Podcast Summary: What We Wore – Episode 160: Ivan Shaw | A Career in Photos
Release Date: July 31, 2025
In Episode 160 of What We Wore, host Laura Vinroot Poole engages in an insightful conversation with renowned photographer and former Vogue photography director, Ivan Shaw. The episode delves deep into Ivan's journey through the fashion and photography industries, his experiences at iconic magazines, and the personal moments that shaped his career.
Early Life and Passion for Photography
Ivan Shaw begins by sharing his roots, highlighting his upbringing in Connecticut and early fascination with photography. This passion was sparked by his childhood experiences with his parents' life books and influential photography books.
Ivan Shaw [00:50]: “Photography definitely came first. And I was kind of obsessed with photography books.”
He recounts a pivotal memory of a Don McCullen photograph depicting soldiers in Belfast, which not only fueled his love for photography but also led to a memorable encounter with the legendary photojournalist.
Ivan Shaw [01:01]: “One of the most amazing things was one of the pictures I remembered most was a Don McCullen picture from the troubles in Ireland... I got to meet him and talk to him, and it was unbelievable.”
Educational Pursuits and Entry into Photography
Ivan discusses his college years, emphasizing a non-traditional educational path where he balanced work and studies, focusing on art history and philosophy. His time working at the Journal Enquirer in Worcester, Massachusetts, under the mentorship of photographer Christopher Navin, was instrumental in honing his photographic skills.
Ivan Shaw [08:45]: “I was super into philosophy. I had this thing at college where you're supposed to take like the introductory class, then you take the next level... I just completely clicked.”
Despite being a self-described loner with a limited social life, Ivan’s immersive experience at the newspaper laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in photography and publishing.
Breaking into the Industry: Vanity Fair and Vogue
Ivan narrates his transition from a dedicated student to securing an internship at Vanity Fair through serendipitous networking. His dedication and talent quickly propelled him from an intern to a full-time freelance assistant.
Ivan Shaw [13:53]: “I had no idea what that entailed before I got the job, but working at Vanity Fair started February 1991, and it changed my life.”
His tenure at Vanity Fair exposed him to elite photographers and editors, including icons like Annie Leibovitz and Helmut Newton, which significantly influenced his professional trajectory.
The pivotal moment came when Ivan joined Vogue under the mentorship of art director Charles Churchward. Within a few years, Ivan ascended to the position of Photo Editor at the age of 26, navigating the high-pressure environment of one of the most prestigious fashion magazines.
Ivan Shaw [21:05]: “I was definitely at, like, 30-40% over my head the first year doing that job.”
Life at Vogue: Navigating High Standards and Industry Legends
At Vogue, Ivan worked alongside legendary figures such as Grace Coddington, Phyllis Posnick, and emerging talents like Steven Meisel. The magazine's rigorous standards and the sheer volume of work—from coordinating multiple photo shoots to managing post-production—demanded relentless dedication.
Ivan Shaw [22:25]: “Every issue was 300-400 pages. September was 800 pages. We were working constantly, had an enormous amount of responsibility.”
Despite the intense workload, Ivan cherished the opportunity to collaborate with some of the greatest photographers and writers in the industry, which enriched his expertise and broadened his professional network.
Transition to Conde Nast: Embracing New Roles
After a successful two-decade run at Vogue, Ivan transitioned to Conde Nast, taking on dual roles as the Corporate Photography Director and the Visuals Editor of World of Interiors. In his new position, Ivan oversees a vast archive of over 1.2 million images, preserving the rich visual history of the publication.
Ivan Shaw [32:22]: “I have this wonderful kind of look back at the history of photography, the history of the company. I love the company. It's a huge part of who I am.”
In addition to managing the archives, Ivan contributes creatively to World of Interiors, blending his passion for photography with his love for design, thereby expanding his influence within the publishing world.
Personal Insights and Reflections
Throughout the conversation, Ivan reflects on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance, especially during his tenure at Vogue, where vacations were scarce, and the boundaries between work and personal life often blurred.
Ivan Shaw [29:28]: “I never take vacations. My idea of a vacation was going to LA for four days to see all my friends who I worked with there.”
He also shares a poignant anecdote from his youth—a prom night experience that taught him the importance of empathy and understanding the impact of one's actions on others.
Ivan Shaw [44:34]: “It was a life lesson because I thought, you know, you have to be careful about your impact on people.”
Advice to Aspiring Photographers
Ivan offers valuable advice for emerging photographers, emphasizing the importance of finding one’s unique niche and understanding the landscape of their chosen field.
Ivan Shaw [42:33]: “Try to pick a lane in a way, like, to say, well, I love fashion, or I love interior design... Everything else has been done. There's so much been done.”
He underscores that the only unique element a photographer can bring is themselves, encouraging newcomers to find their distinct voice amidst the vast sea of photographic work.
Conclusion
Episode 160 of What We Wore presents an inspiring narrative of Ivan Shaw's professional journey, his contributions to the world of fashion photography, and the personal growth that accompanied his illustrious career. Ivan's story serves as a testament to passion, resilience, and the enduring power of human connections in shaping one’s destiny.
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