Bella Blue's interview

" It's a lot to hire or ask someone to pose nude for you. It's a very vulnerable situation for the model and is private. To be that open and comfortable is something that the photographer should cherish and respect. I have been fortunate enough to have always worked with very respectful and talented photographers." Bella Blue

by Max Prophet - "Arch II"

Bella Blue at Model Brigade, Model Mayhem, deviantART, her first feature.

Dear Bella, I know you're new in the art model scene. When exactly did you begin modeling ?

I began modeling in December of 2007. I was approached by my now good friend Max Prophet about posing for him. I had never modeled a day in my life. I fell in love with it that very day.


It's not so far indeed. And why such a passion ?

Never before had I ever been able to express myself using my body to make art and help others ideas come to fruition.

For me, this is the sole reason that I continued modeling and it has become such an addiction for me.

by Max Prophet
"Warehouse Heels"

It's not your every day job. Could you tell us some words about your dancer's career ?

I am a professional burlesque dancer in New Orleans. Burlesque is such a huge part of the history here and it truly makes me feel honored and prideful to be apart of something that is such an integral part of where I come from.


What are the things you like the best about modeling ?

I am not shy in any way... Basically, I love being nude !

It has been so amazing to create art literally in the nude.

by Max Prophet
"Warehouse Heels II"

by Colin J Lacy
"Water Personified"









Is there a genre you prefer ? A photographic style you feel more comfortable with ?

Figure studies, being able to make odd and creative poses.


For sure ! What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment as a model ?

Hmmmm... This one is really tough. I have accomplished so much as a model thus far... way more than I ever thought possible.

I dont' have one thing in particular. Everything I have done over the last year has been one amazing accomplishment !


Nice ! Another tough question (but I like it !) : what is your personal favorite photo ?

It's in my nature as a model (and a woman) to be SUPER critical... lol. I'm sure I can pick apart each one of my photos in one way or another. But, I think the one I am most proud of is the Pears photo by Michael Siu :

by Michael Siu
"Pears"










by Michael Siu
"The afterthought"

by Storm Surge
"Prominence"

Wonderful choice ! What makes you so creative in your poses ? Is it your training as a dancer ?

Without a doubt.

Modeling for me is very similar to choreography. It's all about lines, form and structure.

What kind of ambiance inspires you ?

Quiet with a little music in the background and a location that is preferably a little on the dark side.

by Storm Surge
"Incomplete II"

by Hampton Van Meter
"Pin up Baby III"

How do you feel at the end of a shooting ? Maybe exhausted when we see the poses you're able to do ?...

Mostly drained, but accomplished at the same time. I give 150% everytime I shoot and it can be mentally and physically exhausting.


Do you prefer to be guided by the photographer or to be free to move as you feel, to improvise ?

I prefer to have both. Photographers see me differently than how I feel when I am in a pose. There are time when their input is critical to making the photo come out as amazing as it can. More often than not, the photographers allow me to improvise and then we collaborate on the different poses to create the end product.

by Michael Siu -
"Trust"

What make you confident when you plan a shooting with a photographer you don't know ?

I know I am more than capable of giving them what they are looking for and have no doubt in my mind that at the end of the day, we will have created some amazing photos.


You're so passionate ! Bella, we hear many things about the relationships between the art model and the photographer, good and bad... Do you find they give you all the credit you deserve for your performance ?

Everyone I have worked with definitely does. It's a lot to hire or ask someone to pose nude for you. It's a very vulnerable situation for the model and is private. To be that open and comfortable is something that the photographer should cherish and respect. I have been fortunate enough to have always worked with very respectful and talented photographers.

by Storm Surge
"Roots"

by Joe Taravella
"Spaceball III"

Who is the photographer you're dreaming to work with ?

I truly love pin up modeling and would LOVE to work with Viva Van Story. She is so talented... It blows me away.

The message is sent. And what about your next future ? Are you working on a project ?

Oh who knows ! I live my life day to day... All I know is that I am happy, healthy. I have two wonderful healthy children and am in love with my best friend and soul mate. For me, that's my future right there.

 by Hampton Van Meter
"An Oldie but Goody"" 

This was taken in February of 2008 at our Fleur de Tease Valentines show. I do a classic fan dance to "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" by Louis Prima. It is by far my most favorite dance to do. I have been doing burlesque for 2 years now and I NEVER get tired of performing this number. Hampton is the master of capturing live shots. He caught this and I have always loved it."

Love is all... A message for our readers ?

There are so many cheesy and corny lines that could go right here that pretty much everyone has heard before. The one thing that I have learned in my life so far that it truly is what you make it :

Don't ever let anyone dictate to you how you want to live your own life, how skinny or fat your should be, what kind of job you should have, hair color, breast size, etc.This life is yours and only yours : you can do ANYTHING !

Wonderful message ! You're right Bella, we all have our life in our hands. Thanks a lot for your time and your so kind trust !

by Max Prophet
"The Bathroom"

Marco Arbani's interview

" I am always excited at the end of a shooting, unable to wait to look at all the shots and show them to the model. For me it's important that the model appreciates herself and gives me her opinion." Marco Arbani

"Vocation"
Model Beatrice

Marco Arbani at his blog, deviantART, his first feature.

Marco, I know that your passion began at 16. Do you remember your first experience ?

My first experience... Well, all began by taking shots of my friends while they were playing in the pool. Instead of having a bath I was walking around while they were jumping in the water, taking shots of them in funny poses and then retouching them a bit. I liked it very much and I continued to do those things for a while.

"Thinking"

You're still a student in graphic design. Is it useful for your photographic work ?

Graphic design was my first passion, mainly photoretouching and photomanipulations. When I started to enjoy photography I thought that graphic design could help me. I know the basics about colors, composition and I'm able to change my images a little to give them more impact.

Now graphic design is going to be my work and my passion for photography made me improve in photoretouching. I think each one of my passions can be reciprocally useful.


I agree. Do you think you could make something else ?

Beautiful question ! I know a lot about computers. Maybe I should be an hardware technician but it's not my ambition, though it's a very interesting job.

"In my mind"

I feel a clear preference in your work for strong shadowed BW shots. Is it right ?

Surely I usually try to have the more possible details in my shots. The BW shots give me this feeling. The shots look sharp and clean and have a strong impact.

I also like to shot colors, but only sometimes I'm satisfied with the results, they always need an after-touch.

"Lost in her mind"
Model Claudia

What locations do you prefer to use mainly ?

Currently I'm loooking for abandoned places in which I could shoot safely. These places have an incredible atmosphere, they add a lot to the final result, although not everyone appreciate them.

"Sonno tormentato"
Model Claudia

"Looking Back"
Model Claudia

Except nude art, is there another genre you enjoy ?

I started only recently to do some nude shots, I'm trying to improve in this direction but it's hard for now to achieve some of the objectives I have in mind. I hope to show you more soon.

Now I'm shooting portrait and trying to reach a "standard" for quality, and I'm working hard for this.

About other genres... I like photography in almost its genres, except shooting sport, reportages or street.


I'm impatient to see that ! By the way, film or digital ? Maybe both ?

I shoot only digital, mainly for its convenience and quality, but I'm very attracted from the dark room, the work before the photo comes out... This always has a strong appeal to me.









"Starring at you"
Model Claudia





Do you plan every details during your shootings ? Or do you work "Alla prima" as you say in Italy ?

I must admit, some of the shots I prefer, initially were light tests or backstage shots, in which the model usually is more natural and comfortable with herself. It's a consequence that the expression is more relaxed and natural. I like very much these shots.

However, a large part of my work is planned and there's always an idea behind before the realization.

"Hungry"
Model Claudia

"Feminity"
Model Eleonora

Some words about your models ? What are you waiting for them ? How do you direct them ?

Another confession... All my models are friends or girls that like my work and ask me some shots (it's a big satisfaction in that case), so I cannot expect a lot from them. It depends of their personality.

Some of them are very comfortable in front of the camera and can pose naturally, others have to be directed in all the aspects. I have to suggest them all the poses, the expressions I want. With others is more simple and they need only to know the style I want to shoot and my ideas.


How do you feel at the end of a shooting ?

I am always excited at the end of a shooting, unable to wait to look at all the shots and show them to the model. For me it's important that the model appreciates herself and gives me her opinion.

What is your own favourite photo ? I know it's difficult but could you choose one ?

The nightmare of every photographer ! The favourite shot... I don't think I have one... But I have the perfect one that could define my style. It's an old shot, one of my first shootings. It has exactly the mood, the emotions I wanted to show :

"Assorta"
Model Beatrice

"Deep thoughts"





What is your actual project ?

Actually I'm planning a nude shot with some models and in a few months I hope I could realize it.

About life projects, this year I'm finishing my studies and it will be time to start to work and bring my passions to the next level.


Keep us informed ! What are you dreaming for your next future ?

I want to realize my projects and ambitions.

My dream is to work and live with photography or in a graphic agency as art director.

"Cold beauty"
Model Claudia

Model Claudia

I wish you the best ! Are you planning an exhibition ?

I wish to do an exhibition, but I haven't the time to organize it and print all the shots needed. I'll think about it after the end of my studies.


So, what is your way to promote your work ?

Some years ago I discovered deviantART. I immediatly fell in love with it and started to submit my own works. After this, I started to show my pictures on the net with flickr and finally with my own photoblog. It was a big challenge for me because I never done that kind of things before, I had only my works in a personal site, followed and commented by others... It has been an incentive to my work.


And where can we purchase your prints ?

I know it's a big absence, but actually I don't have any site in which my prints are available, mainly because I haven't had many requests in the past times. But things are changing in a good way...








"Ballet"
Model Elena





Nice ! You deserve it. Marco, is there a question nobody asks you and you would like to answer ?

Beautiful question :
Would you like to do a collaboration with us for a photographic work ?
I would really enjoy to participate in an interesting project. I know that it is more a job offer I'm looking for than a real question but now it is what I wish.

"Softly"
Model Anastasia

It's good to hear such a strong wish... Keep going on ! What advices could you give to someone who wants to become a photographer ?

There aren't specific advices for this work, but obviously all the basics of photography must be known, the rest come with practice. Initially I was a bit shy with the models, and absolutely this hasn't helped.

The only advice I can give is to work hard and follow your own ideas, learning from the big names of photography but not copying their works, it isn't gratifying at all. To start, simply follow as many tutorials you can. The net is full of them and they are very useful to understand the basics.


To begin by the beginning... Of course. Before we leave, any message you’d like to give to our readers ?

Simply thank you for the time spent to read all this.

I'm sure they'll appreciate !... Thanks a lot Marco. We'll follow you step by step.

"Introspection"
Model Eleonora

Marco Arbani ©

Jarda Balek's interview

" I do not make pictures for money as a primary goal. I am just pursuing my hobby. I am satisfied if someone finds my pictures interesting and let me know about it." Jarda Balek

"Lonelyness"

Jarda Balek at World of the Nude Art blog, his blog, photo competition, photodom, photo.net, deviantART.

"Gymnastic 8"

Jarda, could you tell us some words about your passion ?

I was given my first Russian Lyubitel 2 camera at age 11. I learned the dark room work at the high school photo club. But marriage, children and busy life made me stop this hobby except of family vacation and family events shoot for many years. I have returned to photography some 5 years ago.

I shoot almost everything occasionally, but because I have been all my life interested in art nudes of any form, I started to try out in this field of photography.

"Pool"

"Soft and hard"



And you make it so well... Did you learn in a special school ?

Unfortunately not, I am too busy with my job. All I can do is self education, so I read books and I spend a lot of time looking all over the Internet for lessons, advice and mainly good photographs. I am also a member of a local photo club. I participated in couple of workshops and also so-called shootouts.

"Lenka 1"

I think some good course is helpful only if you have some talent but on the other hand photographic education is not necessary.

Nothing can replace the practical shooting.

Of course you have to share your pictures for comments, discuss them and learn from mistakes. I find very useful method of learning to find a photograph, study how it was lit, what equipment was likely used and than to try to recreate it.

"Aria sitting 2"






"Reclining Aria"

"Classic"










 










Why do you call you "amateur" ? You're an experienced and talented photographer !... Wouldn't you want photography to become your next full time job ?

I disagree. I am truly nothing more than a keen amateur and in my opinion not really a good one. One remark – I mean amateur in the basic meaning of the word, I know many amateurs who are real masters.

I am not interested to have photography as my full time job because most likely I would die of starvation. No, in fact I like my job and photography is for me nothing more than a passion and I would like to keep it that way.

I can shoot when I want, what I want, how I want and I do not have to worry about results too much because of some clients and pay. Being professional means to loose this freedom.

"Yellow nude"

"On the deck 4"

But do you work sometimes for companies, advertising, fashion ?

No, I do not and I not interested either. Fashion and advertisement photography is very demanding category and if you want to do it right, you have to invest heavily into equipment and production. Competition is tough in this field too. And of course there are limitations set by client. I do not make pictures for money as a primary goal. I am just pursuing my hobby. I am satisfied if someone finds my pictures interesting and let me know about it.

"The wall pose"" 

The model Stana is amazing 6´2 model, and because of her height I asked her to try inverted “S” pose (silly idea, how can you bend your knees to side ?). She tried her best and with few adjustments here is the result. I inverted the original (digital) picture into BW to blend better the figure and the wall. I’m aware the photo is built purely on the natural beauty of the model, but I wanted to show it in somewhat unusual pose. As an author I’m too biased to judge this photo without prejudice, so I would welcome any critique and comments."






"The wall pose 2"

"The Bar 1"

Have you made an exhibition ? Published a book ?

I do not feel I am at the level of having my own exhibition yet. Of course I am thinking of it for some time now, but when I try to select some photographs I end up with very few I would put on public scrutiny in form of exhibition. I participate in my photo club exhibitions, but I publish mostly on photographic sites on Internet. I am not in hurry…


And what do you expect for your future ?

I do not know what future will bring for me but I have some plans of course.

I think I am at the end of my so far a bit chaotic learning-by-mistake and improvisation period. I feel I have to concentrate on few long term projects I have in my head.

I have to slow down, think over the concepts, put together ideas for individual images, make some planning and then start to shoot. Maybe then we can speak about exhibition.

Thanks a lot Jarda !

"Adela in dark 7"







"Marketa dark figure study 6"

Jarda Balek ©