Multi-award-winning photographer Nick Saglimbeni, who recently launched his retouching tutorials, was in Jamaica showcasing his skills for make-up artistes and photographers when the Jamaica Observer Celebrated Fashion’s Night Out on September 6, 2012. Saglimbeni, who has photographed national and international campaigns, is perhaps best known for his work with popular American reality stars the Kardashians. In August 2011, Saglimbeni also created and launched WMB 3D: World’s Most Beautiful, the first magazine entirely photographed and designed in 3D. SO sat down for a chat while he did a photoshoot at Fort Clarence Beach.

What is your impression of Jamaica so far?

Well, I’m American, so my impression of Jamaica was what I saw in the movies. I mean I pretty much expected to see Taye Diggs walking around everywhere like in the film How Stella Got Her Groove Back. It is such a beautiful country. I love it so far. The first place I wanted to experience was the beach.

What has been your most memorable meal in Jamaica?

Though I just got here yesterday, I have sampled quite a bit. I had jerked chicken and yams at Scotchies in Kingston. I have tried guava jam as well. I love how rich and smoky the flavours of the food are.

Name some of the countries you’ve visited.

Well, over the last couple of months I have been to Brazil, London, Egypt, Morocco, China and Kenya. I prefer the more remote places like Kenya and Morocco.

What is your beverage of choice?

I love drinking coconut water straight from a coconut and anything organic works great for me now.

What cologne are you splashing?

Salvatore Ferragamo.

What is the last movie you saw that you loved?

The Avengers. It’s one of the greatest movies ever made. Plus, the Hulk was done correctly for the first time. It was incredible!

What was your last bit of retail therapy?

I am not a big spender. The nicest thing I have now is a Louis Vuitton wallet that Kim Kardashian gave me for my birthday. I really appreciated that a lot.

Whom do you admire the most and why?

I don’t really have an idol per se, but I really admire Herb Ritts. Even though he passed away I still I love his photography style. I also love James Cameron and Tom McFarlane.

Who are you listening to right now?

I enjoy artistes that can’t ever be duplicated because of how iconic they are; artistes that evolve but never become commercial. So I like Prince and Sade as well. There is also a cool Icelandic band called the Sigur Rós that I like.

Name the last book you read.

Thinking Fast…Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

Who would call you at three in the morning?

Probably crazy models and my brother Alex.

Who or what inspires you?

I think people who do good deeds even when times get difficult are admirable. We are in a global recession and I’ve seen people turn to crappy behaviour to get by. So the people who don’t change are great.

What’s next for you?

Next week I will be shooting another SlickforceGirl campaign. For this, I use the most beautiful women in the world as heroic characters. Proceeds from the campaign help the less fortunate. We donate to several charities. The first SlickforceGirl was in aid of breast cancer.

What are some of the projects you are working on now?

Well, right now I’m working on the third edition WMB 3D: World’s Most Beautiful. I also have an upcoming project with Kendal and Kylie Jenner. I have also been working a lot in China. I’m directing three commercials this fall.

Who are some of your favourite clients that you have worked with so far?

I like incredible and interesting people. They really fascinate me. I also like those who allow me artistic freedom. I enjoyed working with Stan Lee. I also love working with Kendal and Kylie Jenner because they are new to celebrity. It is always fresh for them, not routine. New models are always great to work with because sometimes you bring something out from then they didn’t know they could do.

What has been your most memorable shoot?

The first SlickforceGirl shoot was incredible. It was perhaps the biggest shoot I’ve done in my life. It was more like a movie with the amazing special effects and the spaceship set.

What is it like working with the Kardashians?

I really enjoy working with the Kardashians. They are really interesting people and very loyal. I have done a lot of work with them over the years and have shot very ‘big’ photo moments for them as well. I have shot their family Christmas portraits, Kim’s wedding photographs. I did Mason’s first shoots. I think what people don’t realise is that they are very business-savvy. What most people don’t realise is that they are in full control of what they do.

What is your philosophy?

Enjoy life and take care of others.