The Sartorialist comes to L.A. on Sunday

I’m going to tell you where to find The Sartorialist on Sunday, but you have to promise not to go dressed in outrageously chic street clothes. The Sartorialist -- Scott Shuman, fashion photographer and blogger -- is now so well-known that it’s possible people dress up for him, hoping to be captured by his camera.

Shuman is coming to Los Angeles for a book signing; earlier this year, Penguin published the 512-page book “The Sartorialist: Closer” in three editions -- with a cover featuring a woman, a cover featuring a man, and a deluxe edition that features thumbnail shots of many of his subjects.

It’s obvious why of all the fashion blogs, The Sartorialist has stayed on top. Through Shuman’s lens, the things people are wearing in everyday life look stylish, inspired, curious, delightful. He’ll be signing “The Sartorialist: Closer” at Arcana Books in Culver City, in the Helms Bakery District from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Sun Dec. 2. He answered our questions by e-mail.

What catches your eye when shooting street fashion? Has it changed over time?

As you can see from the wide variety of types of subjects that I shoot, I’m not looking for anything -- just reacting to what I see.

What are some of the differences between the early Sartorialist and the shoots you do now?

Well the only difference is how I use natural light and shadow and reflections in the finished image. But the process of shooting remains very much the same. It’s mainly just me and the subject.

Have you been shooting street fashion on your book tour?

Yes. It’s not been easy to find the time, but it’s important to make the time to try and continue to diversify the places that I shoot.

What things about California or Los Angeles fashion do you find interesting?

The quality of the light in Los Angeles is unique. And the lifestyle is unlike anywhere else in the United States. If you can try and capture those two elements in one image, it can make for an interesting mix.

Besides your own, do you have a favorite book about fashion or photography, or one that you’re currently reading?

I buy books all the time, I love photography books. Helen Levitt‘s books are always a big inspiration. The new Tim Walker book is really interesting and very different from my work. Garance [his girlfriend] just gave me a gift of the book called Africa by Michael Poliza.

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