The Cheaper Show takes a moment with New York photographer and Cheaper No. 9 artist Jody Rogac, as well as Vancouver stylist Leila Bani. This photo series is a product of a creative collaboration between the two.
JD: Who are you?
JR: I’m Jody and I’m a photographer.
JD: Moving from Vancouver to New York, how has your practiced evolved in a new city?
JR: It’s forced me to be more creative, and to become a better problem solver. NY is so different from Vancouver — being here made me explore new ways of shooting while still maintaining my style. It’s been a great leap forward for me.
JD: Do you see a difference between the arts community and fashion community?
JR: There are definitely lots of differences but also many similarities. Everything here is just on a bigger scale. But while each city has its many great established artists and designers, there is also a ton of really exciting new talent to be found. I find the arts and fashion communities in both cities to be very inspiring.
JD: Explain your connection with Leila?
JR: Leila is an amazing stylist, and more importantly an amazing person! We’ve worked on many shoots together and it’s always a great creative collaboration between the two of us. Through working together we’ve become great friends — something I feel very lucky for!
JD: Who are you?
LB: I am Leila, I style and meow
JD: What brought you to styling?
LB: A bit of an obsession. I tended to unknowingly ruin people’s conversations and movie watching experiences by interjecting and rambling on about some amazing designer/photographer/model/shoe/fabric/etc. Now i’m fortunate enough to have a few people in my life who want to hear it.
JD: You have worked tons with Jody, what is it like working with her?
LB: Funny thing is, we actually haven’t worked together tons yet- it just feels that way. Well, that sounds wrong but you know what I mean… I feel like I’ve known Jody for ages and am completely comfortable running any and all ideas and opinions by her. A big part of that is because she is undeniably an incredibly talented photographer with brilliant perspective, and an outstanding human being!! RESPEK!
JD: How has your practice developed and changed over time?
LB: I really hope it has improved! I think I’ve learned a little bit of restraint, which is important. I’m cool with less. Or more.
JD: The photo set we are showing was done for art and fun with no client in mind. What makes a “creative” different for you than a paid one?
LB: In this particular case, better catering! Special thanks to the Rogac family for their generous hospitality. “Creatives” are a time to move forward and experiment with new: concepts, lights, gadgets, subjects, techniques, teams, and the like when you are not on someone else’s time/dime.
Beautiful work! I love that black hat!