Terrell Neasley's interview

" I do photography as an amateur and I improve my skills. I study constantly. I made up in my mind that I was determined to continue in this field and to pursue it in such a manner as to make my living from it. I want to do what I love and this is it." Terrell Neasley

You'll find Terrell Neasley at his official site, his very active blog, deviantART, Model Mayhem.

"Space Pod"
Art Model Lorelei

Dear Terrell, tell us more about you.

Originally from Texas, I am a former soldier, used to be in banking, and a recent graduate student pursuing two graduate degrees, an MBA (just finished in Dec 06) and a masters in Telecommunications at Murray State University in Kentucky, with one class remaining (to complete online Dec07).


So nothing to see with Photography... Are you a self taught photographer ?

 I completed 4 semesters of photography while pursuing these degrees over the last two years and easily spent 70% of all my academic time in a darkroom. I have recently moved to Las Vegas in early June trying to become employed as a Financial Analyst and continue my work as an artist.

"Stroll in the Grove"

I see your passion in your background. And why did you choose fine nude art photography ?

Basically, due to time I spent in Germany (as well as France and Spain) and my personal experience in modeling.

A tour of duty in Germany changed my perspective on nudity and trees.
Being naked there didn’t have the same sexual connotations as it does here in the US.
I fell in love with nature, the woods and the rolling hills.

Art Model Jacinda





You're telling me you were a model ? 

Yes, and I've loved being an art model.

I've always found the roll as highly under appreciated, yet it has been such a necessity in art since the beginning of time.

This is the primary reason I started the Las Vegas Art Models Group, although I admit I am still trying to get more of a balanced focus on Art Modeling and not so heavy on photography.

Art Model Lissa










"She Wore a Flower in Her Hat"

I know its impractical, but I'd like to see more photographers taking a chance doing this. Experience on both ends of the lens gives so much insight and appreciation to an art model's perspective.

"Lit Softly by the Window"

Art Model Lorelei

I am certain it has served well in my success in working with models.

Granted, I know that not every photographer should be nude in front of the camera. I'm going to go out on a limb and say its probably easier for a female photographer to do it than for males. When you think of fine art nudes, a dude is not the first impression that comes to mind. In many cases, photographers who shoot nudes don't do guys. I think in all, I've done about 5, some of which were part of a couple shoot.

I think you'd be surprised at yourself if you tried it. Besides, many of the greats have done self portraiture.

"Woods"





That's clear and sounds so logical. Make yourself what you're asking to others. So, the question was : why this passion for nude art ? Your trip in Europe has changed your mind and then ?

 After the military, I finished my last under-graduate year in college at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee (1998) where I first began modeling nude for the campus art department. I also modeled professionally for a modeling agency in Nashville for 3 years (’98-’01). I modeled for the nude drawing class for the local art guild while at Murray State as well as for other student photographers over the last two years. Through this experience, I became more comfortable with being nude and being around nude people.

"Intro"
Art Model Tiffiny

I became inspired by an HBO special on Spencer Tunick called “Naked States”. He rekindled an interest I had in photography and artistic nudes.

Most recently, over the 2006 Christmas Break, my inspirations have come from Jerry Uelsmann who creates photomontages that rival digital work. I had originally begun to take a strong interest in drawing the nude female which I did between modeling. A conflict arose when I had to model more than I was able to draw which made developing this talent difficult.

A solution was to photograph the nude instead of drawing the nude. This has allowed me to view life both behind and in front of the camera giving me a unique perspective with relations to models.

It was not a difficult thing for me to get models, compared to my photo peers, so nudes became my forte.

"Emergent"
Art Model Lorelei

Wow... What a life ! And now, between drawing, modeling and photographing, what is your choice ?

I realize that mine is the art of photography. Specifically, photographing the nude form has become my passion and my niche. However, I still have a distinct affinity for figure modeling as it relates to drawing the figure.

"Can Beauty Be a Curse ?"
Art Model Brittany

My association to figure drawing is no longer through the medium of charcoal, conte, or paint, but rather as a facilitator of the sessions. I don't draw anymore, but since I have an extended background as a figure model, I've still held a strong connection to the those in the field of art modeling. That's the primary reason I started my Las Vegas Art Models Group. So despite my particular genre of art being photography, I still talk about and discuss figure modeling.

It's the art model who has captured my admiration and appreciation, whether she poses for drawing sessions or photography.

Art Model Batty

I know you're a film addicted ? Is it easy in a digital world ?

While I am primarily a film photographer, I understand that digital is hard to ignore, especially since I am minus a darkroom and studio after moving to Las Vegas. I want to continue to shoot, so I have my heart set on a Canon 5D because I am better receptive to its full frame sensor. At the same time, however, I will not abandon film. I am not a man who believes equipment is what makes the photographer but my next purchase after the 5D shall be a Mamiya RZ67 Pro IID. I’ll just have to find a way to continue my darkroom endeavors. I miss the photo-manipulations that I began experimenting with after exposure to Uelsmann.









Art Model Lessa













How could you define your style ? At least, I know this question is really difficult, what do you like the most in your art, your preferences ?

I’ve had a long interest in shooting women in their homes while relaxing or going about their affairs as if I were not present. After studying Tunick’s work, my interest grew and I began to take on my own person style of nudes which has evolved into :

- Mainly nudes in a natural environment.
- Non-glamour and unadorned (no makeup or jewelry… as natural as possible).
- Sometimes provocative but not for pornography
- All shapes, sizes, and ages of the female form (ages 18-55 so far).
- Intriguing features, qualities, or abilities (tattoos, body shapes, style).
- Black and  White film images mainly, but color digitals too.
- For artistic uses only, not used for purposes of promoting sex.

"Sincerity"
Art Model Trixie

Art Model Faerie

We exactly love the same things ! Some words about your models ? They seem so natural.

 I love that women are comfortable enough with me to pose for me. I know part of the reason for this is because when they look through my portfolio, they can see themselves in it. Its not full of all the high fashion glamour.

I mainly use the girl you might see driving past your car on the interstate on her way to work at the local Five and Dime. They can identity with what I do, is what I think.

And they respect you because you were a model too... You know what you're talking about. Terrell, what for your next future ?

Although my training is in business, at a minimum, I will do photography as an amateur and improve my skills. I study constantly. I made up in my mind that I was determined to continue in this field and to pursue it in such a manner as to make my living from it. I want to do what I love and this is it.

My current endeavors include exhibitions in shows and contests. Presently, I exhibit my work on my own website and my blog. This website is my main means of exhibition and promotion of my work.

"Find Me"

Ok, but have you some others challenges you're dreaming about ?

My current goal is to shoot nudes in natural environments starting in a 50 mile radius of Las Vegas and broaden it out to 100, 200, 300, and so forth until I hit all the major areas in the Midwest and West Coast.

"Seated in Dynamic Style"
Art Model Lorelei

There are not many black photographers in the world today. I plan to add to those ranks.

In a recent dialog with Eolake Stobblehouse, he mentioned that he did not personally know of many. A friend of mine in New York interning with Essence Magazine made a similar comment as to the demand for good black photographers.

I study my trade because I want to be great at it, not just good. I want to be deserving of any accolades I receive, not because I am black, but because I am the best at what I do compared to any ethnicity or cultural background. Therefore I seek to certainly refine my skills and know my trade, especially pertaining to my forte in nudes and landscape, better than anyone else in the business. I endeavor to do this by engaging my business background with talent and wisdom. I love this thing I do, Chris.









You're working hard for, I know it. But it seems you want to take (temporary, I'm sure !) a new direction in your work. Why exactly ?

 I want to gain more experience shooting other things and then bring some of those new-found skills back to my nude art again.

Right now, I am behind on many of my non-nude edits. I've got other things I like to.

I have a series of work on old scrap metal like rusty cans and I like to shoot odd signs.

I've taken so many other photos that no one has ever seen just because they are still sitting untouched on my computer.








I also want to take another look at the business side of my operations. I don't have a logo just yet. I need to better manage my workflow. I need to improve my backups and storage management. All that takes better resources in terms of equipment and tools.

In terms of skills, I think I can benefit from some better lighting techniques and more photoshop editing. Shooting other things that have different demands from my nudes can help me excersize different photographic muscles to help tone up my photo skills overall. I think its a good way to expand my knowledge of image capture and light manipulation. When I am back to shooting nudes, I am just that much better at it.








"I like the sun too"




I understand. It's always good for an artist to take some distance from his work. A kind of break to start again stronger and better. Before we leave Terrell, a message to send ?

One of the reasons I like what I do is because right now, I don't have any expectations.

I have dreams, desires, passions, and loves. I crave some new equipment. But I don't really have expectations. This is not income driven. I am not under someone else's deadline. I'm not prepping for contests trying to beat submission deadlines.

I have the option to shoot what I like.

You're free ! How lucky you are !... Thanks my friend for your support and your big heart.

Terrell Neasley ©

John Peri's interview

"I really consider myself a backstage snapshot photographer. I like to take things as they occur." John Peri

"Gaia"

John Peri at photo.net, Model Place, deviantART

John, could you tell us how did your passion begin ?

As a child, I used to take my father’s camera and shoot street scenes. I was sometimes able to capture shots of children playing which an adult would have had more difficulty in doing. Some of these were my first pictures published at around age 16.

Ha, I was particularly pleased with a photo that I sold to the Sunday Times. My father with whom I share the same name and forename was horrified at the idea that his name may appear under the photo!

"Sharing the housework"

So young... And how did you learn photography ?

 I am a scientist and researcher by training (Medicine and Science faculties) and have no official schooling in photography.

In fact, I still only know the basics and have never been to a studio.

I did however belong to a photo club in university days and learned to do my own developing and enlargements.

Self taught ! Bravo. Who are your greatest inspirators ?

Yousuf Karsh, Man Ray and Helmut Newton. I spent years searching for a cello player to photograph her nude with her instrument like Man Ray did ! I finally found her last year and took some shots while she was playing nude indoors. Our next project is to do it again in the street !

"A pause during rehearsal"

Sincerely, how long could you be far from your camera ?

 Other than during vacation time, photography until recently was only an occasional weekend activity. So I have gone through extended periods of time without the camera, sometimes months at a time.

" Big City"





"Where are you my love ?"




"Midsummer night blues"

You have many indoors and BW shots, but do you feel particularly inspired by another type of location ?

Yes, definitely. I like to photograph in a natural setting. As Newton rightly said, people don’t live in front of a white sheet of paper.

"Untitled"

I have always thought that to capture your subjects looking normal, they should preferably be photographed in a natural setting with as little artifices as possible.

"Untitled"

"Untitled"


And I love that ! And about your lights ?

 I use available light mixed with flash light attached to the camera. Sounds primitive, it is so but it works quite well occasionally.


Some words about your models ?

 Less than five per cent of the models in my portfolio have anything to do with the modelling world.

I mostly photograph people that I meet in every day life and those that they introduce to me.

I particularly like a model that does not suffer from the prejudice of experience. They are also less demanding, more tolerant and less critical of my amateurish approach.

"Last minute touches"




"Last preparations"

Amateurish approach ?! Are you kidding ?... Your modesty is honorable. By the way, what is your process of creation ? Chaos or order ?

 I really consider myself a backstage snapshot photographer. I like to take things as they occur.

Ideally, my models would not know that I am there and I would just follow them around with the camera. Surprisingly often, they get used to my presence and I end up in large part doing that.

I prefer Chaos definitely in comparison with order ! That being said, anyone that has studied even basic science knows that there is no such thing as disorder. Even the most random of events respond to some level of predictability.

"Another backstage shot"

"Just her"

Do you make many corrections ? Are you a perfectionist photographer ?

Sure, I make some basic adjustments occasionally ; but I get quickly bored with an image that is over with and I move on to the next one.


I understand. Have you a special project you're dreaming about ?

Countless projects, but they involve more individual people than situations to place them in. That being said, I do like to vary the location whenever possible, otherwise work tends to look the same.


Maybe a next exhibition ?

Well, I do have a friend that is very well introduced in the art world on both sides of the Atlantic and who has suggested helping me with exhibition. But I am admittedly very lazy.

"Reclining nude"

I wish you to find the energy ! By the way, you have published two books. Is there a new one to come ?

 

Actually, yes, I do have a couple of books published by Blurb.com.

The first, "An apartment in New York", of these is the result of a month spent in an apartment in New York, during which I photographed several young ladies that passed through, they were eight in total I believe !







The second, "Conversation Pieces", is devoted entirely to my friend Gaia, several photos of which appear in this article, including the first two and the last two. Elsewhere among the photos selected by your staff is another model and friend "N" whom I plan to make a book for soon.

I have also contributed to a number of teaching books on photography, ranging from portraits to glamour and nude.

Finally, I have published several works in various reputed photographic magazines. I was admittedly especially pleased by one apparition among others in PHOTO which was in consequence to a competition entitled "charm" that the magazine organized in honour of Helmut Newton. He was a member of the jury which adds a little spice to the event.

"TheTriangle of Love"

"Forever"

Congratulations ! And what for your next future ?

To remain faithful to my style. I do not believe in change just for the sake of change. Too many people do that and forget what they are good at and set out to do in the first place.


A message to send ?

Sure, remember that there are no rules in photography ! If so, who wrote them ?

Some people will go on ad nauseum about straight walls and horizons, missing feet, ears and all the rest. None of these things have much impact on the success of a picture. A photo is either good or it isn’t and that is the only thing that matters.

"No rules" is the best rule. Thank you dear John ! For your time and all the beauty you give us !

"The shower 6.00 PM"

Welcome Mick Waghorne

Mick Waghorne

Art Model Madame Bink

With a large preference for studio BW shootings, maybe due to the bad weather in his rural city close to Bath, UK, and surely because he wants to control his lightings, Mick Waghorne's first goal is to produce fine nude artworks. And no matter what his fellow citizens are thinking about nude.

As a French, I'm always surprised by the (always false, of course) prudishness reigning over some countries. For me there is no debate. In this site, and for all the contributing artists who participate so kindly, Nude is Art, that's it, and nude is Art since the beginnings of our civilization. I'll always tell high and loud that it's much more preferable, for everybody, to admire a fine nude artwork than to watch all day long these terrifying movies made by insane people, full of dead bodies lied on bloody morgue tables...

It's what inspires me the thoughts of Mick Waghorne, a talented, creative and brave artist I'm very proud to welcome here.

- Art Model Iveta Niklova

Art Model Punkarella




















I'm based deep in rural Wiltshire, a few miles outside of Bath, UK. I am not a full time photographer although I am fortunate enough to have a studio which I work from.

After quite a few years of primarilly shooting architecture, a year or so ago I decided it was time to try my hand at something different : shooting models.

I shoot art nude images of the kind that you see. I do not shoot any other type of model work. Neither do I shoot any form of adult related material. Its all strictly art.

"Silk"
Art Model Madame Bink

What I am primarilly interested in shooting are toned art nude images.I take the view that what I am trying to create is more an art form than conventional photography.

I enjoy taking the photos I am taking now. After nearly a fifteen year gap from any artistic endevours (I used to paint), it's a tremendous adrenelin rush to even be trying to be creative again.

"Burlesque Dancer"
Art Model Fifi Fatale






"Decay"
- Art Model Ulorin Vex

" Ultimately however what I am trying to capture is the essence of beauty in the female form.
It can be classical, it can be awkward, it can be kooky, there are a thousand different ways that it can manifest itself."

Art Model Ivy Sedai

I am not in the slightest bit interested in shooting lads mag, glamour stuff or anything involving cars, bikes guitars etc... 

What I'm looking to achieve are erotically tinged oddball shots (if that makes any sense).

I want to put a twist on notions of Englishness, locations, props to hopefully eventualy produce unusual images. I am interested in English folklore and myth and would like to find a way to incorporate elements of this in to my work. It makes sense to me anyway (I think !).

Art Model Rosie

About the real difficulty to shoot outdoors :

"Naked City 1"
Art Model Kayt Webster-Brown

For the last month or so I have been toying with the idea of taking a series of nude/semi-nude pictures of various models within the city of Bath in England. It's a beautiful town so why not pose a model in it.

I have been... baited would probably be the best description, in to an outdoor shoot. Well, outside of my comfort zone. Studio work is nice and safe and the light can be controlled.

If the weather is anything like the last couple of weeks it's going to be bleak. I think my camera works outdoors but this one has never been tested...










"Naked City 3"
Art Model Kayt Webster-Brown
















I did some initial reconaisance and was somewhat alarmed by the amount of CCTV cameras. I don't know if wandering around with a camera made me look suspicious but I could swear blind they were tracking me... or maybe I'm paranoid. I decided that the first proper shoot should be done at night - under cover of darkness just using available light.

At the first location a church was emptying, at the second someone had taken a leak exactly where I had wanted to put my tripod.
 Next location - Royal Crescent someone was eyeing us up for about fifteen minutes before leaving - a van parked up and started unloading and some tourists stopped to speak to me.
 We moved on to another location and another van parks up and unloads - its 9pm on a Sunday ! The model kindly offered to retreat back to the studio if I wasn't getting the shots I wanted but we persevered and I am quite happy with the results."

"Requiem for Venus"
Art Model Madame Bink

The English Psyche viewed by an English :

"Last Plinth"
Art Model Ulorin Vex

The collective British Psyche does not cope with nudity. For it to in any way to be acceptable it has to be cheesed up. It does not in general cope with the notion of the nude as an art form.
If you go through the canon of great English painters you won’t find many nudes there. Everything happens behind closed doors and shuttered mindsets.

I even know of photographers who shoot nudes yet try and keep it a secret from everyone bar other photographers and models.

That’s not me. I am quite comfortable with what I shoot. I don’t hide behind a pseudonym, and happily place my work in the public eye. I am proud to identify myself with my work. There should not be a stigma attached to the naked figure but there is."

"Plinth 3"
Art Model Ulorin Vex