Trevor Godinho

by Christine Barnett. London, UK
Trevor Godinho caught my eye immediately. Living in London few years back and hanging out with fashion photographers teaches you a thing or two about beauty & art.  His style is armed with creativity, curiosity and an eye for capturing sensuality and beauty. He is certainly on the fast track. Trevor Godinho is a known name both the fashion and art world.  His philosophy almost outshines his talents, in that he believes that ‘’art is created not of one person but from ego-less contributions from many parts for one single purpose, to capture truth.’’  This becomes apparent in every image he captures. He aims to cast aside the false and capture one’s fears, hopes, vulnerability and dreams, he feels this is when the subject truly lets down the veil of secrecy and invites inside the soul. This is a pinnacle part in his thought process. The human condition and nature are two most important elements to Trevor’s work and can be seen in almost every piece he creates. Over his 7-year career he has worked in various countries around the world From Canada, USA, United Kingdom to Australia and has been privileged to work with such names as Michael Douglas, Mila Jovovich, Thandie Newton Edward Norton and Nicholas Cage, various international designers, models from such agencies as ELITE, FORD NEXT and WILHELMINA, as well as many others from the Fashion, Film and Music industries. His work can been found gracing the pages of PLAYBOY FRANCE, PLAYBOY USA, MAXIM, FHM, ELLE CANADA, INSIDE FITNESS CANADA, CANADIAN HAIRDRESSER MAGAZINE ALFA NORWAY, ZOO WEEKLY AUSTRALIA, CHE BELGIUM and various other magazines and online blogs on the international stage.

How did you get into photography? Well I’ve always been interested in photography, in some way or form. I love capturing images; be it sunsets, people or architecture. I have always liked how an image in a different light, mood or context tells a story….some times a different story for different viewers. The creation process, minus the difference in medium and toolset, was not that much different from painting, which I did prior to moving completely into photography.

How did you realize this is your journey?  I enjoyed capturing images more than the time spent in the darkroom to process them. The ability to create and have my images speak to the viewer, became an addiction.

Whats inspires you? It could be anything, the sunset, shadows, colors, shapes or human emotion; I’m in constant awe about the world around me, I think due to our fast paced lives a lot of us miss out on the amazing things around us. I tend to move slower than most and soak it all in, and sometimes that shows in my work or on my Instagram.

What do you like about particular genre? The genre of photography? Well that’s easy it’s that split second when the subject feels comfortable to let the outside world see them for who they really are, that split second they let their guard down and their true vulnerability shows. If you can capture that, you’ve got gold.

Whats your favorite style? I try to not get too pigeon holed when I work, there is a thin line between the styles I work in its almost like a hybrid between high fashion, portraiture, something sexy like Maxim styled stuff and fine art. I love the challenge of fashion and fine art; the creative energies that come with working with amazing people from the model who lends him or herself to the be the clay and the artists that mold the piece such as hair makeup and styling. And you can’t forget the creative director when working on magazine commissioned pieces. Personally I’m not against the maxim like style, but when you blend it with fashion and art, and pull out that sensuality and sexiness and twist the context to say something more than “great another hot girl… so what” you get something that speaks to people on different levels.

Which publications did you work for? I’ve shot a few issues of Playboy in my career. And no, it’s not what you think. It wasn’t images of female subjects, rather celebrity portraitures from Big Boi of Outkast, to Dj Sylvain Armand who was named by Bob Sinclair as the next Bob Sinclair.

Have you felt any limitations from the publications that you’ve worked for? Not really, most publications know the subject matter I work in and have requested my work or myself based on that, or on a good day the talent being photographed requests me mostly due to our prior work history or interest my work.

Tyler Shields, wanted to create raw images with a provocative touch, almost ”too much.” He was told he’ll never be published mainstream so, he decided to do it his way. Comments? I’m the same way. I’m an artist, this is my form of expression so I know how Mr. Shields feels, one cannot conform to something one is not. That’s one of the reasons I try to shy away from doing overly commercial work. Funny, in some circles I’m considered a risk as my style is very European and tends to clash a lot with the North American commercial industry.

How long have you been doing this? Has the industry changed? About 7 years now, no regrets really. As with all things change is inevitable, when I started, digital cameras were still new and very expensive. And jumping into the industry from a hobby to a profession was a very expensive proposition, and on top of that there was the choice of shooting digital or film. These days things have moved so far ahead that the joy of seeing your film develop in the darkroom is all but forgotten. With cameras being more and more affordable, everyone has the ability to create. This is a great thing, but it also damages the business side. How do you value your work or how do others value it? Are people going to invest in you, or look for a way to save a few bucks. It’s now all about quality vs. quantity, and somewhere in the middle the true professionals are feeling the squeeze.

What could be improved? Education is where I’d start. Educating the industry that its not about who does the job the cheapest, but that it’s an investment in a quality product that will come with a return of benefits.

The perks? Traveling since the start I’ve been lucky to work in places people can only dream about from shooting in amazing cities such London and NYC to beaches that no one has ever stepped foot on in Australia it’s an amazing feeling.

The downsides? Being away from my girlfriend and family some times leaves you kind of homesick.

Do you like art, women or beauty? What makes you LOVE what you do? all of the three? Personally it’s the creation of art the ability to create no matter what the subject matter is. Working with beautiful people and celebrities are a perk but it’s not all its cracked up to be. My focus is always my work. If you lose sight of that, then you’re done.

Have you experimented with different styles which weren’t well received and why? (photography as art vs advertising) I try to keep an open mind to all genres that make up photography, I’ve done some abstract art photography back in my university days but wasn’t for me, I’m more Caravaggio than Picasso if that makes any sense. I’ve shot cars for Mitsubishi Motors few years ago it was different; very challenging but a great experience, currently I’m dabbling in architecture which I’ve always been interested in it as a setting for my shoots.

Who has been awesome to work with? My best experience was Michael Douglas, an icon, the only celeb I was nervous about shooting, especially since I had no idea he was going to be the subject. I remember him saying to me “where do you want me, sitting-standing we can go to out on the balcony” which reminded me he’s just like any one else, it’s the media that makes celebrities bigger than life. I remember it well because shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer. I was really humbled and honored to have worked with him hopefully I can do it again.

Who has influenced you? I have many influences mainly works of photographers like Russell James, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Vincent Peters, Raphael Mazzucco Mario Sonnenti, the list goes on.

Who is Trevor? Photographer, creator, explorer, experimenter or admirer of beauty? A storyteller that appreciates everything the world has to offer. I’m interested in capturing and telling the story of that fleeting moment that we will never live again.