How did you two choose the lineup of subjects that you photographed?

We wanted each subject to be as passionate about the theme as we were, so we were looking to tap in to personalities that were already talking about beauty or that we thought could lend a new voice to the conversation. It was important for us to be as inclusive as possible with a range of ages, races, sexualities, genders, and cultures. We also wanted to tap in to multiple industries – film, television, fashion, art, dance, bodybuilding – because each has its own beauty ideals and we thought it would be powerful to show those juxtapositions within the pages of the magazine.

We are presenting both sides of the same beautiful coin; those who fit into traditional beauty ideals and those who challenge those ideals. So hopefully in the end we created a celebration of people who we find truly beautiful and inspiring. This is one of the reasons we gave each subject their own cover.

What were your stylistic choices in the studio for this shoot?

Our studio setting is very important to each issue and is highly considered. The color backgrounds were all made from industrial materials that are inexpensive and found in any hardware store. This included pink background paper that is originally used to cover floors in construction, brown butcher paper, plastic white tarp used for covering studio cycloramas, and blue and green tarps that cover pools and sheds.

We wanted to show that these humble materials could look absolutely beautiful with the right lighting. We used controlled and natural light, and sometimes a combo of both in the shoots. We played a lot, more than ever really, on set with each material and lighting choice. It was our most ‘punk’ approach which we loved. It really freed us up and we were able to approach each photo with a fresh eye, mixing and matching color and light, walking our subject from one set to another and seeing what worked best for what they were wearing.

Which Hasselblad camera was used to shoot BEHOLD?

We used the Hasselblad H6D-100c to photograph the entire magazine. We have been using it since it came out and absolutely love it; it’s our number one tool. We are as dependent on its consistency as we are on each other. The H6D is an incredibly reliable piece of equipment that is as sensitive as it is tough.

ABOUT HERRING & HERRING

HERRING & HERRING is the collaboration between renowned international photographers/directors Dimitri Scheblanov and Jesper Carlsen. The duo’s photographic approach is based upon conceptual and aesthetic exploration; continuously pushing the boundaries of storytelling through an ever-expanding visual vernacular, creating arresting images which bring personality, humor, and sarcasm to the world of fashion and celebrity photography. For the last four years they have published their annual eponymous monograph: Herring & Herring, which they exclusively creative direct and shoot. See more images from BEHOLD here where you can use code "Hasselblad" to get 10% off any order.