things and difficult to please จู้จี้มาก seduce – to persuade or interest somebody to do something that they would not usually agree to do by making it seem very attractive ยั่วยวน, ล่อใจ, ดึงดูด please – to make someone feel happy and satisfied ทำให้พอใจ, ทำให้ถูกใจ represent – to act, speak or be present officially for another person or people เป็นตัวแทน negotiate – to try to reach an agreement by discussing something in a formal way เจรจาต่อรอง contract – an official written agreement สัญญา impress – to cause someone to admire or respect someone/something ทำให้ประทับใจ charming – very attractive and pleasant น่ารัก, สวยงาม inspiring – exciting and encouraging you to do or feel something ที่สร้างแรงบันดาลใจ beyond expectations – very different from what is expected ที่ไม่ได้คาดไว้ creativity – the ability to create new ideas or things using your imagination ความสามารถในการสร้างสรรค์, ความคิดสร้างสรรค์ event – an organised occasion such as a party, exhibition or sports competition งาน, งานกสังคม, การแข่งขัน orientate – orient; to direct somebody/something towards something; to make or adapt somebody/something for a particular purpose ปรับ,ปรับตัว daring – very brace; showing courage and determination กล้าหาญ culture – the customs and beliefs, art, way of life and social organization of a particular country or group วัฒนธรรม favourite – something you like the best of all similar things ที่ชอบมากที่สุด, ที่โปรดปราน, ของโปรด portraitist – a person who makes portraits (paintings, photographs, drawings, etc. of a person) นักเขียนภาพคน natural – normal; as you would expect ตามธรรมชาติ, เหมือนจริง faux pas – not socially correct การประพฤติผิด, การทำผิด, ความผิดพลาด flip-flops – a pair of sandals (= open shoe) that has a piece of leather, etc. that goes between the big toe and the toe next to it on each shoe รองเท้าแตะ
