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[January 1st, 2008 ]
Your photography has been described as whimsical and psychedelic. Do you feel your background in the fine arts contributes to your style?
Yes it did. Photography is painting with light, so being a painter and sculptor helped me understand how light bends around and shapes objects. I translate my experience in working with multiple sources of media at once into how I use colors and tones in photography. I am very grateful for my art background, it is responsible for my style.
How would you describe your style?
I like it sexy and raw yet polished. Very contrasty, sometimes I think the most magical part is what is hidden in the shadows. I would say it is moody and hyper-realistic. I really like to play off the fact that photography is an illusion.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My life has been and always will be a rollercoaster of adventures. I pull a lot of inspiration from life experiences. I have a really wild imagination.
How did you come up with the concept for your Hades series?
Feeling rushed for inspiration I opened a dictionary to word fate. That led me to thinking of a vintage dressed couple in a boat. Immediately my brain went to the five rivers of Hades. Like I said I have a wild imagination [Laughs.]
What has been the most challenging photo shoot for you?
The shoots themselves have never been that difficult. Sometimes it's the production around the photo shoots that can be difficult. Working around celebrities, bands, and editors constantly moving schedules can be a challenge. No matter what the challenge is, it's worth it.
If you could photograph any person, from all of history, who would it be?
One? Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Charles Bukowski, Frida Kahlo, Jet Lee, Elvis, Andy Warhol, and Walker Texas Ranger [still laughing]
What has been your most memorable moment on a photo shoot?
There have been so many. My shoots are very high energy. Everyone has a good time and there is lots of laughing and dancing. Some of the funnier moments have been working with foreign talent and trying to get them to understand my American slang. I told a Russian model to "stop tripping", relax, and he couldn't comprehend because he was walking in a straight line. He just kept repeating "I did not trip at all, I walked right to you." I have a lot of energy there's such a level of comfort on set, people sometimes really let loose. I have a story from every shoot.
You've gone through some difficult times in your life. What motivates you to continue following your dream?
There are two answers to this question. My mom always told me I can achieve anything and she has been an inspiration in my life. I also motivate myself. I have always been prepared to go hungry or homeless to achieve my dreams. These rocky times in my path have only made me stronger and push myself harder. I feel like anything is attainable and it is impossible to fail because I will never give up. Success is a sure thing.
There is such a connection between you and the talent in your photographs. How do you get people to feel so comfortable with you in such a short time?
I think it's by being myself. I have a huge personality and I read people really well. My whole life strangers have always told me their most intimate secrets in a grocery store check out line or wherever. It's just is the way it is and I don't know why, but I am grateful for it.
You've shot everything from celebrity to fashion to music. Where would you like to focus your career?
I love shooting conceptual stories. I would love to shoot movie promotions, more music, and celebrities. I want it all.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
On the cover of Rolling Stone. Not my photos, me. [laughs] I would love to shoot for Italian Vogue or an ad campaign for Gucci among many others. I also really want to do some non-profit work. The sky is the limit, so stay tuned.
- Contributed by Siobhan O'Brien
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