From shooting friends to global campaigns - Delphine Brunner’s career evolution from photography enthusiast to industry pro
Delphine Brunner: Fashion & Beauty Photographer
Delphine is an extremely talented, Ibiza based Fashion Photographer. She shoots internationally, in both digital and film photography, working alongside the best creatives in the industry. Her impressive editorial and brand work includes MAC Cosmetics, BMW and magazine editorials for c-heads, NAKID and LUCY’S. She speaks about building her profile, distinguishing herself, having self-confidence and what led her to pursue a career in Fashion Photography.
By Hannah Tappin
Hannah: So Delphine, what was journey to becoming a fashion photographer, where did it all start out for you?
“It started off as a hobby but I knew I wanted to eventually make a living from it!”
Delphine: It all started 13 years ago. I was only 12 years old and got my first professional digital camera. I started to shoot all my friends - luckily for me, my friends were all beautiful girls! Basically, it started off as a Hobby but I knew I wanted to eventually make a living from it!
Hannah: Amazing, I think it’s great your true passion is also your job. What do you think is important to remember when establishing yourself as a photographer?
Delphine: For me the most important thing is to have a good team, as this allows shoots to flow perfectly. Also make sure you have good organisation and styling skills. Clear weather and great locations all make the difference to a shot!
Hannah: I believe psychology and photography are so interlinked. How does your own psychology influence the images you shoot?
Delphine: I am a very positive and happy person, so I use my positive energy on set to make the models and the team feel energised. This always gets the best results. I would say to maintain a positive outlook and good wellbeing. Basically, happy feelings help produce the best work. An uplifting and encouraging communicative energy on set helps makes the model feel beautiful.
Hannah: What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most versus find the most challenging?
“What I enjoy most is the magic of having something on your mind, an idea, that you can’t even explain, but after you create it and shoot it, you get it on the photos and you feel complete!”
Delphine: What I enjoy most is the magic of having something on your mind, an idea, that you can’t even explain, but after you create it and shoot it, you get it on the photos and you feel complete! Recently, I have started shooting on film, which enhances the revealing of the image being brought to life. I enjoy this process so so much!
Hannah: Ah, I love that! I think a creative mindset full of ideas is so inspiring! What has been your favourite editorial or brand campaign you’ve shot so far and why?
Delphine: Oh, I think for me that it’s impossible to choose just one! I have loved my six years in fashion photography and worked with such amazing brands, I couldn’t choose just one.
Hannah: Okay, well with your impressive website portfolio of editorials and brands I can see why! You also teach photography, what are vital pieces of advice, tips and tricks that you give to students?
“My ultimate biggest tip…is to create! Never stop creating, any idea you have, as hard you think it might be to do, do it!”
Delphine: My ultimate biggest tip…is to create! Never stop creating, any idea you have, as hard you think it might be to do, do it! With regards to tips and tricks I would say consider the lighting, sunsets will always be the best.
Hannah: Yes, I love golden hour and the beautiful glow it gives. What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
“Not everyone will see your efforts, but just keep doing it!”
Delphine: One big lesson I’ve learnt is that not all you clients will be nice to you. Some will be a pain in the a** and even make you want to quit your job! I guess that in all jobs there will be painful client and not everyone will see your efforts, but just keep doing it!
Hannah: Yes, persistence and perseverance despite pushback is so crucial. You shoot both film and digital, what’s your preference? What do you think each are best used for?
“I fell totally in love with the magic of the film. The colours and light in film is so special. Waiting for the rolls to develop with no idea how it will look… That’s so exciting!”
Delphine: Yes, I shoot both film and digital. I got into film more recently a year and a half ago... and totally fell in love with the magic of the film. The colours and light in film is so special. Waiting for the rolls to develop with no idea how it will look… That’s so exciting! Sometimes when using film, I miss the control you have with a digital camera and that you can see what you doing and correct it! And that you can just click as many times you want!
Hannah: Couldn’t agree more! All my favourite photography and photographers use film, you being one of them! It feels more authentic and speaks to me more. How have you established contacts for your business? Did your career take off quickly?
“As time goes on, the more people you will know, just be patient.”
Delphine: I have contacts all over the world, I think just make yourself known. When working with many models and brands people will notice you. As time goes on, the more people you will know, just be patient. I studied a Masters in Barcelona in Fashion Photography and Publicity Photography initially. Once I finished, I started working in a shop and alongside did extra little photography jobs. From there I got more jobs as a photographer until I could afford to quit my job in the shop.
Hannah: Amazing. Has shooting beautiful models changed your expectations, standards or perceptions of beauty, and if so how?
Delphine: I have actually been modelling myself for five years. I do prefer to be on the other side of the camera though! I never really liked the photos taken of me.
I have always loved beautiful models; I love sweet and romantic faces. I think beauty is everywhere and even girls I don’t shoot who look less like a model are beautiful!
Hannah: Wow, I love that you have experienced being on both sides of the lens! Have you always lived in Ibiza? Do you think the beautiful weather landscape makes for better pictures?
Delphine: I have lived in Ibiza since I was three weeks old! So yes, all my life basically. It wasn’t my chosen place to work but rather my home. I love Ibiza to shoot, but it is a small island so it always limits my imagination. I love to travel and shoot around the world!
Hannah: You’ve shot some huge campaigns for big brands with huge influencers like Bonnie Strange for MAC. Do you find it psychologically challenging to adapt to commercial brands, teams and briefs that differ from your style?
Delphine: Yes, definitely it is a huge challenge to work with a big brand such as MAC. It can be tough to create their expectations, but also a very good experience, they were really nice and treated me super well. I loved that they let me create and let my imagination flow!
Hannah: Yes, what an amazing opportunity that sounds. Is there a secret to creating a mesmerizing, eye catching image?
“shoot what you like, and there will always be people who admire your job!”
Delphine: Not a secret, just shoot what you like, and there will always be people who admire your job!
Hannah: How do you maintain positive psychological wellbeing and ensure work life balance?
Delphine: I try to live very chilled and try not to stress. Sometimes, the night before a big campaign I can’t sleep because my mind doesn’t stop thinking about the ideas I have and making sure that I don’t forget anything. I try not to do more than two shoots a week so I have time for my life and keep it calm!
Hannah: To succeed in industry people often say you need to have a thick skin, resilience, confidence and self-belief in your art. What techniques do you use to build your confidence and push yourself with work?
“I just choose to believe in myself, I love myself and my work. It’s so important to do that because if you don’t love your own work, who will?”
Delphine: I’ve always been a super confident person. I just choose to believe in myself, I love myself and my work. It’s so important to do that because if you don’t love your own work, who will?
Hannah: Brilliant I love that philosophy! How would you describe your job in three words?
Delphine: Creative, artistic & passionate.
Hannah: Why is photography so meaningful and special to you personally?
Delphine: Photography is my outlet to be creative and basically it’s my life! It makes my mind work hard, but I love it! Even if I’m not working, I always want to grab my camera and shoot!
Hannah: What makes you the happiest?
Delphine: Travel makes me the happiest! I also take my camera with me to shoot beautiful places.
Hannah: What is the biggest perk of your job?
Delphine: The biggest perk of my job is that I can do it wherever I want, whenever I want! It’s freedom.
Hannah: How do you manage stress during time sensitive, high pressure shoots?
Delphine: Simple, I manage stress by having a break and eating something good!!
Hannah: What is next for you? How do you think you will go about achieving your goals?
Delphine: Well, I never think too far into in the future. Instead, I try to live in the present. I think everyone should do this and do whatever you want to do!I would love to travel and shoot everywhere! As many places as possible!
Hannah: Thank you so much for talking to me, your passion and energy really made me smile!