Kirstin's campaign image for Chloé Fragrances
Kirstin's photography book, A Front Row Seat, was published in 2011
Ciinderella Balthazar, photographed by Kirstin for Seen on Sloane
Photographer Kirstin Sinclair is the eye behind our monthly Seen on Sloane shoot of the most stylishly dressed people on the Street. You may have seen her out and about, deftly spotting the most fashionable people in the neighbourhood.
Here, she tells Sloane Street about what it means to be truly stylish, her style inspiration and what it takes to make it as a photographer.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER?
After graduating from university with a BA Hons degree in fine art photography, I moved to London to pursue a career. I initially found work with various photographers as a shoot assistant, a PA and printer before interning at a fashion magazine.
It was through a recommendation while at the magazine that I finally secured a paid job as a photographer. For the next eight years, I worked as part of a team shooting documentary photos at the international catwalk shows for Elle in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
WAS THIS YOUR FIRST CAREER CHOICE?
I like to think it was serendipity. I initially intended to study painting at university. However, after taking a photography module in my first year, one of my tutors saw my potential behind the lens and the seed was sown. This decision turned out to be life-changing; the more I learnt about photography, the more I realised how much I loved it and how much more it had to offer as a career choice. I’ve been obsessed ever since; I’m constantly taking photos.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love the fact that no two days are the same and that my work allows me to travel and connect with so many incredibly talented and inspirational people from all over the world. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of photographing some of the world’s most recognised models and celebrities.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Work hard. Believe in yourself and remember that success rarely comes without trial and error along the way. It takes time to build a career in the photography industry so you have to really want it, there’s also a lot of learning involved – particularly with the speed technology is moving today – and as a photographer, it’s important to keep up.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DECIDING WHO TO SHOOT FOR STREET STYLE?
There’s more to it than a nice outfit. I look for how a person uses colour, texture or print, or how they interpret a trend. I’m drawn to people who have fun with fashion and who see it as an extension of their personality.
Street style at the fashion weeks is highly trend orientated and can be very avant garde, whereas the looks I see on Sloane Street are much more about wearability. It’s about looking good and wearing trends in their own way.
WHAT MAKES A REALLY GREAT STREET-STYLE PHOTOGRAPHER?
A love of fashion and meeting people, as well as the tenacity to travel and walk miles in all weather conditions to get the shots.
WHAT DIRECTION IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY CURRENTLY TAKING?
I’ve started focusing more on beauty and wellness, alongside my fashion work. I really enjoy the creative direction and attention to detail involved and that it helps to keep me at the forefront of new concepts I can introduce into my own wellness routine.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE TODAY’S CHELSEA LOOK?
I’d say sharp tailoring meets sports luxe. Maybe a beautifully tailored jacket paired with some on-trend trainers. Then add in a luxury handbag and accessories from a Sloane Street hero brand. Dior, Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are favourites on the Street. To complete the look, include a cap and dog!
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE TRULY STYLISH?
I believe the key elements to dressing well are in understanding what styles suit your figure and which colours work best on you. Armed with this knowledge, it’s about wearing clothes you personally love and not following trends or buying expensive pieces for the sake of it. Some of the most stylish people I know wear a mix of designer, high street and vintage pieces.
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
I’d love to be a great singer. To be able to go to an event, take the mic and surprise everyone with pitch-perfect vocals. I sing in the shower every day so there’s always hope.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My documentary photography at the catwalk shows inspired me to write and publish my first book, A Front Row Seat. The book includes a foreword written by supermodel Erin O’Connor and launched alongside the exhibition Catwalk to Cover at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London in 2011.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
One of the highlights was when I got the opportunity to photograph Kate Moss on the catwalk during the iconic autumn/winter 2011-12 Louis Vuitton womenswear show in the Louvre in Paris. It was the last show of my last season before my book went to print, it just wouldn’t have been complete without a shot of Kate on the catwalk.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
My cameras. I never want to miss a moment to record a memory. And my Omega watch, which was given to me for my 21st birthday by my grandad, who has since passed away.
WHAT WARDROBE ITEMS DO YOU SEEM TO NEVER HAVE ENOUGH OF?
The perfect little black dress. It’s just like Coco Chanel said: “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I grew up in the country in a village outside Cambridge and during the school holidays I would cycle four miles early in the morning to pick berries to be made into jam. The harder I worked and the more fruit I picked the more I was able to earn. A work ethic that has definitely served me well when it comes to running my own business.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAVEL?
The Caribbean for its beautiful beaches, great food, fantastic vibes and incredible light. I visited St Lucia in January 2020 with my parents and feel very blessed to have had this experience just before we went into our first lockdown in the UK.
I’m sure the holiday played a big part in helping with my mental health and wellbeing at the time. I’m a strong believer that rest and reflection are just as key to a successful happy life as hard work and dedication.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN STYLE?
Classic with a rock’n’roll twist. My inspiration comes from Kate Moss.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SLOANE STREET?
For me, Sloane Street is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by some of fashion’s most iconic luxury boutiques. I love seeing their highly innovative window displays showcasing the latest trends each season. It’s also one of the best places in London to shop for presents and enjoy a bit of al fresco dining in Sloane Square, Pavilion Road’s artisanal food quarter.
