Sutherland Kovach

Based in Auckland, Hannah Sutherland and Jasmine Kovach are two high school friends formed Sutherland Kovach six years ago. 'Beautiful Sweet World', is what they endeavour to show in their work.

Where are you based?
Auckland
 
What united you to form Sutherland Kovach Studio?
We've been friends since high school (which is, ahem, rather a long time) and we've always loved collaborating since our days in art class. Hannah: I had a photography business and we were working together casually until I was offered a job on the sixth Harry Potter film. Jasmine took over the business while I was away and when I returned we decided to form a partnership and work together.

What gear do you use?
We use Canon 5D Mk IIIs with a variety of professional lenses.
                    
Tell us a little about your style of photography?
Our mission statement, if you like, is 'Beautiful Sweet World', and that is what we endeavor to show in our work.

 

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
Going to Tokyo for a wedding. The venue had once been a royal residence and was beautiful. The whole day was executed with amazing precision and it was so interesting to be involved in it. At the time, too, it just felt so incredible - we had been working so hard to get somewhere, as you do in any business, and to get a job like that felt like winning the lottery.

What would your dream photography job be?
To shoot something for Vogue, or photograph a royal wedding.

 
What motivates or inspires you to keep doing what you do?
We're motivated by the feedback we receive from our clients and to do the best job possible for them. Artists like Mario Testino, Tim Walker, Viktor & Rolf, Jose Villa and Todd Selby, among others, inspire us.

What has been your greatest challenge as photographers?
Having confidence in our work.

How long have you been working together and do you hold different roles when shooting?
We've been working together for six years. We share the load pretty evenly when shooting - knowing each other so well helps a lot too when it comes to anticipating where the other person will be, or if they need you to do something (like get out of their shot!).

 
If you had to choose only one lens, what would it be and why?
Jasmine: 35L - I feel like this is how I see, if that makes any sense. Trying this lens was a life-changing moment.
Hannah: Such a hard decision. Depends on the situation. Travelling - 35. Weddings/Portraits - 85. Not ever allowed to change as stranded on a desert island - 28!

What do you feel has been your greatest photographic achievement to date?
We really live by the "you are only as good as your last shoot" philosophy so excellent feedback from clients is always the greatest achievement.

Can you briefly take us through your average day?
There definitely isn't an average - every day is so different. The variety is exciting, scary and challenging all at the same time.
One day can be spent entirely at the computer; the next could be spent hanging out of a helicopter.

In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
Jasmine: I like photographs that are simply composed, showing a moment in time, like Martin Parr's work. I think his photography is perfect.
Hannah: Not sure, it's a gut feeling for me. I really love work that has a strong sense of someone's imagination.

If you weren't photographers, what would you be?
Jasmine: A history lecturer
Hannah: David Attenborough

 
What do you enjoy doing to take a break from photography, what recharges you?
Jasmine: I love to dabble in the domestic arts: sewing, knitting, cooking.
Hannah: Dancing

 

What tips or advice do you have for budding photographers?
Concentrate on your business as well as your craft. Be brave, and always have good insurance for your equipment!
 
Check out more of Sutherland Kovach's photography at their website.