Meet Riccardo Constant: Professional VFX Artist And Photographer

Riccardo Constant has always dreamt to make photography part of his life. He believes photographs tell a story that sometimes might be difficult to explain with words. He walks us through his journey in this interview.

 Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Riccardo Constant. I am a Professional VFX Artist based in Port-au-Prince. I am a photographer, and I have the pleasure to work with a number of significant figures in the industry.

How did you start with photography?

I was always fascinated by everything surrounding me. I used to draw, and drawing portraits was my favorite thing to do. I would say that photography was the logical step to take, but I became a videographer at first. Honestly, I am a huge fan of cinema, but mostly the technical aspect of it. As a result, I started to have a better comprehension of lighting composition and camera movement, but to refine my techniques I went to photography.

 What makes you choose this discipline?

Photography was always my calling, it is my way to express how everything around me makes me feel, and it helps me reveal the real beauty of everything around me. As strange as it might sound, this is the best way to describe my craft. I try to bring out perfection out of every shot I take while assuming this is achievable. If you know me as a photographer, then you know everything about me.

What kind of photography do you do? What type of gear do you use? 

I like portrait/fashion/boudoir photography because I am in love with the human body. For me, the human body is the perfect creation on earth. I like every detail, every curve and edge, and every single expression. Bottom line, I like how every person is unique with their distinct features and curves. I use a Canon 7d that I purchased 7 years ago. It was my first camera, and it’s been with me through thick and thin.

What is the message behind your photos?

One day I was supposed to go to Jacmel for a photo shoot; however, we never made it there because my car broke down in the middle of nowhere, and I had no idea how I was going to make it back to Port-au-Prince or even to drop everybody at their respective home. Also, we were far, so no need to tell you how freaked out everybody was, but I kept my composure and made the best out of the moment. When finally a mechanic came to our rescue, we used his motorcycle as props, installed my equipment, and started shooting right in the streets. The results were breathtaking and organic. Every time I think about that day, it gives me the chills.

Long story short, when I took my time to look exactly where I needed to look, it gave me a new perspective, a unique representation of how Haiti can be beautiful and authentic. Therefore, I decided to do my best to show it to the world. I have to admit I’m doing photography because sometimes words aren’t enough to tell a story, and that’s why I need people with influence to help me fully tell the story of Haiti.

Where do you find your inspiration?

A plethora of things inspires me. For instance, it can be a person, a situation, a color, and the list goes on. I embrace every minute and appreciate everything because things happen to create opportunities. The question is, can you recognize the next occasion when it matters the most? Well, I can, and when that happens, I grab my camera, and I shoot.

How do you get through the challenges in this industry?

Challenges come in many forms, but they don’t keep me from doing my best, and when I don’t do my best I deny myself the right to be me.

What’s your working motto?

I have a few, but this is the one I like the most: Wake up and thrive like it is your damn job because idleness is a sin.

What are some of your goals with photography?

Well, I have quite a few goals, but first thing first I aim to be better than I am today, organize several exhibitions, release a few collections of books, and publish in significant Fashion and Boudoir magazines such as Vogue, Rolling stones, FHM, and Vanity Fair.

What would you tell a teenager who is interesting in photography?

Being an artist, a photographer, or a model in Haiti is just tricky. No matter what it is you want to become or make a career, it does not happen like magic. You have to learn the ins and outs, you have to work hard, and you need discipline and perseverance. That is how to achieve great work. But above all, believe in your dream and turn it into a plan.