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Touring Photographer Of The Year Carianne Older Shares Her Secret Formula

May 17, 2024

Celebrity film creative Cariannr Older gives a behind-the-scene look at her creative process, experience touring with Charlie Puth, and tips for up-and-coming photographers.

Carianne Older is an LA-based film photographer, videographer, and creative director who channels her energy through vintage inspiration. Accelerating success, she has worked with numerous celebrities, including SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Keke Palmer, and more.

A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, Carianne began the foundations of her creativity in the arts through a BA in Arts Administration and Production Management. Before building her skills as a self-taught film photographer, she managed two Broadway theaters. During her time living in New York City, she worked for the CEO of one of the biggest talent agencies in the entertainment industry.

Thanks to her work as a creative director, Carianne has contributed to movements in pop culture by focusing on the female figure as the main theme of her photography. The irreverent beauty of girls, shown in her photos, is enhanced by the warm and cold light imprisoned in her lens in a fairytale atmosphere. As a creative director, she can create unique visions with a vintage flavor.

Carianne likes to be included in the widespread contemporary pop culture trend, which showcases the USA and its background – beaches, celebrities, the golden age of Hollywood, and the representation of life in sunny California – influencing fashion, photography, and music.

Carianne has shot for countless high-profile clients and companies, including Christina Aguilera, Charlie Puth, Jordyn Woods, Kali Uchis, Footlocker, Playboy, and Cadillac. Being a powerful force in the creative world, her work has been featured in numerous editorials, even landing her a nomination from IHeart Radio Music as a favorite tour photographer for her work on Charlie Puth’s tour.

We chatted with Carianne about her recent tour, being a woman in a male-dominated industry, and future exciting projects.

Where do you consider your artistic home? Is there a city, country, or neighborhood that inspired you to get into photography?

I consider my artistic home a mix between NYC & LA! I started my photography journey in NYC, but I feel like my style resembles sunny Los Angeles.

You went from working a desk job to starting your own photography business in 2019. Now, you are nominated for iHeart Radio’s “Touring Photographer of the Year” for your work on Charlie Puth’s tour. How does it feel to have such a striking influence and be nominated for such an outstanding award as a female photographer in a male-dominated industry?

Well first off, I am so honored to be recognized for such a special award. As a photographer, there are few awards we can be nominated for, so this is so incredible! In an industry that is seemingly overtaken by men, it feels really cool to be a woman who is out here getting recognized by the general public. I am always trying to change the narrative for women across the world who want to pursue a career in the creative arts. 7 years ago, I was sitting behind a computer screen in a tiny cubicle on the 25th floor of a skyscraper in NYC. To look back at that time in my life is crazy, I never saw myself owning a business and working for myself. I am honored to be recognized for my work as a female photographer. It feels pretty damn good to be seen and appreciated in a field of work that is so competitive.

What was your creative process like while shooting on Charlie Puth’s tour? Did you use techniques similar to or different from those used on your other tours?

This was my first tour ever! I have shot many live shows and music fests, but I waited to tour with someone with whom my style aligned. Charlie and I had been working together previously on one-off shoots, so when his team asked me to join his tour, it was a no-brainer for me. I think my approach to concert photography is a lot different than most photographers because I am primarily a portrait photographer. I love to capture still moments in time that are posed, so I tend to lean into that approach when photographing concerts.

What has been your favorite shoot of all time and why?

In 2021 I got asked to shoot the rebrand of the Playboy Bunny suit! I’ve shot for Playboy almost for as long as I’ve been a professional photographer and yet no sign of the bunny suit really existed until Halloween of 2021. They hired me to creative direct, produce, and shoot a stylized bunny costume shoot for Halloween that year. It was the biggest honor of my life. The shoot went viral and the photos remain my favorite of all time.

What subject or person have you yet to photograph that you have always wanted to photograph?

I would lose my mind over photographing Lady Gaga. She is my favorite singer and an icon in the fashion world. I really feel as if our styles would align so perfectly.

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am a big theater nerd! I grew up as a theater kid, I went to theater camp, and when I was age 20-22 I house-managed theaters on Broadway. I moved to NYC with the dream of doing anything Broadway-related. I set out to do anything I put my mind to, and at age 20 I was managing the second largest theater on Broadway called The Lyric Theater.

As I’ve gotten older and left New York, I tend to find myself there 2-3 times a year for work but also to see at least 4 shows on and off Broadway! It’s imperative I see as much live theater as possible every year. It fuels me. Theater lends a big hand in inspiring my work and overall style of photography.

The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration; what/who inspires you the most?

On my off days, you can likely find me at a concert, a movie, a theater production, or a museum. A lot of my inspiration comes from these worlds of live performance. I think the best way to avoid creative burnout is to consume art just as much as you create it.

What are some tips you would give someone who is just starting to get into photography? Do you have any secrets that you can share with our readers?

There are lots of talented photographers who can create amazing work. What’s more rare is good people. That’s how you make yourself memorable to clients and build a good reputation. Yes, do great work, but also make sure you are leading with kindness, respect, and empathy.

What are your plans for 2024? Do you have any exciting up-and-coming projects?

I have some exciting things coming up! Aside from the iHeart awards, I directed my first music video for one of the artists I worked with named Diner. She is up and coming in the country scene and I have done all of her visuals so far, so I am so beyond excited about making my directorial debut for her. I also plan to hit the road on a tour sometime in the near future, not sure with who yet, so stay tuned!