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 Wander Aguiar. For his 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?
I always liked art in general, and working as a model and being constantly in front of the cameras spiked my interest for the art of photography. When I start playing with cameras and getting more comfortable with the settings, I developed my own way of shooting my subjects.
Photo of Wander by Juliana Andrade for Satellite Magazine.
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?
No, I do shoot fashion and some products as well, but I like to work creatively with people.
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 brought to the industry by a few others that knew my work in the fashion industry and the magazines I have worked with. From there, more and more authors started using my images to grace their covers.
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 use Canon cameras. I do have several lenses and quite a few studio lights that I use depending on what and where I shoot. As far as editing, I do edit my own images, basically readjusting some highlights and contrast on Photoshop.
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?
All above, I feel blessed to be already recognized in the industry, so I have been approached by models, and a lot referrals from the agencies. But once in while, if I see someone who I think has potential for modeling, I talk to them to see if they have interest.
Do you have specific models or couples that are especially sought after by authors? Why might this be?
Not really, I think everyone has unique futures and most authors like some diversity on the covers.
What sort of differences are there when it comes to shooting an individual versus a couple?
Not much difference, especially if the models have more experience, but basically I will coach them to understand my vision or the project concept.
How did you develop your unique photography style? What has influenced and inspired this particular look over time?
I think it takes time and a lot of understanding what you want your images to look like; after a while, that becomes your signature.
Do you work in a specific geographic area?
I’m based in Las Vegas for the last seven years, but no, I shoot worldwide.
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.?
Both cases. Sometimes they license an image from the website, sometimes they have a concept in mind that they want me to shoot. So in that case, it’s more catering to their project.
Do you have a shoot list going into a shoot, or does it typically unfold more organically?
I don’t like lists in general, so a list would limit the creative process sometimes. So, I’d rather it flow organically.
Do you know how many covers your photos have graced? Have you ever read these books, either before or after the shoot?
OMG … I think over eight thousand images have been licensed so far if I’m not wrong. I attempted to read some but never got to the end, so one of these days.
As the romance book industry has evolved over time, how have these changes influenced your own style and approach?
We have been adapting and growing with this industry over the years, as we should be.
As a trailblazer in this specific photography niche, do you feel you dictate or help to influence prevailing aesthetic/graphic trends in the industry?
I believe I brought fresh ideas and unique models to the industry since the beginning, and that changed a bit of the aesthetic of the covers.
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 have been inspired from a lot photographers and artists in general—so many that it’s hard to name one. I would say the inspiration comes from my subjects, their unique look, and the way they move and connect with my camera. From there, things flow and become a beautiful collaboration between us.
How has social media and the rise of booktok impacted your business?
We didn’t have any social media when I started. With this new era, we definitely had to adapt and learn with it. Overall it’s a great tool and can be very helpful showcasing your product out there. And booktok has been very positive and good to me so far.
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?
Yes, in the past the romance books had that bad perception, but in reality so many of the movies we saw and see streaming are based on those romance books and people loved the stories those authors created. Those stories are entertaining and a lot of us out there need them to help go through the day. People worry less about their own problems, sometimes clearing their mind and finding a fast solution.
Tell me about events and conventions in the romance writer community. How have these shaped your time as a photographer?
I go to a lot events all year long and it’s an opportunity to be seen by all my clients and the work we have done together. I really enjoyed the response I get from the authors and readers when showing up to a book signing.
Is piracy/screenshotting/etc. an issue when it comes to your work? What about the increase in popularity of illustrated covers?
Yes it is, some people don’t respect much and even use the image on their project just because it was online. There’s been change, quite a lot over the years in a good way, but it still happens here and there. I see a lot authors doing both the image cover and the alternative covers, and readers are getting both on their shelves as collector items.
Do you have any exciting plans on the horizon that you’d like to discuss? Is there a specific location or model/couple that you’re hoping to take photos of in the future?
As I mentioned before, traveling is part of what I do and I shoot everywhere I go. I just hope that my clientele like the subjects I choose to photograph as much as I enjoy shooting them.
Do you have a favorite model/couple or shoot experience you’d like to share? What are your favorite book cover photos that you’ve taken?
There are so many I like that it’s impossible to pick or name. Of course the ones that have been released lately are the ones fresh in our minds, but it isn’t fair to name just a few. I love them all and I’m proud of all the ones I have.
Is there anything else you’d like to share that hasn’t been covered in the questions?
I just wanna thank you for having me and say that I feel very blessed and honored to be part of this industry. Thank YOU.
Website: wanderaguiar.com | wanderbookclub.com
Instagram: instagram.com/wanderaguiar_photography
Facebook: facebook.com/WANDER.AGUIAR.PHOTOGRAPHY
Tumblr: wanderaguiar.tumblr.com