Edward Duarte, Japan’s Photographer to the Stars

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet high fashion photographer, Edward Duarte. Based in Los Angeles, Duarte has developed a long standing relationship with Japanese fashion and celebrity. Some of his past clients include Ken Watanabe, Rinko Kikuchi, Nobu Matsuhisu and artist Murakami.

Edward received his Fine Arts Bachelor Degree and graduated from a Visual Communications programs at California State University in Long Beach. Upon graduating, he obtained a designer position at the prestigious Sussman/Prejza & Company. It was at Sussman/Prejza that he fully immersed himself into his mid-century aesthetic. It was there, where he acquired the consistent discipline and energy of Deborah Sussman, the decade-long art director at Ray and Charles Eames. It was at this lab comprising of both architects and designers, where he studied the complexities of modern culture, illuminating what the City of Los Angeles had to offer. Some of his studious projects included the UCLA Law Library, Hollywood & Highland, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Universal City Walk.

While attending UCLA’s Photography evening classes, Edward spent his weekends arranging test shoots for Ford and Elite modelling agencies. And then soon after leaving Sussman/Prejza, he began assisting PDN lighting master Michael Grecco on a full time schedule and working with publications — Marie Claire, Elle and Esquire, Japanese versions respectively.

Edward’s work was published in the Santa Fe Workshops, exhibited at Louis Stern Gallery and later syndicated by Icon International. Under Icon’s syndication, his images were published globally in Japan, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Russia, France, Korea, Singapore, Mexico and Australia. This significant accomplishment was fulfilling and fuels his continuous work and subjects, which in past have included celebrities — Jessica Alba, Peter Fonda, Tim Roth and Dave Navarro.

I spoke to Edward about his work in Japan and his passion for photography:

ASIANCE: Tell me a little about how you became a photographer, your background and your interest in high fashion photography.

Edward: I’m an LA based photographer so I wouldn’t consider myself high fashion, but I do make the ordinary look extraordinary. From Tiffany rings to Victoria Beckham to the Four Seasons Hotel; if I had to deal with actresses, models and their publicists everyday I’d jump out the window. Now you know why fashion shooters can be so angry.

ASIANCE: Was there anyone in your youth who inspired you to become a fashion photographer?

Edward: My uncle used to carry a camera around, but I was always reading and drawing as a kid. I have a BFA in visual communications which plays a big role in what I do.

ASIANCE: So much of your work can be seen in Asia, yet you reside in Los Angeles. How did you build such strong relationships with Asian magazines? And who are some of your major clients? (Edward, please list your Japanese Editorial clients here)

Edward: I was assisting for a well-known celebrity photographer. Another shooter was coming down from Canada and needed an assistant so they recommended me. It was a Japanese production and I met a writer that works out of LA. We did some small editorials, but the big break was 7-days in Hawaii for Esquire/Japan. The issue sold out.

ASIANCE: I’ve seen your list of celebrity clientele from Japan and it is most impressive. Ken Watanabe, Rinko Kikuchi and Kaori Momoi are among them. Can you tell me about a memorable experience with a celebrity?

Edward: Usually you don’t have that much time, but shooting Rinko Kikuchi at the Chateau Marmont was fun. It was shot on the patio with a roll of grey seamless behind her. Diego Uchitel is one of my favorite shooters and he did this amazing spread in New York Times Sunday Magazine. So I said, “hmmm if Diego was here, what would he do?

ASIANCE: You also shoot lifestyle photography that includes food and the presentation of elaborate dishes. Do you find Asian culture to be more interested in food preparation and presentation than in the West?

Edward: No, really it depends on the chef and restaurant. I’ve worked with French chefs that do just as elaborate presentations as any Japanese chef. But the ritual of service in Japan is amazing.

ASIANCE: You have shot for both Asian and European fashion magazines. What do you think is the main difference between the two in regards to fashion and how women perceive beauty?

Edward: I think fashion and beauty are universal. But when Spur does a cover the fashion team comes from all over the world. The model is Russian, the hair guy is French, the make up artist is British and the stylist is American. If you’ve ever been to Japan the girls are head to toe fashion.

ASIANCE: What upcoming projects are you currently working on?

Edward: I want to do a one way trip around the world and shoot a different model in every major city. Paris would be shot with wide angle lenses in black and white. Sidney would be lots of daylight/beachy. Tokyo long lenses artificial lighting. I’m still trying to figure out Singapore. I really want to go to Singapore.

ASIANCE: If people want to see your work and contact you, where can they go? (Edward, this is your website URL, Twitter, FB, etc)

Edward: www.duartephoto.com

ASIANCE: Do you have anything to say to young, aspiring fashion photographers that are reading your article right now?

Edward: If you want to do fashion you have to move to New York, Paris, London, Singapore or Tokyo to work with the right teams and people that take it serious. You need to know color and light ratios. You may copy a “edgy” style and do a couple of spreads but spreads don’t pay the rent….literally. So you have to know your craft.

ASIANCE: And lastly, do you have any great fashion or beauty tips for Asian American women?

Edward: Asian women have great skin because of their diet which is so important. Keep your face clean. Personally I love it when women have very little or no make up. Let your face breath.

Drink lots of water. Sleep at least 6 hours. Don’t smoke and cut down on the alcohol.

I love when women dress smart casual, nice jeans, simple top but with a personal touch.

Whether its some bracelet she found at the flea market or scarf that compliments her skin. That little touch. All the fashion editors and writers dress like that.

An actor and women’s safety advocate, Candace Kita is the author of “The Hottie Handbook: A Girl’s category_ide to Safety.” As a safety specialist, Candace has been interviewed by People, Good Morning America, the Jay Leno Show, Inside Edition, the Los Angeles Times, 48 Hours, the LOGO Network and WHO Australia.