I love photographers that create new worlds within their work. They take you out of the normalities of reality and plant you in the cosmic-like, creative areas of their mind. Carianne Older is one of those photographers, and her majestic frames have led her to being the photographer for many high profile brands and celebrities.

Her frames are eccentric, her subjects born to be in front of the camera. Older’s work is vibrant, it sparkles, and above all, it highlights her confidence to take risks. All of this goes into an impressive body of work that she has crafted throughout her career.

It’s no surprise the likes of Puma, PlayBoy, and a range of publications have all requested to work with Older, on more than one occasion.

Her work has a futuristic feel, all made with old school tools, making her one for all the film photography lovers of this world.

Them Frames had the chance to catch up with Older. In this interview we explore why she loves film photography, what it’s like working for huge clients and why music is at the foundation of her creative work.

Them Frames: Hey Carianne! Film photography in 2024...tell us why...

Carianne Older: Film photography brings a feeling to the images that digital just can’t quite capture – even with the amazing editing technology we have access to today. Part of it is the grain and range of color that comes with film, but the other part is the process itself. There’s a magic to not being able to see the picture immediately, and there’s something sacred about having a limited number of frames on each roll.

Them Frames: Like you say, digital gives you immediate feedback, whereas film doesn’t. Having worked with many high profile clients, does that add a layer of pressure? How do you manage that to ensure you do your best work?

Carianne Older: There’s a certain pressure, sure, but I think it also creates a better environment because it requires my subject to trust me as a photographer. It’s also worth noting that you can tether a digital camera to film cameras. This will capture a digital image that gives an idea of what the final film image will look like. I don’t love doing this though, because often the digital tether ends up looking very different from the final film picture.

Them Frames: I love the creativity in your frames. How hands-on are you with determining the aesthetic and mood of a shoot when working for a client?

Carianne Older: I like to be as involved as I possibly can. In addition to photography, I also do creative direction – whether just for a specific shoot, or more broadly across a project. Sometimes, clients will come with an idea ready that we can refine and shape together. I’m happy to work that way, but I really love when I can be part of the process from the beginning.

Them Frames: You shoot a lot of musicians and gigs, what drew you to this section of photography?

Carianne Older: I shoot what I love, and I’ve always loved music! Music and theater raised me. Photography came to me later in life. I love musicians because they are in the business of understanding who they are, and explaining that to the world, whether through music, visuals or even a social media persona. As a photographer, helping capture the essence of the person is one of the best parts of the job.

Them Frames: You have impressive clientele. Who have been some of your favorite clients to work with to date?

Carianne Older: It’s hard to choose, I’ve been very lucky to find lovely clients who are a dream to work with. This past summer I toured North America with Charlie Puth, and that definitely sticks out as a particularly special experience. It was my first tour, and I’m so glad I got to do it with someone as sweet as Charlie.

Them Frames: Who would be your dream celeb, brand or artist to shoot with?

Carianne Older: My dream is to shoot Matty Healy and The 1975. If you know him, put a good word in!

Them Frames: I see you’re no stranger to being in front of the camera. How do you feel when having your photo taken and how do you feel when reviewing images of yourself?

Carianne Older: I really enjoy modeling, I think largely because I love getting all dolled up! It’s also fun to step on the other side of the camera because it gives me more of a window into what it feels like to be one of my clients.

To be a great photographer, it’s just as important to be talented in a technical way as it is to make someone feel comfortable with a lens in their face. Without being in their shoes, it would be a lot harder to read and react to how my clients are feeling.

Them Frames: You offer mentorship: Briefly, what can someone expect from working with you that can help improve their skills as a photographer?

Carianne Older: As a mentor, I strive to pass on formal knowledge about photography, but more than that I want to encourage confidence. People often find photography intimidating, but in my opinion you’ll shoot your best when you’re feeling your best and having the most fun (like many things in life!).

Them Frames: What song or album would be the perfect soundtrack to your photography portfolio?

Carianne Older: “Is That All There Is?” by Peggy Lee

Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because...

Carianne Older: it gives me purpose.

You can enjoy more work by Carianne Older by visiting her website and Instagram.

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