Photographer Interview

Phil Winterbourne:- Fantastic inspiring individual. Constantly expanding his creativity to new levels and one of the nicest photographers I have ever met.

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer?
I suppose this depends of what you mean by “be a photographer”. My dad is a photographer, so we always had cameras around and the first SLR I ever used was his fully manual OM1 in the late 70’s early 80’s. He bought me a film compact for my 17th birthday which I used to record my life and my friends. I continued with this and it’s replacements throughout my life, taking landscapes, family or holiday snaps. But my standard of photography was not good. What made me become a photographer rather than a snapper was my first digital camera which I got in 2001. Just a small compact, but being able to see what you were taking straight away gave me the chance to experiment and get better.
Also at this time a group of photographers at work started a monthly competition with good critique and feedback. I started entering and quickly learnt the basic rules of photography from the critique I got from the better people. Soon I was regularly winning the comp.



Who/what is your inspiration?
Simply – Beauty! I love beautiful things and seek to create beauty in all of my work. It doesn’t mater if it’s a landscape, a scene of urban dereliction or a human face I want to capture beauty.
As for who – about the time I started getting very serious about photography I stumbled across this guys model work http://www.andrewfphotography.com/ I thought to myself “I wish I could take pictures like that” Andy still inspires me now, he has such an eye, he still amazes me sometimes.
Otherwise I like to buy the high end fashion magazines like 125, No.ise, ID, Dazed and Confused as they are packed full of world class inspirational model photography



What has been your most interesting shoot to date?
Another tricky question! Who thought these up!! I’ve had lots of shoots that were interesting, but all for different reasons. My first ever shoot when I was so nervous that the pictures would be awful and the model would hate them... I was shaking so much I could hardly hold the camera.
The first time I used off camera flashes to control the light I was shooting a friends daughter and blue gelled my rear flash to make a drab underpass suddenly a place of mystery and magic... that was pretty amazing.
Another memorable one was when I was shooting a model called Laura out on the east coast in April. She’s come up with a nice styled mermaid look and insisted in getting into the freezing sea! I can still hear her screams now.
More recently I worked with an amazing model called Mina. Between us we exchanged many lengthy emails and developed a couple of really effective themes. Stories if you like, so each picture has it’s own internal tale to tell. For me this was a Eureka moment, to be really effective images have to be complete, they must have internal congruence, they must make sense, they need to give a framework for the viewer to make up his or her own explanation as to what’s going on. I look back on my earlier work now and see “pretty girl in front of random background” They are still good pictures, but they are not as good as my recent stuff.



Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time?
Where am I likely to be? Or where do I dream of being? If it’s the firs I thing photography will still be just a hobby that I fit in round my day job. I’d like to think that I’ll continue to grow and develop my skills and because of that be able to work with better and better models.
But my dream...... isn’t that much different really. Realistically I know there is no way I can match my current salary from photography so it would still be a hobby. But I still want more success and recognition. Ideally in 5 years I’ll have been published a lot more, and in better places. If I could get a set into Dazed and Confused or 125 mag I would be a very very happy man. Also I’d love for a local agency to notice me and get me on board for their portfolio shots.



Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it?
Not at all, no.



So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?
From a shooting perspective I don’t pay models so there hasn’t been an impact there. As I said my day job is comfortably paid so I haven’t had to sell any gear yet. In fact this year I Got my studio set up with a friend, so can’t complain much about the economy.



Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?
That’s an even harder question!! The reason it is so hard is because as I said my ultimate goal is capturing beauty and beauty is so subjective. The fascination of people photography derives from the infinite variety of the human face and body. So the first and overriding characteristic I look for is ‘do I think you are beautiful’.
So in general terms my ideal model is your typical editorial fashion model – very tall, very thin, long legs and a strikingly beautiful face.
But I do shoot models of all shapes and sizes – I just need something to fixate on. It might be your eyes, your mouth, your hair, your legs..... just something that I can see that knocks me off my feet.
The other thing is ideas. If someone contacts me to shoot and just says “love your work, want to shoot” all I have to go on is their looks. Finding new and exciting concepts for shoots is very hard, and the onus is so often on the photographer to dream them up. If you contact me and say “I love your work and have this idea. I’d like to shoot in a 1950’s Hollywood style, something like the attached pic, I have sorted out my wardrobe and have attached a pic of me in it...” I am much more likely to agree to a shoot.
The other 100% guaranteed method is to offer me money :D



We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?
I never have bad shoots, just less good ones! I’m most satisfied when I can see from the back of the camera that I am creating something new and exciting – striking images that are different form anything I have done before, And that they are complete - that the could tell a story.



There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?
There are two sides to photography – the technical and the creative. With both it is a continual learning curve. Technically I am working on my studio lighting right now. I want to just know how to nail any look and to become better at suiting the light to the model. Creatively there is pleanty of room to grow too. Maybe I should shoot fewer more elaborate sets, especially if I want to get them published in high end places.



Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?
Other than 2 no-shows - which out of 70 odd shoots isn’t bad given the reputation of “internet models”. On the whole my models have been interesting and pleasant people. Obviously I have clicked with some more than others, But I’m still on talking terms with all of them!



What is your pet hate for models?
Lack of expressions.... most models find pulling off convincing expressions the hardest thing to do... and it shows. My ideal of a story telling image requires emotion as an element. And I can’t do that with a pout!



What is your pet hate for photographers?
I hate loath and despise any photographer who just takes pictures so he (and I guess it’s almost always a he) can see naked girls. Quite apart from the shockingly awful images that are generated, it builds a reputation that decent artistically motivated photographers are always having to fight against.



Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?
Another ambiguous question as no one is ever completely self taught. We look around and see other work and learn from that. I did (well am still doing – I never finished it yet) a diploma in photography run by Amateur Photographer magazine. This was really helpful in nailing some of the basics of the technical side. And more recently I spent a good weekend with a guy Simon Young who runs courses for portrait photography. Other than that it’s been reading books, searching the net, getting involved on forums, and just looking at pictures.



Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey?
Always take off the lens cap J
More seriously, and particular to model work – remember you are hooting a person. It is so easy to get so engrossed in what you are doing to remember that you have a real live subject in front of you. Communicate, relate, emphasise and engage with your subject or you will always get poor pictures.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
But I have so many!!
I keep on coming back to a set in an old 125 mag with Hanna R. at Elite Stockholm but it could be any of the top fashion models – shooting high fashion in an amazing location – a stately home, or bombed out street... something like that.

Photographer Interview
Jay Mawson:- Possibly the best photographer on his street! Fantastic artist, creative and unique.

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer?
That's two separate decisions; millions of people pick up a camera every single day, but if they stopped to think about it, only a small handful would ever call themselves a photographer. And of that handful, there's an even smaller number that I'd call photographers. I bought a camera because I love toys and it was just about the only modern toy I didn't own. The decision to be a photographer came very soon after when I realised I could take a photograph that other people wanted to look at.



Who/what is your inspiration?
Order, symmetry, stillness and beauty inspire me. These things inspired me before I started to look at the work of other photographers. Early inspiration came from Andreas Gursky. Then Gregory Crewdson after I saw his tableau on a BBC documentary. Since I moved to portraiture and fashion images I keep returning to Erwin Olaf, Hannah Starkey, Benedict Campbell, Richard Kern and Steven Meisel. I'm a photography book junkie though - I must have thousands of pounds of books and magazines. Visually hungry, to quote Rankin.



What has been your most interesting shoot to date?
Every shoot is interesting and challenging in its own way. A recent week long shoot in France was particularly memorable, purely as I had to devise 12 distinct editorial shoots in 6 days for 19 models of varying ability in an area I had no knowledge of and without a studio in sight...



Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time?
I haven't even owned a camera for 5 years yet, so I'm still very much finding my feet technically and stylistically. In 5 years I'd hope to be commercially successful enough to fund personal projects. An editorial in a national magazine is my current goal.



Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it?
Yes - Martin Parr, Brett Rogers (director of the Photographer's Gallery) and Alex Proud (owner of Proud Galleries) were all extremely critical of my first very public stabs at portraiture. Not stupidly so, but their critique stung hard. I hate failure, so I guess they're directly responsible for me moving into shooting people. I'll keep practising until I get the hang of  it.



So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?
Photography is not a source of income for me, so the pinch felt in the industry generally (which started well before the wider economic slump) hasn't affected me. I'm lucky enough to be able to fund a studio and equipment regardless of whether it pays for itself or not.



Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?
This very much ties into the answer to the last question - I've turned down shoots for a fair number of 'models' down who were willing to pay me a decent price for a portfolio. If there's nothing about a person that catches my attention, or they can't play to the camera then I'm not interested, full stop. What I look for now is simple - generally, I look for a model rather than a person who just stands in front of a camera. The internet modelling sites are 95% wannabees playing at being models. It's an insult to professional models - modelling really is a vocation, which I've only started to realise myself over the last year. Having said that, the same is true of photographers, togs, GWCs whatever. There is a market for everyone - but some people definitely confuse what they're doing with 'photography' and 'modelling'. Which hasn't really answered your question yet. What I look for in a model for my own projects is quite straight forward really - beauty, spirit or simple sex appeal. What I look for in a model for commercial shoots is professionalism, experience and suitability for the brief.



We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?
The most satisfying shoots are invariably those that are well planned. Nothing beats having a crystal idea and a full creative team to realise that vision.



There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?
I'd like more discipline and more budget - to find killer locations and rely less on the warmth and comfort of the studio; to go back to basics and shoot more natural light in beautiful surroundings. To go out and speak to people to open doors that won't open themselves.



Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?
Too many to mention - it's made me jaded, cynical and very direct. When a 'model' turns to you and admits they have no idea how to pose, or throws a strop because they're not keen on the makeup, or is totally unable to take your direction, or only has one facial expression then I've been known to cut the shoot very short indeed. In balance, I've had far more great experiences than bad ones - which makes the bad ones more tolerable.



What is your pet hate for models?
Chaperones. Poor communication. Too much communication. Text speak. Not showing up. Hair extensions. Bad nails, bad teeth, bad skin, bad hair. Telling me I can 'photoshop something later'. Complaining that they look fat. Turning up with clothes screwed up in a carrier bag. Calling photographers 'togs'. Expecting travel expenses on a test shoot. Um - I'll stop now...



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Too much focus on the technical at the expense of the emotional. Poor quality images. Mistaking making a living from photography for being a photographer.



Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?
Completely self taught



Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey?
To take criticism and advice on board when the person giving it is qualified to do so. Listening to one mentor in particular brought my photography on in leaps and bounds. I wish I'd listened to him sooner.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Grace Coddington, Harvey Nichols, Hasselblad, Natalia Vodianova and Scarlett Johannson

Jamie Mahon

Photographer Interview

Jamie Mahon:- Alternative photographic wonder, creative genius and photoshop extreme!

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer?
When I was at Wrexham uni there was a photography element to the course, during that time i spent quite a lot of time in the dark room discovering my style of photography. One of the first images of Wrexham train station that I did got me hooked, even though it's mainly redundant in the digital age but spending all day in a darkroom seeing these images come to life before your eyes in the developer is a feeling sorely missed.
 


Who/what is your inspiration?
My favourite photographer is Bob Carlos Clarke who is an inspiration in regards to the high quality and narrative in his images, I even had the good fortune to have a quick chat with Tim Woodward at the Skin Two North Fetish Ball and learn what he was like as a person. Other inspiration is cinema, not to the extent of copying but to composition and lighting. And finally comic books, to create something that is larger than life and isn't constrained by our reality.
 


What has been your most interesting shoot to date?
Not to sound PC but they've all been interesting... The first one with Hexabelle where we was just doing Fonejacker impressions during the shoot... The Sweeney Todd images with Ivy Midsomer... The crutches with Lolita Trash and nearly going flying... All the times working with Kira Krueger as she's mental at throwing great ideas into the mix... They've all been great.
 


Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time?
Probably still doing TFCD work, I don't see myself going any further than this. I would love to say I've be one of the top alternative photographers in the UK but I'll see what happens.
 


Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it?
Not that many people dislike my work... and if they do I tend to not give a flying fuck, unless of course it's constructive.
 


So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?
Not been an issue as I have a decent set up... yes, I could do with a new camera... yes, I could do with a new graphics tablet... yes, i could do with some lighting accessories... I make do with what I do and don't have, my philosophy is to make something out of nothing.
 


Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?
There has to be a unique quality where I see potential, something that inspires me to come up with a concept. I need to be inspired more than anything else, i want to see the potential to propose a concept the model hasn't doesn't before. Biggest examples of this is Hexabelle where she got all cyber'd up and with AndromedaX where I turned her into a Supervillain, they was things I hadn't seen them do before.  
 


We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?
When myself and the model have a laugh during the shoot and reviewing the images and we both see potential of what I can do in the computer. When the model understands what I'm going to be doing further down the line, when they're on the same page as it were. I also have the bad habit whilst looking through the viewfinder and doing an Austin Powers impression stating how great the model is then I get a really good pose and angle, this means I'm really happy.
 


There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?
To be more confident with myself, to figure out how to do location work more and utilise my flash gun on location. I want a car for this year so i can get out to locations, can't really drag a model on the bus can I... I want to get my results more in camera rather than in photoshop... that would be the most I'd like to improve. And learn Adobe Lightroom and Bryce, that would be good too!!!
 


Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?
Someone who was 3 hours late leaving me hanging at Leeds Train Station all that time... I should have walked but I just waited and was in the mood to go mental... but, ended up shooting anyway and discovered a few new techniques in the end.
 


What is your pet hate for models?
Being up their own backside expecting me to be this big time professional... I'm a simple man, I don't have a large studio and is more make-shift than anything else, my lighting equipment is second hand and does the best it can, I don't have an assistant or a make-up artist on hand. Several times I've been engaged in a dialogue with models and I've always been upfront, and as soon as I'm honest about what I've got they've buggered off, they seem to expect I have more than what the reality is.
 


What is your pet hate for photographers?
Not being serious about the craft, there's a lot of guys out there more interested in taking blatant nude and fetish shots that border on porn, and being a general pervert with models.
 


Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?
it started in Wrexham but then moved to doing a degree in Newport. having said that there wasn't really any tuition on practical lighting techniques, they was going through the motions of what had been taught before. Over the past 3 years it's mainly self taught and experimentation.
 


Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey?
Don't trust people who offer you the chance of going further in return of a "portfolio" piece. I had the misfortune of being contacted by a singer and her manager for a shoot, did some cracking work, some of my best but when it came round to the future and maybe payment I got blown off. I didn't end up giving them the final images. From now on I don't trust a verbal promise to extend my career, I was too trusting and ended up spending over 100 hours doing photoshop and graphic design work. It's not worth the pain and I advise everyone to be wary, wouldn't want anyone having the same experience as myself.
 


And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
I'd be happy to work with decent wardrobe stylists and clothing designers and a good make up artist. There's no one in particular.

Elizabeth Chiyoko

Photographer Interview
Elizabeth Chiyoko:- Me :) (thought I would start the ball rolling)

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer?
I have been interested in the model/imaging industry since I was 12 and was inspired by models such as Ivy Midsomer, Ulorin Vex, Morgana and Assisted Suicide.  I was never pretty enough to be a model so I decided to try my hand at taking the photos. Some people tell me I'm pretty good at it which is why I decided to carry it on. I did my first proper shoot when I was 17 with Candy Corpse (AKA Sola Ravine) and just wanted to do more and more!



Who/what is your inspiration?
I used to be inspired by people such as Aiko273 and Root of Silence but then I realised that having an "icon" or someone to look upto wasnt exactly the best way to go about being different or expressing myself. So I stopped looking upto people and became my own inspiration. My music and thoughts usually create the shoot ideas all on their own!



What has been your most interesting shoot to date?
It would have to be the Nazi abuse shoot with Integra Fairbrook and Marko. We went to an disused power plant and Integra got naked while Marko did his thing. The photos were intense and I love them! Probably some of my best.  I expected to get a lot more abuse from it but I'm so glad that I didnt and that people realised they are only photos. No Jews were harmed in the making of the photographs!

Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time?
To be honest, I dont. I just see myself in debt from uni, trying to get a job and trying to live. Maybe carry on photography as a side piece, but I dont plan, and never have planned, to be big from it. It's just too unrealistic for me. Like they say, the only money is in porn.



Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it?
Yeah, usually indirectly where you know they are talking about you but are too cowardly to say it outright. Usually people with large talk but only behind their computer screens. If it came to meeting them in person, I can imagine they would kiss ass like most of the cowards.  I dont deal with it because I dont have to deal with it. My usual response is "Sorry this photo offends you" and leave it at that.



So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?
Fortunately I'm not a spoilt brat. So I know how to manage my money as my parents taught me the value of money.  So therefore I havent really been affected at all. I imagine things will be tougher when I go to university, but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.



Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?
I look for diversity. I always have and always will. I dont want to recreate a photograph you have already done! Show me something exciting, be daring, be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone.  I also look for quality over quantity and wardrobe variations. I hate seeing the same outfit twice in a portfolio.  Also I like to see good track records, like good references from photographers.



We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?
When I've not had to draw blood from a stone to get the model to change her/his face! that is something I find so difficult sometimes. When someone has given me a good set in the first half an hour, I know that it's all good from here onward.



There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?
I think I need to be a little bit more selective with who I work with now, so I dont get the same old stuff reappearing.  I have some amazing shoots booked already for 2010 so hopefully that will improve my portfolio somewhat!



Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?
Yes. I had a model who took 2 hours to turn up to the shoot from what should have been a 30 minute journey and then when they did turn up, they had no idea what they were doing and were convinced that if they did an action shot of them doing a cartwheel it would look great. I can honestly say that it did not. And they spent the majority of the shoot telling me about conspiracy theories and random government cover ups. I didnt know whether to be angry that I had wasted a day, or scared that I was talking to this person.



What is your pet hate for models?
No shows and flakes. And those who say they are experienced yet do not deliver on the day. That just irritates me so much!



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Egos and being so far up their own arse they forget that they too can be wrong with the things they say and that their work isnt all that. Having a following does not make you Jesus.



Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?
Self taught, but then decided to do a course as a doss course.  I've been told I have "the eye" so that should serve me well. So far I feel it has. It's also more fun this way!



Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey?
Be wary of those who only speak to you to bleed you dry. Most of the time they arent your friend, they just want what you can offer and when they have it, they will fuck you off like a £20 whore.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Oooo Model wise would have to be Ivory Flame, Ruby True or Ulorin Vex and MUA Bea Sweet with designer Mother of London!

Catherine Day

Photographer Interview
Catherine Day:- Photographer, retoucher and creative genius!

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer?
I'm not sure, I've always enjoyed taking photographs since I was about 6 years old and my Dad gave me his old 35mm. I was so excited that I opened the back and watched all the film come out, it was rather funny. 



Who/what is your inspiration?
Erwin Olaf, he’s incredible. And anyone who has determination to make their visions reality.



What has been your most interesting shoot to date?
Haha, there's been so many! A couple that jump to mind are...shooting Ulorin Vex in a bath full of pink milk, shooting my ex-housemate naked and pouring blue paint all over her, photographing Cat Casino whilst we were both rather drunk on wine spritzers and falling around the studio. I also photographed my ex boyfriend several times whilst we were together, and that was always really fun and intimate, even though we were anything from 1 foot to 20 feet away from each other! That was always interesting!



Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time?
I have absolutely no idea, but I would love to be making a steady, comfortable income and doing regular work for high-end magazines. Dream on Catherine!



Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it?
I haven't actually, a few years ago there were a few bitchy people which used to upset me, but I've grown up a lot since then. Now if anything happens I just ignore it. I welcome criticism as long as it's constructive, as not everyone will like everyones work! I haven't had anyone be stupidly negative yet though. I'm sure it'll happen one day!



So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?
I've been quite lucky as I'm currently working on a salary, which hasn't been affected by the economic climate, but no doubt I'll feel the pain when my job finishes in August. Minimum wage is starting to sound very scary!



Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?
I would look for how versatile you are and how good your posing is. It all depends on what sort of shoot I'm bearing you in mind for. I do really love tall, very skinny, willowy models with very long or very short hair at the moment, I'm still keeping an eye out for her!



We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?
When the whole thing runs seamlessly with no negativity or awkwardness. When myself and everyone else involved are all equally ambitious and excited about the outcome and all want the same things in the image. Shoots like that usually end up with having way too many images to try and edit down into the final 1-3 images. It kills me to decide, but it's great!



There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?
I have a particular style and look in mind that I really can't describe. It's a fair way off from where I am now, and it will take a lot of time and effort to get there, but I'll know it when I'm there :)



Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?
I've had a couple (three models I have shot with, and one that I haven't) I don't really want to go into details about them in case they're reading this, but it was rather rubbish, and I'm glad it's all over now!



What is your pet hate for models?
Flakiness, cancelling for reasons that are not good enough, being late without a decent reason and not notifying me, ego wither it's deserved or not, turning up and bitching/spreading rumors about people and pretending to be friends with designers/photographers/other models when clearly all they're after is what that person can do for them. It makes me sick.



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Ego again, whether it's deserved or not, and using their photography as a means to perve on and exploit others.



Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?
Both really. I did a fair amount of self teaching before I was in education, and I then did photography as part of my college course, and then did a degree in University.



Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey?
Lessons are best learnt the hard way, it hurts at the time, but they sink in better. I've got a lot more to learn, but so far my most valuable lesson would be to not let my insecurities get on top of me, that I am actually alright at what I do, and that I have the ability to get a whole lot better too!



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Oof! That's a really difficult one, there's so many people I would love to work with. People at the top of my wish list that I haven't worked with would be Bea Sweet, Robert Masciave, Samantha Cole, Arisa Fukumoto, Mother of London, Antiseptic Fashion, Youth Diaspora, Manko, Koneko, Viktoria, Kess M, Io and Calamity Amelie. Of course, my biggest dream would be working with Gareth Pugh. *dreams*

Pirate Photography

Photographer Interview
Pirate Photography:- Photographer, academic, creative, fun and a wonderful lady!

Let's get the obvious question out of the way: what made you decide to pick up a camera and be a photographer? 

I loved taking snaps on a little compact film camera I had when I was a kid, then as I got older I started pinching my parents digital camera and by the time I was 18 I'd decided I wanted to do things properly.



Who/what is your inspiration? 

Life, my personal fetishes, movies, books, music, particular models and my boyfriend.  All the usual things!  There are specific people that have really influenced me, Christine Kessler and Steve Diet Goedde are my biggest photographic inspirations, and model wise there are certain models I've just clicked with and are like muses to me.



What has been your most interesting shoot to date? 

I'm agreeing with Sir Integra on this one, her running naked through torrential rain naked for me and climbing a tree!  That was rather awesome.  Then there was a shoot with Vynx in a rather public place where she was wearing an open corset backed latex dress so you could see her bum, and of course she flashed her boobs, we got a lot of attention haha!



Where do you see yourself and your photography in 5 years time? 

I'm gonna be a dreamer and say I'll be a professional with my own studio, but thats not likely to happen for various reasons.  However, I would like to think it'll be allowing me to travel abroad regularily and I'll be earning more of a wage in my real job as currently I struggle and I'd like that to be different.  I'd also like my Hello Kitty collection to have increased drastically!  I'd like to be getting published regularily in respected, international magazines as well, and just being happy and loved.



Have you ever had people being stupidly negative towards you and your work? and how did you deal with it? 

Oh yes!  Only this week did I get an anonymous comment accusing me of being a pervert who 'abused my privilege as a female to take naked photos'!  I often get emails from religious groups telling me they are going to save me, I have no interest in religion or being saved, I very much like what I do and if they don't, they don't have to look, simple as.

I've had people from my past get back in touch to try and use it against me, either trying to bribe me to get free photos or to say they always knew I was a weirdo.  Well, I know I'm a geek and a weirdo and whatever else they might like to call me, and as all my family and friends know what I do, they can't bribe me!



So let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on equipment/shooting in general?

I've had to cut back on buying props, but its not been the economic climate as such that affected me.  In the last year I finished my degree, worked 2 part time jobs in an attempt to earn a full time wage, moved to Norwich, was unemployed, then finaly managed to get a job!  There have been times were my photography has actually helped me pay the bills, any extra money I earn from my photography usually goes straight back into equipment and props, but this year I saved alot of it and it paid for my flat deposit and kept a roof over my head when I was unemployed, and I'm so grateful for that!



Let's say I'm a model, and I want to work with you really bad! What would you look for in me before considering me as a potential model?

Well, the first thing is enthusiasm, you can be the most beautiful person in the world but if your not enthusiastic it makes a shoot very hard.  I don't have a specific 'look' in mind, though I do have a penchant for the quirky and high cheekbones are a personal favourite of mine.  I'm not bothered about height, and I'm open to plus size models, theres nothing hotter than curves in latex!  I'm just looking for someone that makes me want to take their photo, or that gives me a specific idea.  And being open to nudity always helps, while I've shot with many models who don't do any nudity, it generally lets me know how confident you are in front of the camera, if you do nudes, you're more likely to be more confident.  I always look at the variation in a models portfolio, if all the poses are the same or all the expressions are the same I would tend to think that any great photos they have in their portfolio are the result of a photographers direction rather than their own ideas.  I have no problem directing a model but I'd much rather shoot with someone who wants to bring a little something of their own to a shoot.  I don't mind if someones a brand new model, or even if they only have self taken photos to show me, if you inspire me we'll shoot!



We know that every photographer has good and bad shoots, but when are you most satisfied with a shoot?

When the model is happy, I'm happy, we have a laugh but work hard and get great images.  And if something comes out exactly how I planned it too thats a bonus as often I either don't anticipate a model's flexibility (I was a gymnast so I always expect models to be insanely flexible haha) or the conditions just don't allow for the original shot I had in mind.



There is always room for improvement! Where/how would you like to improve with your photography?

I want to improve on my photoshop, I don't do a whole lot at the moment but I know that the reality of the industry is that I need to be retouching more.  And I want to learn more about lighting, I've always focused on natural lighting and if I want to work in a studio I need to know about lighting.



Have you ever had a bad experience with a model?

Unfortunately yes, several!  I've had models turn up and be abusive about people I've worked with alot and consider friends, they got themselves sent packing almost straight away.  I've had people flake and then find they are being abusive about me when they've never met me, and I discovered how hard it can be when you think your friends with a model and they decide otherwise.  Small towns don't work for this industry.



What is your pet hate for models?

Flaking, thankfully it hasn't happened to me in a while, but in 2008 over the summer I had a run of them and it made me so cross, mostly because it obviously stopped me working with other models on those days that had asked.  Not bring much wardrobe too, I always ask that people bring as much as they can carry, yet I've had people turn up with two outfits for a six hour shoot, and with neither of them corresponding at all with what we'd previously discussed.  I can shoot on the fly but thats extreme!



What is your pet hate for photographers?

Too much photoshop.  I hate seeing good photographers ruin their work with either far too much photoshop or badly done photoshop.  And ripping other photographers off.  I've seen a few photographers who are obviously technically excellent, but who so completely steal images from other photographers and just reshoot them themselves that it makes me so irritated, especially in young photographers.  Its hard to get taken seriously when you are young, but its even harder when they are letting the side down.

Are you self taught? Or did you attend photography classes/courses?

Entirely self taught.  I spent lots of time reading books and online articles, and of course spent plenty of time just messing about with my camera and seeing what happened!



Sometimes you just have to learn lessons in life the hard way, what would you say has been your most valuable lesson along your photographic journey? 

To not get caught up in photographic cliques.  Theres a few about, either groups of photographers or even magazines that seem to encourage their group to be exclusive and they seem to spend alot of time being negative towards others when they could be spending that time creating more art.  I've got no time for bitchiness, I don't stand for it in real life and I certainly won't stand for it in my photography.  I'm here for art and to have fun, life is too short to be so petty.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?

Ooo theres a few!  I'd love to shoot with Scar for her own line of hats Bubbles and Frowns in her loft.  Someone like Ulorin Vex or Anita de Bauch in a funky artistic nude shoot, or some with heavy rubber and hoods with a model like Dominick Destruction or Masuimi Max, it needs to be someone with amazing lips!  Then any sort of collaboration with Lady Lucie Latex, HMS Latex, Pretty Pervy or Latex Nemisis with Bea Sweet on make up and Robert Masciave on hair :D

Paradisaea

Model Interview
Paradisaea:- Model, designer, multi talented beauty. Creating designs only the daring dare to wear!

So, the question that everyone just has to ask in an interview: What made you decide to give modelling a shot?
Back when I was about 15 (11 years ago... ouch), I saw an image of a fetish model on a magazine cover. It was at that point that I realised there was actually a thing such as alterniative modeling. I remember saying to my mum "I want to be a fetish model" and her looking at me like I was nuts.



Who/what is your inspiration?
Back then, being that it was these people who drew my attention to it, I would have said I aspired to models like Morrigan Hel, Mistress Persephone, Masuimi Max and the like... but now that I've seen what else the whole modelling thing has to offer I am far more content in just striving to achieve the things I come up with in my own mind and making decent images with other people. I'm not saying I don't aspire to be a better model but I don't really aspire to any particular individuals any more. That's not to say I don't seriously admire others' work though because I do.


What was your most interesting shoot to date?
I'd have to say my shoot with Marc Blackie that involved toplessness and dead animals was pretty interesting! Very enjoyable too!


Where do you see yourself and your modelling in 5 years time?
I have no idea. I'd like to think I'd still be doing the odd bit here and there, but if my career goes the way I hope it will, I may not have enough time to do much!


So many models have side projects, do you have one? Or would you like one?
I am designer, taxidermist and artist so I've got plenty of projects on the go at all times. I am, however, going full time as a self-employed jewellery and accessory designer this year so that is the main one. I will be ploughing all of my time and energy into Sacré Coeur and my other creative endeavours.


Okay, let's talk news, how are you coping with the economic climate? Have you had to cut back on shooting/clothing/travel?
I am one of the lucky ones in that I can safely say, thus far, I haven't been too affected by it personally. However, of course I haven't been frivolous so where spending money is concerned, I have been a bit more careful. I'd say the only thing I've really done/bought less of is shoes and clothes... which is tragic and needs rectifying asap!



Have you ever been unfortunate enough to have a bad experience with a photographer?
No bad experiences per sé.... though I have had somewhat persistent advances by a photographer who's work would be familiar to quite a few people. It's annoying because I like them a lot and would love to work with them again... which is why I have stopped short of telling them to fuck off and just tried to kinda ignore it.



How do you respond to jealous low life who hide behind the internet to only say mean things to bring you down?
On the rare occasion I have had to deal with anything of the sort, it's usually been a case of initial (very mild) shock that someone has taken the time to behave in such a manner and honestly believe that it comes off as anything other than petty jealousy, then enjoyment in totally ignoring it thus not offering the reaction they were no doubt awaiting.



What is more important to you: Getting paid, or getting exposure?
My modelling has never been about either. I'm not vain enough to crave exposure and I've never had any illusions of turning it into a job or career. If either come my way as a consequence of what I do for enjoyment then great! But for me, it's about art, fun and making friends.



Everyone knows that a model has to feel sexy and comfortable with themselves. When do you feel at your sexiest and most comfortable?
When I've got my make-up done really nicely, interesting hair and clothes/props that take me a little closer to my fantasy ideal world that exists in my head ;) Corsets and heels are always a winner where feeling sexy is concerned.



We know that you are only human! With that in mind, what is your most embarrassing moment on set and off?
Nipple slips on set with Catherine Day were pretty fun. I was TRYING to model an overbust corset but my boobs were having none of it.



What is your pet hate for photographers?
Overbearing ego and the opinion that a model is 'just a model'.



What is your pet hate for models?
Overbearing ego and obsession with which names they've shot with. That last point actually goes for photographers too. I know it's good exposure and an accomplishment etc... but it's not the be all and end all. There are plenty of models and photographers out there who nobody has heard of yet whose work is outstanding.



Sometimes, you just gotta learn some lessons in life the hard way. What do you think has been the most valuable lesson you have learnt along the way in your modelling journey?
There will be days when you look at the work other people are producing and where they're getting with it and wondering why the hell you bother.... especially when people just show up out of nowhere and are all of a sudden top of their game. It's natural and it's not exclusive to modelling and photography... the trick is to turn it round and use it to better yourself and further what you do. The day you feel you can no longer do that is the day you stop altogether.



And finally, what would be your dream collaboration?
Oh god... so many. I'd love to work with a team on a fetish shoot similar to the high end ones that got me into this thing in the first place. Maybe something like Hair and MUA by Robert Masciave and Bea Sweet, Wardrobe by Lacing Lilith and/or Mother of London and shot by someone like Love the Void or Silent View. If I could chuck a couple more models into the mix I don't think I'd be able to choose myself... but saying that, Lauren WK from the states is waaay cute so maybe her ;)