Before the fashion blogger existed, before the street style star was born, there was Yvan Rodic.
You may recognize him as the Face Hunter.
The Switzerland-born photographer was at the forefront of the street fashion movement, capturing interesting subjects and posting it on his blog, a relatively new concept nearly a decade ago. Today, his site receives more than a million visits a month, and his lens is tapped by prestigious publications, including GQ and The New York Times.
The writer turned blogger turned famed photographer—and now E! Style Collective member—has traveled the world and seen the evolution of street style in all its regional dialects. On the daily, he gets a first-hand account of emerging movements—fashion or otherwise—feeling the pulse of what's trending.
What does a workday look like for this globetrotter? Come along and see for yourself.
What was your very first job?
For three years, I was first an advertising copywriter and a writer.
How did you get started in your career?
I started capturing portraits at art openings in Paris. After a few weeks, I thought I should share my shots on the Internet. But since it was early 2006, before the boom of blogging, I had no idea where I was heading to. Very quickly it picked up, people got fascinated by the idea of street style and I got to work for some magazines after a few months and a bit later for brands. In a about a year, I became...a full-time blogger!
Who are some of your career heroes?
Michel Gondry, the DIY maestro. Jefferson Hack, the publishing visionary.
What's a typical workday like for you?
Every day is a different city and story, but usually my day starts with an early flight. Then a couple hours of admin, editing and posting, wherever I can. The next thing is ideally being on the field shooting: it could be a project, a festival, a fashion week or just roaming the streets of a city looking for unique style and culture. In the evening, I might be busy with attending events, discovering new bands and exploring the nightlife of the city where I am.
Describe your office décor. Did you decorate it yourself?
I only got a "mobile office." I work wherever I can: airport, plane, train, car, bed, lobby, café, etc...
List five things that are on your desk right now.
Chocolate, camera, phone, laptop and hat.
What do you typically wear to work?
Anything that makes me feel comfortable (and that doesn't look too bad): chino, T-shirt and shirt.
What are your proudest career moments?
Publishing my books: Face Hunter in 2010 and Travels With Face Hunter in 2013.
Who has the best smile you've ever encountered?
Heart-melting kids with rosy cheeks from the Uros islands (on Lake Titicaca in Peru, 12,000 feet above sea level).
What's the strangest thing you've ever encountered on the job?
A few years ago, I took a picture of a teenage girl on the street of Cartagena, Colombia. She was suspicious but still let me took a few shots. Five minutes later, while I was walking through the main plaza of the old town, I could hear the same girl running to me. Her angriness contrasted with her stunning beauty. In front of dozens of men sitting nearby and watching, she asked me to delete all the pictures. I tried to negotiate but without justifying herself she kept repeating herself louder and louder. To the point where I realized that if I would refuse some gentlemen in the surrounding would come up and possibly take care of me.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
Embrace your uniqueness.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had...ceviche.
The first website I log onto every day is...lemonde.fr.
My must-have work gadget is...my battery pack (for my phone).
I like my coffee...without sugar.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually...have chocolate.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be a...writer.
The best part of my job...getting to meet inspiring souls all around the world.