Carlotta Champagne

Image by TH Taylor

Interview with Carlotta Champagne, by Iris Dassault

Question: How did you get started with your modeling, especially nude and figure work modeling? How old were you? How did your family feel about your decision to pursue modeling as a career?

Answer: I've always been a bit of an exhibitionist. Even when I was young my mom says she couldn't keep clothing on me. The first time I modeled nude I was 18, and it was for a friend's college photography project. I was 21 when I decided to seriously try modeling. I tried posing for artists in several different mediums before I decided that photography was where my posing interests lie. My family has always been surprisingly supportive. One of my grandmother's sisters was an art model at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) for 40 or 50 years, so I think she broke the family in for me.

Question: You have been featured in Playboy, how has that affected your life and your modeling career?

Image by TH Taylor

Answer: Playboy has its ups and downs. It gives a model a whole new market to pursue as far as signings, websites, meeting fans etc. However it isn't all it is cracked up to be. There is always a push to do more adult work as your fans ask for more of you. There are also a lot of crazy and potentially dangerous fans out there who will call your home at 3 in the morning or show up at your doorstep. Playboy has definitely helped give me a name in this industry and many of the best opportunities of my career have come up because their name was in my portfolio. I will say there are some people who will never see you as an art model again once you have shot for a company like Playboy.

Image by Richard Warren

Question: What is your proudest accomplishment as a model?

Answer: Just being able to do this as a full time career. To be able to do what I love and make a living is a huge accomplishment.

Question: Do you have any role models? Who are they?

Image by Kevin Dirks

Answer: Betty Page. I know it is kind of cliche but she modeled into her 40's, and she is such a legend. I think it would be so cool to be more famous 40 years after you modeled than during your actual modeling reign. I very strongly think it is likely that this could happen as the "internet model" is the new taboo and the girls who are doing this are kind of the originators of this genre of work.

Question: You shoot a wide variety of work - from fine art nude, to glamour nude, to fashion. Do you have a preference for any specific type of modeling?
Answer: I love erotic, euro-fashion nude imagery probably more than anything else because the end product is so beautiful.

Image by Juan Zambrano

question: Do you ever encounter prejudice and criticism about the nude body of work you created? How do you handle it?

Answer: I do. I'm from a small hick town, and every once in a while I'll get a rude email from a high school peer saying I'm degrading myself, or saying that I should do fashion because I'm "better" than a nude model. It is frustrating that people think that selling some name brand crap is better than creating a piece of inspiring art with the human form. I generally just ignore people with this mentality-I don't need this kind of negativity in my life.

Question: What parts of modeling are most rewarding to you, what are the parts you could do without?
Answer: I feel like there are so many rewarding situations from modeling. Being able to inspire artists, having my face seen around the world, making a living off of what I love. I could do without the random negative critics out there, but I guess that is just part of the job.

Question: Your modeling portfolio is absolutely phenomenal. How much input and ideas do you provide into your images and your shoots? Do you bring in your own wardrobe and styling ideas?
Answer: I put in a lot of ideas, wardrobe and styling. I love being a part of the creative process. I often get really frustrated when there is an "art director" who wont let me voice any creativity. A lot of people don't realize that no one is going to know my look and body better than me.

Question: What are your goals, both short term, as well as long term?
Answer: I don't know really. I want to get more tear sheets, and work with more amazing artists. Long term-I suppose I just want to model until it isn't fun anymore. When that happens I would like to open my own art gallery.

Question: If a starting model were to come to you for advice on how to establish a solid portfolio, what would you tell her?
Answer: Do trade with the best, always be professional, never flake and stay on top of your bookings! It doesn't matter how good your portfolio is if your reputation is poor for not showing up to jobs.

Question: Would you name a few of your favorite photographers (that you worked with, or that you would like to work with)?
Answer: Some of the best I have worked with are Juan Zambrano, James Russell, Richard Warren, and Hataiiia. I love so many photographers out there. I really hope to shoot with David LaChappelle some day. His work is so vibrant and alive. I imagine working with him is a lot of fun.

Image by James Russell

Question: Most models I have personally met, all have interesting backgrounds, education and hobbies that shows models have so much more going for them than just their look. Is there anything you could share about "Carlotta, the model", that may surprise people?

Image by Hataiiia

Answer: I am an artist first and foremost. I have a BFA in 3D art (ceramics and sculpture) and I made a living in college by making clothing out of condoms (http://www.carlyscondomnation.com/). Now I often make things to shoot in. Lately nipple tassels and erotic clothing have held my artistic interest.

Image by Dennis Keim

Question: What is the best way for people to reach you to set up a shoot with you? Any additional information you'd like to share about your approach to setting up shoots?
Answer: Through my portfolio, http://www.onemodelplace.com/member.cfm?ID=149902 I can also be contacted at carlotta@carlottachampagne.com

Frank Petronio

Playing with the camera...


You'll find Frank Petronio at : his official site, Model Mayhem, his interview.

"I think Cris liked my camera"

"Jess and I just sort of let Cris and Meagan play"

"Meagan with Sanders McNew’s Rolleiflex"


Frank Petronio ©

Tomasz Urban

I don't know many things about Tomasz Urban, except is 28, from Poland and he's a very talented photographer (nude, portraits and fashion) I wanted to welcome here.

"Mmmh... 2"

A clear comment :

" Very fine gallery ! I like the AGT black & white series for the perfect simetry, the nice details, the professional lighting... Real art !"

You'll find Tomasz Urban at : ALTphotos, fotocommunity, his space at deviantART,

"Agt"




"Agt"




"okt"



Tomasz Urban ©

Jeffrey McAlister : Their eyes !

I found this text of Jeffrey McAlister very emotional... And I can't resist to the pleasure to publish it. Thanks for your agreement dear Jeffrey !

"Her eyes"

"The Erogenous Zone between the ears and where you can see it."
By Jeffrey McAlister

"Valentine"



" Recently I've been seeing possibilities for making the art that I make open up. I had the great pleasure of attending a meet and greet event close to home here where many photographers and models convened to eat, drink and converse and make images. It really was a revelation. I'm not sure quite why (perhaps because it's just so nice when the unknown not only becomes known but the knowing turns out to be so pleasant) but the people I had a chance to talk with and shoot with really inspired me.

" Unlike a typical shoot I would book for myself, I was blown on the wind, shooting who appeared for me. I had contacted one lovely model I'd been in contact with before, and we got to spend time making calm simple head shots.
Another model I shot with is an erotic nude/fetish fashion model I'd been aware of for some time. I certainly had no idea that opportunity would arise. Frankly I shoot very little what I would call glamour, so shooting with her was a joy.
The last woman I took pictures of that day is a local art model I'd also had on my radar for sometime but had never been able to reach consensus with over what kind of work we would both like to do together. I had a really affirming moment when she recognized my name. Her face lit up and she launched into the certainty that she had hoped I would be there and we were gonna shoot right ?!
I had this wonderful moment of just feeling like what I do reaches people somehow, and in a world that would usually step over you if you were dying on the sidewalk, this angel wanted my eye and my artful focus on her. I can hardly describe what an emotional boost that was for about a hundred parts and pieces of my heart.

"V"

" As I tend to do, I find myself trying to define honestly what was so fun and moving in all this. Part of it is having a chance to be in community where what I make is accepted and valued... not a secret world. It didn't hurt to be in a whirlwind of really fun kind people, many tattood and pierced, fetishy, or flouncy, and photographers like me, hunting for that instant in light that captivates. The naked women getting body paint and loving being eye magnets for the whole gathering certainly didn't bother the mood of the event either !





"BP"



" What I realize this morning as I write this... as I try to put a period on it, can be defined in this way.
I shot three beautiful women who couldn't be more different. One was lithe and tall and elegantly shy. She was beautifully clothed and quietly curious about what making nudes with me might be like down the road. The second was audaciously sexual, happy I suspect, to go down most any path, voluptuous and oozing erotic intent. The third, a woman of eastern European lineage, thin, angular, bones and a proud jaw line... This was a person who radiates intelligence from every pore. Her body is a canvas of really unusual ink. Her tattoos were surprisingly (for me at least) at home, not jarring or detracting but really completing her pretty frame.

" What I see now is the thing that so gotten to me. The thing that pulls me in, makes me worship and marvel... the magnet... it was their eyes. Each of them, so different, and so astonishly poignant and powerful.

" Lust. Eroticism can certainly be expressed in how I feel about a pretty breast or a swollen vagina, but what I know today is the real heart of what I seek... is there to be revealed in her eyes. Every time." Jeffrey McAlister ©.

"Wallflower 4"



Jeffrey McAlister ©

Robert Lubanski

"Stone's"

"Pray"

Robert Lubanski ©

José Manchado

Wonderful José !

Cube series - Model Nere

José Manchado ©

John Running

By the unique John Running !

"Natalia White Sands NM"

John Running ©

Mic Ardant

A wonderful and so symbolic shot by Mic Ardant... To his question, I'll say yes, it can be... Without joy and happiness... it can be...

" Is the Conscience To exist a Problem ?" - Model Cindy Hope


Mic Ardant ©

The faith of the artists...

If you have a look on the list of the contributing artists of this site, you'll see how different they can be. From the young ones to the confirmed, from the students to the great masters, in color and black and white (even if I have a preference for this last), you'll see all the ages. And styles.

From 18 years old to 80, yes, they all have a faith I belove. They all believe. In them. They want to give, to show, to exhibit, they have all something to tell us beyond all the limits we support daily in this so programmed world.

I know that each human being has a talent. There are so many talented people around me that sometimes I believe I'm dreaming alive. Yes of course, each of them has his/her own talent, often unknowed, I know. In each of them, maybe there is a sleeping artist, a passion they decide to forget, in order to appear normal, adapted in a so troubled world . All is definitively a question of faith.

For my part, like so many of you, working hard day after day, even in the worst surroundings, I began early. To read before, more than all the other "normal" children who played soccer in the parks. The words appealed me. I loved to see their forms, and I wanted to know more, and more, always more about the world and the power of the words. Like many of you, my dear Artists, I began early to write.

Now, after reading carefully each of my interviews, I can tell you that us, those who are captured by a form of Art, something far beyond us, who helps us to keep on the challenge, with courage, strength and confidence, us who are thanking one of our gods, and our muse, to know why we are on earth, I can tell you that what separes us from a "normal" human being is just a question of faith.

Artist is a wonderful word. Art is my religion.

Mylène Farmer and Seal- Words

M.F.:
Fixement, le ciel se tord
Quand la bouche engendre un mot
Là, je donnerais ma vie pour t'entendre
Te dire les mots les plus tendres

Seal:
When all becomes all alone
I'd break my life for a song
And two lives, that's to tomorrow's smile
I know, I will say goodbye
But a fraction of this life
I will give anything, anytime

M.F.:
L'univers a ses mystères
Les mots sont nos vies
Seal:
We could kill a life with words
Soul, how would it feel
M.F.:
Si nos vies sont si fragiles
Seal:
Words are mysteries
M.F.:
Les mots, les sentiments
Les mots d'amour, un temple

Seal:
If I swept the world away
What could touch the universe
I would tell you how the sun rose high
We could with a word become one

M.F.:
Et pour tous ces mots qui blessent
Il y a ceux qui nous caressent
Qui illuminent, qui touchent l'infini
Même si le néant existe
M.F. & Seal:
For a fraction on this life
I will give anything, anytime

M.F.:
L'univers a ses mystères
Les mots sont nos vies
Seal:
We could kill a life with words
Soul, how would it feel
M.F.:
Si nos vies sont si fragiles
Seal:
Words are mysteries
M.F.:
Les mots, les sentiments
M.F. & Seal:
Les mots d'amour, un temple

Paroles: Mylène Farmer. Musique: Laurent Boutonnat 2001

Bastard

"Tikk-takk"

"Single"

"Catch me, Daddy"

"He said me : " You are really an ugly girl but I like the way you move"




"Prison sex"

Bastard ©

Lara Jade

"Ignite"

"Ignite IV"

Model - Rachel Martin
Bodypaint & Make up - Lauren Baker
Hair, photography & Post Processing - Lara Jade ©

Gerhardt Thompson's exhibition !

From Apr 3 to Apr 27, 2008, Gerhardt Thompson is exhibited with success at the Gadfly Gallery (Australia).



THIS EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE FOTOFREO 2008 BIENNALE





"Reflections in a Mirror"



" From its very beginnings nude photography has been contentious and frequently identified with erotica. It is fair to say that nothing much has changed today but nude photography of both the male and female form is a primary occupation for many serious photographers, and as is the nude figure for many other artists.

" Gerhardt Thompson is a fine art nude photographer working strictly in black and white. He describes his subject matter as : “the beauty of the nude physique in the Australian bush and (on the) beach.”

" He has won over 70 awards in both open and specific categories and over 70 acceptances / honourable mentions. Gerhardt Thompson is also a photographic judge at photokonkurs.com. He is considered one of the top photographic masters of the B&W Artistic Nude." Gadfly Gallery.

"The Fountainhead"

Gerhardt Thompson ©

Christophe Vermare

" The process is as follow : I open my eyes. I try to be “available” all the time to catch emotions. I look in detail, I organize the reality elements to “optimize” my feeling. This phase is very important. I sometimes think that all the process energy comes from this period : when I am in front of the real elements." Christophe Vermare

"Nude 25"

You'll find Christophe Vermare at : his official site, One Model Place, Model Mayhem, absolutearts, Michelle 7, Photo Competition, an interview at Nu Expo, his first feature here inside.

How did your passion for photography begin?
As everyone, my first interest on Photography was about its capacity to “remember” ; to freeze a specific time on specific conditions you would like to see again and again. But really doesn’t mean much to me so my passion really started when I understand that Photography acts as a “Judas Eye”.

"Nude Visions 6"

Indeed, this medium is based on reality (in the sense object and light exist in the “real” world) and this original taste deceives the observer. The photograph print doesn’t have anything to do with reality, it is only a two dimensional piece of paper, very specific projection. I always asked myself what could be the “reality” if human eyes collect X-rays or Infrareds instead of “visible” photons… The connection between the photography and the reality is driven by the reconstruction made by the observer brain. And we are educated - for example, we always see a white paper even under colored lighting because our brain corrects directly the “real” signal from the eye to match our knowledge – this page of paper is white. More, the brain adjusts the color of the surrounding elements on the image to match! More globally, how many times you think you receive information from an image that is not correct (new papers, television…). In France, the so hard pressure of photojournalism references makes this deceit only more effective.
Anyway, my passion started when I start to use a photograph as fuel for my brain to brew emotion. As a human, my main limitation is that the photographs must “looks real” to penetrate my mind…

"Nude 18"



"Nude 22"

"Nude 20"




Woaw... Where did you learn your art ?
I don’t know if ones can learn art.
For the technical point of view, I was always curious about physics principles and technologies. Along my physics curriculum at the university, I learned bases to understand optics, chemical and electronics that act on a film or digital camera.
Talking about “Art studies”, I was never attracted by collective art analysis. First, it seems to me too personal and I don’t appreciate any kind of analysis that takes you away from your raw emotions perceptions. Understand our self, our personal tastes is fundamental but I prefer to do so without exchanging with others.

"Nude 15"

Do you plan every detail or is it improvisation from the beginning to the end ?
First the “creation” (strong word) never really stops. For me, a photograph is a source of feeling. Some may induces so much different things that I can always use it over and over. I act on the image, as I want, without moral limitations, I only try to enhance the contents of the image its ability to produce emotions on my brain.
The process is as follow : I open my eyes ; I try to be “available” all the time to catch emotions. I look in detail - I organize the reality elements to “optimize” my feeling ; this phase is very important. I sometimes think that all the process energy comes from this period – when I am in front of the real elements. After the “CLIC”, I feel empty but I directly know if the image will become a photograph with all the fuel required. I shot very few. After, I act like a painter with pencils, colors and a precise enough sketch to pass trough my brain watch. May be I am just too Cartesian to be a painter !

"Nude Visions 13"

"Nude 14"

How long could you be far from your camera ?
Much more longer than from my prints… Taking picture is only the starting point for me.
I didn’t shot on regular basis ; there are conditions where the emotions are so “present” than I will suffer to not be able to collect some seeds. So, I quite always have a camera system with me…
But my prints are the final stage the “cold and flat” souvenir of my brain activity. I printed in small series using “Piezography” and I am very perfectionist - I have respect to them!

Your compositions are really particular... How long did it take to find your style ? Could you define it ?
If you say so ! I don’t have any external view of my photographs ; I am just too connected to them to have an opinion…

"Nude 07"

Do you want to express a message through your work ?
Only one, big one, Enjoy life ! You can change every thing by using your imagination, your perception of real - Don’t pay attention to any “shopping list” that will make you happy, you are happy – you just don’t know it yet !

I won't forget ! Is your photography mostly nudes ?
As I said to a French Magazine, I must confess : I like women curves...

"Nude 08"

"So Kyla - 2" - Model Kyla Cole



Who are your favorite photographers ?
I don’t have favorites photographers ; I have favorites photographs.

It's the first time I hear such an answer, and you're right... I saw in your portfolio many outdoors and B&W pictures ?
At the beginning, I only used B&W in order to have a clear separation between reality and my prints. With time, I use more and more color photographs but having a shifted tonal range or rending. I found color to be an interesting dimension to be added, it may help to express feeling inside an image.







Some words about your models ?
I started to use Photography as described around 10 years ago with my wife as model. Today, it is very hard to found the same kind of flexibility and comfort with another model. Lots of models are just looking for quick money, witch is perfectly understandable, but it doesn’t fit my way of shooting.
I need time, I try to create or use a set-up (artificial or natural), I walk around, the model is moving and sometimes I stopped and grab my camera. Two times, I took pictures of Kyla Cole since she is quite “special” for me ; I remember image of her at the beginning of my nude interest ; the images quality was poor but she was always provoking something to me, like if I knew her for a previous life… Anyway, I propose to share the benefits from the prints sale with the model, there is no guarantee (I only sold a few) so I don’t have many candidates !





"So Kyla"
8 x 10 inches (20x25 cm)
38 pages
His first "carnet" dedicated to two exchanges he had with Kyla Cole.



Have you published a book ? In magazines ? Is there one to come ?
I will propose a “carnet” of photographs made with Kyla Cole on my website (I am still looking for the best way to sell it).
I was published in French photography magazines twice but it was only interesting for my ego !


I know that... Have you some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ?
I am thinking more and more to organize shooting with more than one model, I think it may be quite challenging to explore new possibilities. Also, I would like to spend time on sophisticated set-up with plenty of furniture and accessories.

When and where will be your next exhibition ?
I don’t have any plan so far, I just move to Japan (for the next 6 years), will see.

I wish you a nice stay. A message to send ?
No, making prints is very personal and I finally don’t know what I am waiting from observers !

Thanks a lot Christophe, for this deep interview, for your time and your confidence ! Keep us informed...

"Wave form"


Christophe Vermare ©

Darren Phillips

" His acute understanding of the photographic craft combined with a sensitive attitude, keen eye and (sometimes) wicked sense of fun makes the entire process a pleasure." about Darren Phillips by K. Ridge, New York.





"Warmth" - Model Anne Duffy



Darren Phillips is from Adelaide, Australia, a country rich of so many outstanding fine art photographers.

Walking through his portfolio and reading everything I found about him, I can tell you how much this great artist is nice, human, kind... and gifted.

As Steve Johns, Andre J and Gerhardt Thompson, all from Australia, all nice and shining persons I'm proud to welcome here, the outdoors shootings of Darren Phillips are always exceptional.
The fabulous australian landscapes and his gorgeous models make together wonderful compositions under a fantastic light he perfectly masters.

I told him how much I like his work, he told me yes for an interview, so here he is :

"Untouched" - Model Melanie

Darren Phillips by K Ridge, New York :

" Darren is a unique individual who manages effortlessly to relate to all types of people. His sincercity, compassion and non-judgemetal nature allows him to observe his surroundings with a genuine awareness you rarely find. These characteristics are part of the reason he has been able to develop and capitalise on his photographic talent. It is almost impossible to feel anything but comfortable in Darren's presence. His acute understanding of the photographic craft combined with a sensitive attitude, keen eye and (sometimes) wicked sense of fun makes the entire process a pleasure."

Darren Phillips has had many images chosen for inclusion in MuseCube's Spotlight Gallery.

"The Willow" - Model Donna B



"Steps" - Model Renee

Darren Phillips viewed by his models :

" Darren Phillips was great to work with and has a great sense of humour. We got some awesome images that were taken on a bitterly cold day ! Very much looking forward to working with him again and seeing what we get in warmer weather !" - Donna B (Model)

"The Beach" - Model Soph

"Sorrow" - Model Bella

" Darren Phillips is a great photographer who not only has a very serious side, can be the most fun you have ever had. He is very easy- going but take great pride in his work. When he captures the shot, HE DOES IT WELL !" - Jodie Bellon (Model)


" Darren Phillips is very creative and professional. He is an open minded, funny, easy going photographer. A joy to work with." - Melanie (Model)

You'll find all the wonderful artworks of Darren Phillips on his official site.

Darren Phillips ©

Al Calkins

From deep shades to soft ones, here are some amazing shots of Al Calkins, a great Artist who loves to capture natural people (so non professional) in natural surroundings.

"Nude 101"

I love this Artist for the pleasure he gives us to admire our life as she is, without any make-up.

His "women next-door" models have a beauty quite impossible to describe, it would be too long, (and too difficult, don't forget, I'm a french writer). ... Something so simple in their poses, so pure in their natural bodies, close to me, shooted in this kind of unic instants we all are looking for...

To make short, there are many reasons why I love Al Calkins, and his so wonderful photographies. Enjoy !

"Back yard"

"Greenhouse"

"Window"

Al Calkins ©

DonnaB, the Muse

DonnaB is a renowned model from Canberra, Australia, shooted by the greatest such as my dear friends Gerhardt Thompson, Beau eRomantica, and Gavin Bell, Darren Phillips, Doug Faircloth, all contributing with kindness and passion to this site. So you already know her... and how inspiring she is...

DonnaB - "A cool breeze" by Darren Phillips ©




"A stunning and professional model. Even in adverse conditions DonnaB was up to the challenge. Thank you for all your fine efforts, would love to catch up again soon." - Darren Phillips (Photographer)


" Donna's enthusiasm and professionalism makes her a joy to work with! Highly recommend DonnaB to any photographer thinking of booking her !" - Gavin Bell (Photographer)

DonnaB by Robert Woolrich ©

" I am an experienced model & have extensive knowledge of most aspects of modelling. I modelled for 15 years in the UK and have continued for another 3 years since moving to Australia.
I have experience in catwalk, fashion, artistic nude, fetish, hair, promotional work, acting, and photographic modelling. I have worked with lots of agencies, photographers & artists for exhibitions, magazines, books, hair shows, advertising, television and websites.

I have been published in several UK fashion and hair magazines, with a number of front covers. In Australia I featured in 'Fashion Nudes', Black & White magazine, L'Oreal Hair magazine and front cover of Kink-E magazine. I was lucky enough to be part of the Canberra hair show, where I won 1st place with Anton's hair salon the stylist. Television commercials that I have appeared in are ActewAGL, Quality Hotels, Canberra Labour Club and corporate videos.

DonnaB by Stefan Postles ©

" I work at a Canberra modelling agency and teach all aspects of modelling to potential models – catwalk, commercial acting, photography, grooming, deportment and etiquette. I am reliable and professional in my work at all times. My aim is always to perform to the best of my abilities and I hope to continue shooting and creating great work.

DonnaB - "North east" by Beau eRomantica ©

DonnaB - Sun and spray"" by Gerhardt Thompson ©



A big thank you to the photographers that I have worked with :

Paul Wesley, Matt Briggs, Steve Bell Pics, Doug Faircloth, John de Lombardo, Sleek Images, Christyna Hessova, Pat Solomon, Stefan Postles, 1 Dream photography, David Beaver, Allen A, Scott James Prebble, Cate McDonald, Bearcage Productions, Jon Lee, Ellen Duffy, D-eye, Michael Smith, Robin Wallace-Crabbe, Nyk Sykes, Laurie Kippel, Chris Harding, Ben Tydeers, Nik Studios, Gavin Bell, Darren Phillips, Richard Wood, Derek Rogers, Dalai-Harma, Stephen Trutwin, Srdjan Nikolic, Wayne Quilliam, Koukei, John Kantek, Phil Chaplin, Stanb, Robert Coppa, Gerhardt Thompson, Wayne Bradford, Vinzenz Sedlak, Mark Wilson, Peterlan, Mark Scholey, Daniel Allen, David Taylor, Frozen Instant Imagery, Esh Photography, L'Oreal, Malcolm Smith, Aref Jaroudy, eRomantica, Pharyn photography, Victoria's Models."

DonnaB by Aref Jaroudy ©

DonnaB
All photos are copyright the photographer, and may not be used without written permission.

Grzegorz Kulinski

Grzegorz Kulinski is 28 and lives in Poland.





"Shoot like you want, not the way others want you to do it."
Grzegorz Kulinski



Dear Greg, how did your passion for photography begin ?
I think I begun like many others. One day I’ve found my fathers old range-finder camera in drawer and I made only 3 good shots. It was 12 years ago. Then I bought my first german SLR camera. But the “real” photography started when I got my first AF Nikon camera. I’ve worked during my studies, and I’ve spent six month salary to get it. From this point I started to take pictures of people. Later, on photo extravaganza, I’ve met some professional photographers, one of them liked my photos and he let me use his studio for some shots.

" Lollipop"

Where did you learn your art ?
I’m a self-learner. At my beginnings, I made shots, and then asked to my friends for critique, or I spent hundreds of hours in public library watching books with photos. Also working in photo store was also great help, because I’ve met a lot of art students and professional photographers, and asked them for harsh critique. I think, I can always learn something new. Even now, when I see new photography book, it takes me 20 seconds to buy it.





"Want to be whiped ?" - Model Viki



And is it your only job ?
Mainly yes, but sometimes I make some graphics designs like websites, posters or business cards. It’s my acquired profession.

How long could you be far from your camera ?
Not really long. I love taking photos, I try to put all my “brain and heart” in every photo I take. Few times I’ve regretted that I don’t have camera with me, so I try to have my camera with me all the time. It’s the first thing I pack when I go somewhere, even if it’s to meet my friends.

Like me with my notebook !... Who are your favorite photographers ?
I would have to put a really large list to answer this question, but my favorites are Helmut Newton, Leonard Nimoy and Jan Saudek, and I love photography from the 70’s.