In honor of Read-A-Romance Month and Romance Awareness Month, this August we’ll be sharing insights from members of the romance bookish community! For this month’s issue, we took a look at this community and what makes it so special in this article, and interviewed internationally best-selling romance author TL Swan to learn more about her writing approach and widespread impact in this article. Here, you can read the full interview with renowned romance novel cover photographer Michelle Lancaster. For her website and social media, see below!
How did you first get into photography? What is your background in the photography industry? How would you describe your experiences more generally?
After finishing high school I studied Graphic Art and Multimedia. Eventually, I got a position within a magazine publishing company as a junior and one year later, I was the Art Director. Probably because everyone kept quitting, but I’ll take it. I love being thrown in the deep end. I did longggg hours as I decided to keep studying graphic design full time whilst maintaining my full time job at the publishing house, (as long as the magazines came out on deadline, they were happy). As a result, I got some debilitating RSI in my wrist. I decided I couldn’t keep doing this work so thought maybe picking up a camera might change the action my arm was doing and still keep me in the art world. I started photographing content for the magazine and then moved on to photograph rock bands and going on tours. I eventually went on to have kids and ended up feeling self conscious over the weight I had gained, so I started training and exercising in the gym. I felt like photographing body builders and the rest is history.
Do you exclusively shoot for romance novel cover photos, or do you do other types of photography as well? Did you always want to be a part of this particular industry?
I’m ALL IN for the book world. It’s very rare that I’ll do anything else now. I do enjoy photographing actors though, it’s a bonus when a model is also an actor. Acting does lend itself well to the book world too, for obvious reasons. Sometimes I shoot fine art (if I have time) to appease my passion for historic sculptures of the male form.
My main passion is bringing book boyfriends to life. I’ve always loved stories and movies, from a young age. I love the fantasy element of Alice in Wonderland and perhaps my images at times have a vivid fantasy vibe about them. I’ve become good friends with many authors along the way and really enjoy their intellect and humor. It’s a great world to be part of. They are almost like an extended family to me. The banter between us is priceless.
How did you initially grow your brand and get your name circulated in the indie romance novel industry? Was there a specific photo/shoot or book cover that you attribute to particularly propelling your career forward?
I was approached by someone I’m now good friends with (shoutout to Melissa) who asked if I would sell an image to an author. I did and that cover circulated pretty quickly. I will always have a sweet spot for that one. It was Revel by Shey Stahl where you see Josh Elton (pretending to smoke) on a city high-rise balcony at night. From there, I guess it was word of mouth. I never actively chased down sales, no one likes that.
What sort of equipment do you use for each shoot? To what extent do you edit your photos after the fact and with what programs?
I have a pretty old Canon 6D mark ii. I haven’t upgraded my gear in a very long time. People often think it’s the camera that produces nice work but really it’s the operator/artist. You can still take awful photos with a high-end camera. I spend MORE time editing that shooting and I have a broken back to show for it haha! Not literally, but I do spend a lot of time searching for massage therapists. I also take so many photos that I make a big lot for work for myself. Editing can go on until 4 or 5 am sometimes. Then I come back in the morning and wonder what the heck I was doing and start over again. I’m REALLY hyper focused on things people probably wouldn’t even notice. I use Photoshop and Lightroom. I can spend 3 hours cleaning lint and fine hairs off a jacket in Photoshop. Easier to buy a lint brush first? Probably.
Who are your models? How do you network with the models you photograph? Do you approach the models or vice versa, or are there agencies involved?
My models are from all over the world. Sometimes I’ll catch a traveling model while they are visiting Australia or I’ll be in America and have a list of models I’ve arranged to work with prior to arriving. I really need to get to Spain and Italy, I swear there’s something in the water over there. As for networking, I don’t do a lot of it. I guess I do continue to work with models I already have good relationships with because the shoots only get better over time. Some models I’ve worked with for 6+ years and photographed their evolution in a way. For new faces, I’ll see someone online and approach them politely in a DM trying my best not to sound creepy. Or I’ll see someone in the street and start running after them like I did with Lawrence Templar who was just trying to do his weekly food shopping. That was probably weird as anything for him but they are usually ok once I show my work.
Do you have specific models or couples that are especially sought after by authors? Why might this be?
If I feel really inspired by someone I’m working with, I produce really good work, and that’s what makes them appealing to authors. It doesn’t matter if the model is well known or not. You can tell when a photographer and model had a good creative vibe during a photoshoot (like every 20th photo is laughing, or there’s 500294749392 photos in the gallery as opposed to 200 images). Of course I’m speaking only for myself, some photographers may only want to take 200 bangers in a shoot and that’s enough. I’m a little obsessive when I’m inspired.
What sort of differences are there when it comes to shooting an individual versus a couple?
For me, couple shoots are REALLY hard. And even harder to shoot 3 people together in a rectangular shape for a cover (thanks Dyan Layne haha). I guess its like taking any group photo, one person is doing something great while the other one is picking their nose. I prefer 1-1 shoots because you can build a connection that allows for true emotion to be expressed without worry of judgment from another person in the mix. I will continue to do couple shoots though because I want to give my clients whatever they need to bring their covers to life.
How did you develop your unique photography style? What has influenced and inspired this particular look over time?
Honestly, it’s something that just came out of me. The blue tones I used a lot in the beginning were inspired by my love of Superman. Since then, I have seen quite a lot of work that seems to be inspired by mine. That’s ok, but I need to keep evolving I guess. My tones change here and there. My lighting and style is inspired by old movies, I love moody shadows. I often stare at old Hollywood portraiture. I will say the vivid/sharp element occurred because I have awful eyesight and I can see it better this way—haha sounds crazy, I know.
Do you work in a specific geographic area?
I’m based in Australia but I’m not limited to only shooting here. I have travelled to America twice and also France. I will continue to explore the world I’d say. If Channing Tatum called me tomorrow and said get over here, I’d be on a plane without my hair done, no luggage and just holding my camera.
Describe your experiences working with authors. What does this collaboration typically entail, whether this be authors purchasing photos that have already been taken, or playing a direct role in arranging poses and selecting models? Do authors usually have requests for specific types of scenarios, wardrobe, props, etc.?
My favorite request from a dear author who I adore (a very talented one) was, “I want him to look like he’s been ridden hard and put away wet.” I won’t say who she is in case I get in trouble later on haha. But it’s very much a joint effort, if they have ideas or suggestions I’m always happy to try them out. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. My work is a blend of what I see a character to be and discussions I’ve had with authors about character traits.
Do you have a shoot list going into a shoot, or does it typically unfold more organically?
No shoot list, I’m not very organized at the best of times. I just do whatever comes out at the time. The only time I’ll write something down is if an author has asked me to include something specific within my shoot. OR if I have a traveling model who I know I can’t just call up and say, “Hey I forgot to do this look, come back in.” But list making overall isn’t my strong point. I’d have to remember I actually made a list in the first place in order to use it.
Do you know how many covers your photos have graced? Have you ever read these books, either before or after the shoot?
Oh my goodness, I don’t know how many covers my work has been on. You know how some people keep a “body count,” I was never one of those people either. Goes back to the ol’ list thing doesn’t it. No idea. I have read some of the books but not enough. In time I’d like to change that as I’m building a library in my house. I really LOVE having these books in my hand. I do like listening to audio books too. I’m a sucker for a soothing voice. I have at times read a prologue before a shoot like I did for Monica James when creating the series images for “Punky”, the painted skull face. That prologue ripped my soul out. I knew we’d be friends after that. And years later ended up writing Cry Baby with her. It was amazing to see what the writing process was like and experience what my clients go through. It’s TOUGH! I admire them even more now, and I didn’t even do it by myself.
As the romance book industry has evolved over time, how have these changes influenced your own style and approach?
I guess I try to flow on with subject trends as I see them, whether there’s a buzz for college bullies or mafia etc. Or a need for more clothing (eye-roll haha). But mostly I need to shoot what inspires me or I won’t produce anything good. I don’t get wind of much re: trends unless someone tells me because I don’t spend a lot of time in groups. I’m too busy staring at lint on jackets for three hours. Obviously there’s been a trend with object covers, I don’t really feel affected by it though because it just gives readers more options and often they want both covers which is nice.
As a trailblazer in this specific photography niche, do you feel you dictate or help to influence prevailing aesthetic/graphic trends in the industry?
That’s really flattering. Am I a trailblazer?? I don’t know!! Haha I just put my head down and do my thing and hope no one gets sick of my brain haha. I’m always grateful to anyone who supports my work whether it’s a nice comment or a cover sale. I honestly don’t look at any graphic trends. I watch funny dog reels late at night. I’m a little obsessed with movies too and maybe I’ll see something in a movie and think, “Oh that looks cool, I might try something like that.”
Where do you typically draw inspiration from for a given shoot, or does this vary depending on the shoot? Are there any specific photographers you are inspired by as well?
I’m usually inspired by the person I’m about to shoot. I talk to them and see what characteristics they have personally that could be expressed. For example, not everyone looks like a bad boy, sometimes he’s great as a cheeky funny guy! I’m not forcing a square peg into a round hole. Lately, I haven’t really been looking at any photographers work but I’ll say in the beginning, I always adored the art of Annie Leibovitz; I love that she’s a woman killing it in an industry dominated by men. Also Ellen von Unwerth. Very edgy and brave. Can’t forget Herb Ritts and Peter Lindbergh either.
How has social media and the rise of booktok impacted your business?
Social media makes it easier to be visible of course. I’ve never really worked as a photographer in a world without it. I will say booktok can be a fiery world at times and I’m often watching from under the covers. Just praying I never do anything wrong haha.
Although social media has definitely helped to dismantle negative perceptions of romance novels (i.e. views that “they’re not real books”), what is your stance on these sorts of beliefs? Do you have thoughts about the bookish community generally?
I’m not really aware of negative perceptions around romance novels. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock. Romeo and Juliet was a romance story published in the 1500s that inspired so many movies and books moving forward to this very day. Anyone who says romance novels aren’t real books are gravely misinformed in my opinion.
Tell me about events and conventions in the romance writer community. How have these shaped your time as a photographer?
It’s a great way for me to put faces to names, or faces to long chat windows. I love it. I don’t usually go to promote myself as a photographer, but just to connect with people in person who I’ve known online for so long. It’s really nice to see everyone coming together at book events.
Is piracy/screenshotting/etc. an issue when it comes to your work? What about the increase in popularity of illustrated covers?
Piracy is like a whole bunch of swear words I can’t write in this article but all the f words, c words and anything else words. Put simply, don’t steal my work or you’ll see the unhinged side of Lanefotograf.
Illustrated covers are fine and some are beautiful of course. I’m more concerned about AI to be honest. When real models get replaced by artificial intelligence ‘people’ with 12 fingers I feel extremely sad. I’m sure authors feel the same way about AI writing stories. I hope book selling platforms start to ban them.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that hasn’t been covered in the questions?
I guess I’d like to say that I really hope readers continue to see the value in real humans gracing covers. There is a lot of heart and soul in the work we do, which just mirrors the heart and soul put into the stories authors write. For centuries artists have created portraits of people with that little something in their eye or a smile no one can figure out (Mona Lisa). We are most connected when we stay true to the blood running through our veins and the truth in a piece of art that holds a real beating heart.
Website: michellelancaster.com
Instagram: instagram.com/lanefotograf
TikTok: tiktok.com/@lanefotograf