Dixie Dixon, the international fashion, lifestyle, and advertising photographer, is known for the glamorous images she creates for elite brands such as Disney, Virgin, and People magazine. She answered our Ten Questions, telling us what gear she can’t do without, what inspires her, and why Vaseline is indispensable.
What Are Must-Carry Items Always in Your Bag?
Most definitely the Nikon Z 8, Z 9, and Zf cameras. I've been shooting their cameras and lenses since I was 12, so I guess you could say that I've been a Nikon Girl my whole career and now grateful to be a Nikon Ambassador. Love the the Nikkor 85mm f/1.2 lens—favorite portrait lens ever—the bokeh is stunning! Other must-have lenses: the Nikkor 35mm f/1.2 for wide fashion shots, 105mm Macro f/2.8 for beauty and jewelry, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8—I am a prime lens shooter primarily for the cinematic looks. But I do always carry the Nikkor 14-24mm and the Manfrotto 410 geared pan tilt head, which are great for shooting architecture. And some randoms I keep in my bag: Advil (gotta keep those headaches away on 14-hour shoot days), extra batteries, Profoto remotes and B1X lights for location shooting (which I do a ton of) Tiffen Star Filters for creative effects, and Sandisk memory cards.
What Tool Are You Surprised Is Useful?
A battery-operated leaf blower—makes the perfect hair fan for on-location shoots—and a silver insulation board from the hardware store—it makes the perfect reflector.
What Would Other Photographers Be Surprised To Find in Your Bag?
Vaseline, I use it to accomplish a creative effect—a film-like look with blurred edges. I use it on an old filter or piece of glass in front of my lens because it obviously won't come off afterward. It's quite fun though!
When Do You Shoot in an Automated Mode, and Which Mode?
I pretty much always shoot in Manual Mode, but every once in a while I will throw it in Aperture Priority if I am photographing an event or something fast-moving. I am kind of a control freak, so Manual gives me the ability to dial in everything. I also use the eye autofocus most of the time on the Z 9 and Z 8, and it works incredibly well to get crazy sharp images right out of the camera. Or, if I am shooting jewelry, I'll switch it to pinpoint focus.
What Technique Do You Use Most Often?
I tend to shoot through moments to capture natural-feeling, unposed shots, so even if we are done with a look, I'll continue shooting when they relax because sometimes that is where the best, most authentic images are made. I may burn some extra digital files in the process, but it is worth it. Also, when your subject hears the click of your camera and your good feedback, it builds their confidence as you shoot!
If You Were Starting, What Would You Do Differently? Or What Advice Would You Give a Photographer Just Starting Out?
I would say the most important aspect of starting out as a photographer is to get out of the classroom and get out in the field to shoot all the time and assist other photographers. Go and create the kind of work that you'd dream of being hired for! You essentially shoot and show the type of work that you love to shoot, so folks will start hiring/paying you to shoot exactly that. You may have to build your portfolio shooting for free at first, and then when people ask you to shoot, you start charging. You'll need to keep creating personal work throughout your career as you evolve to keep your work fresh! It is a cycle that never ends.
What Art Books Should Every Photographer Own?
I am a huge fan of coffee table books, and I have a huge collection! Lately, I am loving the Richard Avedon books as well as Kristian Schuller, Annie Leibovitz, and Joe McNally, to name a few! Also, I think a book super helpful for not only photographers but entrepreneurs is the book called How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, because it teaches how to work with people effectively.
Do You Have Any Rituals? Superstitions?
I do actually! I always have to wear a hat to all of my shoots, and it has become kind of a ritual. I actually feel more creative when I have my photographer hat on, as cheesy as that might sound. It is my work uniform essentially, and I started wearing hats at the very beginning of my career.
Where Do You Find Inspiration for an Image?
I find inspiration everywhere, but especially in travel. I think immersing yourself in other cultures and scenery can push your boundaries creatively. I travel as often as possible and set up shoots everywhere I go, even after the client gigs. Also, I keep a binder of images I find in magazines that I love and have those on hand when I need to come up with concepts. This helps me find poses, lighting inspiration, etc. I also have started using AI to concept ideas, and it is pretty amazing to use it to pre-plan complicated shots. Inspiration is everywhere; you just have to tune into it.
Do You Work With a Team? If So, How Did You Find Team Members? How Did You Know They Were Right for the Team? How Would You Advise Someone To Go About Building Their Own Team?
Over the years, I’ve built a solid team and am so grateful to them, as we work like a well-oiled machine on set—we nearly don't have to speak, and things get done because we are so in sync. I work with my lighting tech, Eric, who is incredible on just about every shoot, as well as my amazing producer, Nancy, who keeps all of the shoots and me organized—much needed! It took me a long time to find my team, but I would say work with people who ultimately make you better, more creative, and push you! Work with folks that creatively inspire you and with whom you are on the same page—positive folks! When you find those people, work with them as much as possible. As far as sourcing a team, most of the production houses or gear rental places will have a good list of assistants and crew and usually can recommend the best people in the area. I would start there.
When You Look Back on Earlier Work, What Are Your Thoughts?
I crack up laughing sometimes at my early work, as I can see where I was learning Photoshop and things are way over-retouched or the creative vision was a bit cheesy, but I can see where I was trying to go with it. It is fun to see the evolution over time. The best goal you can have for yourself is just to make sure you're better than you were yesterday—always be learning.
Bio:: Dixie Dixon is an international fashion, lifestyle, and commercial advertising photographer and film director based out of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. She travels worldwide, working with brands ranging from Disney to Virgin to People magazine, and has spent the last decade bringing creative visions to life for brands, ad agencies, fashion, and commercial clients. As a Nikon Ambassador of the United States, she brings a wildly positive energy to set that creates a one-of-a-kind experience for her clients. Dixie’s style embodies an idealistic approach to photography and motion work with a touch of soulful realism. As a full-service production company, her team and she regularly create refreshingly upbeat campaigns for lifestyle brands, beauty companies, and high fashion advertising campaigns. “I was excited to learn quite early in my life that if, as Confucius said, you ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’”
Top Ten is a recurring feature in which we give notable photographers a list of questions from which they choose their favorite 10 to answer. Answers may be edited for length and clarity.
All photos used with permission Dixie Dixon.
