Chrissie Red's Interviewed by Jan Murphy

Chrissie Red on her Official site, her blog, Model Mayhem, her deviantART, Artpunk.




Chrissie has been modelling since 2007 and is based in Scotland, UK.

I have been watching Chrissie's modelling for quite some time now and she really has a beautiful style.

Chrissie is living far from me in Scotland so sadly I never get to work with her but I will hold out for that one day in the near future.
 
She has worked with some really amazing photographer's such as Simon Pole, Paul Muir (Artpunk), Dave McAleavy, Dylan Drummond, Alex Ingram and so the list goes on. A lucky lady if you believe in luck. I believe we create our own chances.

"Snowed In"

by Simon Pole

"Stick" 
by Paul Muir (Artpunk)




"In the Dunes"
by David Hunt

by Ian McInnes -
"Tutu"

Today I will be challenging Chrissie by asking her to choose 2 of her favourite images from each photographer and share with us, why this is so.

Chrissie I feel that I should apologise for this as I realise how difficult selecting favourites can be.

I just know that if you do this and talk about your passion/art, then we will really get to know a deeper part of you.





 


Do share with us a little about yourself and how you got started in modelling - therefore, being able to express yourself artistically.

 

by Dave McAleavy

C : I stumbled into modelling in 2007, a fine art photographer from Scotland found me on one of his models friend’s lists on a social networking site, for 3 months he asked me to shoot with him and eventually I did. I wish I had done it sooner !

I suffer from anxiety disorder which stopped me from doing a lot of things other people take for granted. I switched from one hobby to another throughout my teens to find something that my anxiety wouldn’t get in the way of, in modelling I have found exactly what I was looking for. I get to release my emotions and be part of something beautiful.

"Tum" 
by Alex Ingram -

"Stones"

by Alex Ingram

I’ve worked with all different types of artists and made some fantastic friends along the way, its much more than a hobby now. It’s what keeps me going and gives my wandering mind something to focus on. The fact other people get pleasure out of what I help create is a massive bonus.

Three years ago I would never have imagined ever having experiences like the ones I have had in the past year and a half, I really hope that the buzz I get now continues for years to come.

"Steps"

by Sam Brill

"Smiles" 
by Paul Muir (Artpunk)




J : I would also love to hear about something in a set that was fun, which either went strangely wrong or some watchers appeared, something that stands out to you and how the situation was dealt with ? Models and photographers always have great stories like this so would be fun to hear yours.

C : Funny stories ? Oh not sure if there is all that many of them. I have only been caught once and it was the only time I had someone there working as a ‘look out’. Let’s just say he was fired because he was rubbish ! Nowadays I always have my baggy jumper with me, its 6 sizes too big for me but it takes only a second to take off and a second to put back on again. I don’t know how I survived without it.

I almost never made it to my first photoshoot as 3 days before the shoot I had a bad cold so ended up in bed with a bowl of boiling water and Vix, I fell asleep and ended up burning my chest. Right the way down my sternum to my bellybutton was a neat red line ! Thankfully it cleared up a little in time for the shoot !

J : Ok Chrissie, let us see which images you chose from your galleries for each photographer. I, for one am interested to see and read about your choices.

Alex Ingram


C : Unfortunately the only time I have visited Alex to work with him was right at the beginning of the year, the weather was not on our side so location wise we didn’t do as much as we would have liked. I’m sure I could persuade Alex to have me as a house guest again though.


 

"In the Rocks" 

This was the first shot Alex took of me on my trip up to Loch Carron. I love the way it looks as if I'm pushing the rocks apart. I guess for me it shows strength and power. I also love the colours in this one, the red streak in my hair really stands out.

"Ribs and Hips" 

I absolutely love the effect that the oil mixed with water has on my body. I just love dark images and the way my ribs and hips look almost like mountains.

Paul Muir and our joint site

C : Paul and I try to experiment everytime we are together. Before we started our relationship neither of us really paid attention to the others work. I was always ‘that nude model’ and he was always ‘that fashion photographer’. I like to think we make a good team and really bring our different styles together so that they compliment each other.

"Window nude" 

This was shot in front of a friend’s dining room window one afternoon. Paul told me he would do my makeup and turn himself into an MUA (as a joke) so he did ! I really like how soft my skin looks and how the light coming in behind me hits off the side of my body.




"Jewels III" 

Again, there was no real planning behind this shot. We were out in town and I came across stick on jewels so chucked a packet in the basket knowing that eventually they would be good for something, Later that night me and Paul decided just to stick them on me and start shooting. I like this one sooo much that I have it hanging above my bed. I love everything about it !

Dylan Drummond

C : Dylan is a very creative photographer who stays about 30 minutes away from me, I’m lucky to have him practically on my doorstep and I always enjoy working with him.

"Chrissie at the steading" 

This was from my first ever location nude shoot, I still really love this image. My skin looks so soft next to the decay of the old barn.


"Ariadne I" 

The second Dylan showed me inside this barn I knew the resulting images wouldbe special to me. There was a gorgeous light flooding in through the skylight windows. The light seems to hit off my body almost perfectly in this one, and I really like the slight unusual pose in it too.

Simon Pole

C : I first shot with Simon about 10 months ago, since that time we have built up a great friendship and I’m sure Simon will agree that in the past 10 months we have both learned new things and been able to provide each other with the time to really experiment.

"Synergy"

This was taken during Simon and I’s road trip to Skye earlier this year. To get this shot without having a bus load of tourists watching we had to get up at 6am – it was easier said than done given the hotel we were staying in had a very lively pub downstairs ! Still we managed it, must say it was a little more difficult being beside such fast flowing water as we couldn’t hear each other so it was guess work. I can't remember exactly how cold it was but I do remember it was either freezing or just above.


"Winter Sun"

Well I probably do have better pictures that Simon has shot of me but this one never fails to get a reaction. I love the snow, the Scottish landscape and being nude so this one was picked for that reason ! I do suffer for my art and I cannot wait until next winter so I can do it all again, Simon is only a phone call away :)

"The end and the beginning"




Chrissie thank you for your time and effort put into this conversation, I really appreciate it and I'm sure all readers of UdA will too.

I, for one could not create my work without models such as yourself so continue helping us make wonderful pieces of work. Superb modeling Chrissie – you are a natural and I am really glad you found the hobby that fulfills you and allows you to be a part of this wonderful process that is photography/art.

James M. Graham's interview

" I like tension in my photos - something that causes the viewer to feel just a little uncomfortable or a bit put-off, but drawn in at the same time - an inability to look away."

James M. Graham

"Me and Isabella"





















James M. Graham lives in Brooklyn, New York, and specializes in portraits and narrative imagery, from fashion to fine art.

He has spent 20 years as a filmmaker, at various times producing, writing, directing and shooting.

He has worked on a variety of projects ranging from a Guns 'n' Roses video to the 2004 Natori Lingerie Campaign.

He is featured in the Taschen book, "The New Erotic Photography" with 81 other groundbreaking photographers.

James M. Graham at his blog, Model Mayhem.







Art Model Cristi

" I've shot in nearly every hotel in Manhattan. And one in Queens (twice) and one in Southern New Jersey and one in Seattle and one in Portland. I've shot in friends' apartments, models' apartments, office buildings and Richard Avedon's former studio."

Art Model Natsuko

"Collages - My Book"




James, tell us how really did your passion for photography begin ?

My Father gave me my first camera. It was his. It was an old Kodak Brownie 8mm home movie camera. I shot some stuff. I projected it. I spliced it. I projected it. Frame-by-frame animation was my gig. Do you think it might catch on ?


At your opinion ?... And how did you get into nude art photography ?

 I asked some girls to take off their clothes. They did. I still do. Have you seen my eyes ?


They couldn't resist ! How long could you be far from your camera ?

As long as it takes to pick up again with a purpose.

Art Model Kristin

 You have a signature. I'm curious to know about your greatest inspirators ?

My inspirations. Well, they change from day to day, hour to hour.

Sometimes it is my Mother, sometimes it is the guy that drove me home in a cab across the Manhattan Bridge and told me all about the Taxi Strike here in NYC.
Sometimes.

All of the time they are about anyone that can tell a story.

Art Model Evelyn

" Here's a photo just for Chris. It's Evelyn. Smart, fine and I hope, always happy.."

Art Model Mercury

Art Model Kim

" Kim on her Upper East Side balcony one night in May."

Art Models Mayan and Laila

And how long dit it take to find your so original style ? How do you define it ?

 Once I became aware of my pursuit, it was immediate. Except that it changes and evolves every minute.


How lucky you are !!! James, I'm sure your photography is not mostly nudes.

 No. Yes. Sometimes. Never ! What's your point ?


To know you better ! For example, how do you work ? Do you plan everything ?

(50%) Realize the picture in your head.
(30%) Try to realize the picture in your head.
(10%) Wing it and come up with something brilliant.
(10%) Wing it and bury the shots. Really, really deep.

Art Model Renee

Art Model Reby




You seem to be well everywhere. But do you feel particularly inspired by a type of location ?

Absolutely.
Sort of.
Never.
It's all relative, man.


Of course. Some words about your models ? A shooting that you particularly liked ?

 My most published shot is of my friend Sybil shot for my Room # series three years ago. She was perfect. We did good.

Art Model Rael

How do you feel at the end of a shooting ?

High. Ecstatic.
OK.
Disappointed.
OK.
Pissed off.
Robbed.
Irrational.
It's all relative, man.

Have you a special project, some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ?

 I am currently working on a gallery show, a limited edition release of several of my projects, and agency representation. All of that is hard and exhaustive. So in the meantime, I'm just shooting stuff...

Art Model Theda

Have you published a book ? Is there one to come ?Coming off being featured in "The New Erotic Photography" from Taschen, I'm as happy as I can be.

Magazine commissions and my own monograph are both in the works.

Thanks a lot James ! Great, smart and fun interview !

James M. Graham ©

Mick Waghorne and Madame Bink

When an experienced photographer meets an experienced art model !

Mick Waghorne -
and Madame Bink -

"Form"

"Colophon"

"Death in Action"

"An Extranious Expense ?"

A Conversation between David Winge and Jan Murphy

David Winge at his official site, PBase, at Red Bubble, deviantART, Model Mayhem

Are women seen as vulnerable in photography ? During a recent conversation with David Winge about his work - I commented on an image "Maybe I'm Amazed" about the strength in this photograph and how the model looked like she could take on the world. David got back to me and shared that someone asked him why he didn't make women look weak and vulnerable, and that maybe he should.

Being a watcher, OK, a stalker of David's work, I have always admired the strength portrayed in the women, even though some could say they were in a vulnerable location.

"Maybe I'm Amazed"
Art Model Kittie M

J : David, please share with me how this suggestion made you feel ?

"In a Black Dress"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW : One of the reasons I was drawn to art nude photography was the ability to portray women how I see them, speaking in generality, a force within nature, part of the beauty that surrounds us and of course also subject to same human condition as we all are.

The suggestion that I should portray women in images as weak and/or vulnerable was dismissed immediately. My intent is to show our strength of will, our resolve and the harmony we have here on earth.

"Unforgettable"

Art Model Kittie M

J : Tell us your thoughts on why you believe this was asked of you and also how you see your models in the photography that you produce ?

DW : You don't have to travel far on the Internet or in real life to happen upon images of women as objects, they tend to fill the "most popular", "most viewed" or "most favourited" sections on many web sites, and many news stands. Dig a little deeper though and you'll find sites such as this one with a wide array of inspiring artists and images that have substance.


I see models from the inside out; I can see a photo shoot as a miniature lifetime, however brief it goes from conception to learning, experiencing, searching for meaning then celebrating being alive and all I have to do is capture it.




"Which Way to Follow"
Art Model Rebel Smith











Many of the titles I use and very often my choice of locations are based on my impression of what the model is telling me in-between shots or at some time before or during the shoot.

If I could give an example, in "Which Way To Follow", Rebel had initiated the photo shoot telling me she wanted to get away and spend some time in the desert, she was trying to make a decision about leaving southern California and needed time to think about it. In this instance the scene, the location and the title were all based on this feeling.


J: That´s beautiful, David. I am so glad to hear this as it goes along the same route as my mind. Sadly, women are depicted in a very vulnerable and/or sexual state on the net, and sex sells in the media as we know. I feel that the reason behind this could be that men were the providers and now they are not needed so much, so women are depicted this way to give men more control over how they are seen. Perhaps it is merely as simple as women on the net being "used" for voyeurism alone.

"Saved"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW: I agree, Jan. I feel the major difference is in the collaboration. A photographer and model working together can make art, as opposed to a photographer shooting where the intent is arousal; for this the photographer needs only an object.


J : You mentioned that you see a lot of photography in this style that you were asked to represent. Would you be willing to share with me why others perhaps 'like' women to look weak and vulnerable and, if so, how does this affect you ? 




 

"Channel Surfing"
Art Model Rebel Smith

DW : As I mentioned earlier there is part of me that wants to believe it's primal, an ancient desire to rescue/protect the poor helpless woman,

but honestly it may be much more shallow than that.

I am not sure I know the answer. Maybe it has to do with power? Or maybe it has to do with opportunity?

"Soul Singing"

Art Model Kittie M

J : I have chosen some images of your work and feel it would be really interesting to talk about these with you and share my views on them also.

"The Where and the Wherefore"
Art Models GroovaciousK
and Conundra

DW : In "The Where and the Wherefore," I like the contrast between the models. Neither one knew which of them I was shooting and neither of them could see each other, and this was a combination posed and candid shot.

In this image they are unique individuals with vastly different poses, I just love how they are together, but also separate.




J: David, how interesting - as I did think that it was the same model shot in two places and two images merged in Photoshop. How interesting to know they are two different models not even interacting yet somehow very bonded in their posing. I chose this image as I wanted to show that even though these women are in the middle of nowhere, naked and alone (except you of course), they look composed, they look strong, and they look united. Thank you for writing about this.

"Do You Hear It Calling"
Art Model Kittie M

DW: This is another example of using what I hear and my impression when shooting an image : Kittie mentioned a fondness for the Joshua Tree. This aside, I see her interacting with the surroundings as opposed to succumbing to them. I think sometimes the inference is very slight, the placement of a hand or expression can be enough to change the entire feel of the image.


J: David I´m so glad you said that about the environment as I can really feel that the model is not only interacting with the Joshua Tree but is almost merging with it.
Superb, it almost feels like she has found a part of her home, her native home. Goodness, I´m unsure that even makes sense but is what I see.

DW: It makes sense; in fact, one of the reasons I use desert locations so often is the harsh environment seems to pair nicely with the portrayal of women as having an inner strength and a will not only to survive but to conquer.

"Holy Jerusalem"
Art Model Kittie M

David Winge ©