If you have never seen Max Rogers before then you must have been living under a rock for the past year. He has done campaigns for Lee Cooper, Agent Provocateur and D&G, the latter of which was plastered on every billboard and bus.  He has been photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth, Steven Meisel, Solve Sundsbo, Mario Testino and drawn by me (yes I couldnt resist throwing that one in there).  To top that it off  he was on the cover of Italian Vogue's September 2009 issue. Which is a huge feat for any model. In short, he's had a spectacular year and we got to ask him about it.

I was born in Paris' 12th area (12eme arrondissement) and grew up in the outskirts.
In my 20's, I was going out to the clubs in Paris, like Bus Palladium and Elysee Matignon. On a daily basis I would run into icons like Serge Gainsbourg. Jane Birkin, Cesar ( the sculptor ), Helmut Newton…just to name a few. I will always remember sitting next to Newton at the the Brasserie Lipp ,he was taking snapshots with his little point and shoot camera while eating .

I was constantly surrounded by aspiring actors, the French versions of Paris Hilton. I was living the beautiful life.

Meanwhile, I was also working as an assistant director on commercial films. At this time, I remember calling the office of Roman Polanski and informing his first assistant that I was available for the next production, which was the feature film "Pirates". Funny to see how the young Remi Rebillard had no fear.
This was not meant to be, so instead I went to St Barts in the Caribbean to meet up with a friend. While I was there a French Photographer asked me to help him on a shoot for a catalog. I remember taking the light reading with his Minolta Flashmeter.

I started taking photos of my very photogenic girlfriend which quickly led me to working for magazines in Milan.  In 1993 I moved to New York where I started to develop my style by experimenting with gels and color, using different types of film in my Greenwich Village loft. New York was a big step for me. I don't think I realized the influence the city had on me at the time because my agent was only pushing me for commercial work, but I was letting New York inspire me.
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Most of the photographers that have been been interviewed on this blog have been men. Therefore its a refreshing change to here the views of a female photographer. We had the chance to interview London based photographer, Emile Muller. Her photos have an element of femininty, sincerity and simplicity that is rare in photography. I hope you enjoy her  deep and insightful anecdotes on the art of photography.

1.When did you first become interested in photography?

A lot comes from my first shooting; I was 11, I photographed my Barbies on their horses, stripped of any scale indication, in a field just outside my home. When I come to think of it, almost 20 years after, I have trouble realising that I never stopped producing since then, following this fantasy of making things beautiful, to my taste.

2. Which artists/photographers have influenced your work?

I try not to be influenced by others’ work; it is more like a network of things, simple things, situations and anonymous people but mostly from the past. The clothes I use are generally my mom's 80's outfits with some others I find here and there. I also work within the realm of the documentary, especially in the Balkans where I find inexorable sources of imagery; there is this strong nostalgic feeling that I so much adore. In the same spirit, I'm fascinated by gesture and composition in rather beautiful paintings from Laurens Alma Tadema.


 3.Your style is very feminine and ethereal. What influences the themes of your photos?

I follow my instinct and my feel for the light, I try to gather the alchemy of what's reflected before me and I see that as my strength. I don't impose myself a restrictive theme, on the contrary, I simply create conditions for the model to express herself. I tell her that we're going to have a good time and no matter what, it will be worthwhile. My style is spontaneous, do-it yourself; I use my own (my mom's) clothes, some outfits from the model and a very limited crew (I recently started to work with a make-up artist and used to do everything alone before that). The person I photograph defines my theme and I capture the emotion when it happens. Maybe I have a lighter approach than would some photographers, I don't like stiff poses, exaggerated expressions. I want my pictures to have a touch of reality to the fantasy.

4.Most photographers are men. Does being a woman affect your photos?

 To a certain extent maybe, there is a different relation to the desire from a woman's point of view, it is more the depiction of an ideal and an expression of personality through style we can relate to. The masculine gaze tends to be more "physical", where the sublimation is obtained with more artifice. I don't think it is a general rule though and I'm sure you can find woman photographing this way and vice-versa.


5.You have worked with Jade from Britain's Next top model. I think she has an amazing look. What was it like shooting her?

Funny you should ask, because before the end of the shooting when we exchange our Facebook contacts and I noticed she had a fan page, I wasn't aware at all of who she was (I moved from Switzerland to London a year ago). Even though I always have a good contact with the girls I photograph, Jade was really special for me. I was stunned by how sweet and nice she was. She is a real angel; I kept in touch with her and consider her a friend.

6.You have worked with models from some of the world's top agencies. Do you have a favourite?

I am really happy that these agencies put their trust in me so quickly. Before moving here, I only had a limited number of pictures made with my friends, everything happened fast. I have a very good contact with Models 1, the quality of the models is of a very high standard and it is all easier when the rapport is harmonious. I would like to work with Next and FM (with whom I'm already in touch) in the near future.

7.What qualities do you look for in a good model?

It is not only about bone structure, leg length, height and striking features. The narrative they are able to carry, their special thing is what makes the difference from a beautiful girl to a good model. I am not fond of the classic beauties, I think presence is more important then attitude.

8. What’s the most important quality a photographer needs to have?

Passion and accept you want to possess emotion, beauty and joy to the extent of making them alive on the image.  Be true to yourself and never lose the ability to communicate to others, share your uniqueness, what you see and what you feel through the medium. Be proud to leave a trace. Someone once said: “every image one takes is a self-portrait”.

9.You usually work on location. Where is the strangest place that you have done a shoot?

I do like the outdoor better, my locations have nothing extraordinary, I shoot my pictures in the streets, buildings of my neighbourhood (Bethnal Green), I try to keep a degree of everyday life in my images.

10.Finish this sentence. You would be surprised to know that...

…surprise is not an option.

11.In 10 years, your dream is to be…
…insouciant of tomorrow.

 I sometimes scour around the internet and through magazine pages looking for photos that inspire me. However, I found out about by Tomaas by accident. I first saw an editorial he shot called Nomad's Land  for Push It Magazine. It was absolutely gorgeous, mysterious and enthralling all at once. From that moment I was a fan of his work. He currently has a gallery show starting on January 5th at Taylor Mckenzie Gallery  in Chelsea NY so if any of our readers are in New York please do visit the showing as I am sure it will be spectacular. I had the pleasure to interview him  recently and he is just as interesting as photos are breathtaking.

1.Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life- anything you wish to tell)

I grew up in Hamburg, Germany. As a kid I worked in front of the camera, and I always enjoyed the energy on a set. It was also the sound of the old Hasselblad cameras that to me was like magic. The fast, distinct whining sound of them was something I very much enjoyed hearing. I got my first camera at fifteen. I’d go to the zoo and photograph the animals, or just walk the streets of Hamburg and take pictures of people and architecture. In high school I did a year as an exchange student in San Francisco, but then went back to Germany to finish my final year. Photography was always my passion, something I did naturally, but it was never something I thought I could make a career of, so after high school I went to University in Salzburg and Hamburg and majored in Political Science and Communications Science. After I finished my undergraduate work I continued on to receive a master’s degree in public relations and moved back to NY. I continued to take pictures and traveled extensively. During a breathtaking trip to Vietnam where I captured the land and it's people I eyed the idea of becoming a full time photographer. I then attended the International Center of Photography in NY. During a class that was taught by an accomplished fashion photographer  I received a lot of great feedback and encouragement. I started building up a small  portfolio and introduced myself to the top model agencies in NY. After that it went from testing to shooting editorials, to commercial work. Eventually Robert Bacall Representatives became aware of my work and started representing me.
 

2. Tell me about working as a fashion photographer in New York?
I think NY is a magnet for some of the most talented people in the world. True, that makes it extremely competitive, but it also offers an amazing pool of hungry talent who are all here for a reason. They’re willing to make sacrifices and get the job done.  Another great thing about NYC is its infrastructure. Everything is accessible and convenient, all of the best agencies, designers, everything on the same island.

 3. Are there any artists who you admire/ who are your influences?  

Peter Lindbergh for his theatrical sets, Steven Meisel for reinvention Miles Aldridge for his use of color. Paolo Roversi for mood. I’ve also always admired the great war photographer James Nachtwey for true representation of time, space and person

4. Describe your most memorable shoot?

A few years ago I traveled through Vietnam to capture the land and the people. I encountered an endless number of beautiful and remarkable faces, both young and old. With everything the country has been through, and especially considering it is still a developing nation, I was mesmerized by how content and balanced the people are. There were no fancy showroom dresses, no makeup, and no hairstylists, just raw life, and still I find these images to this day to be some of the strongest I shot.

 
5. Are there any magazines you would like to work with that you haven't previously?
I don’t discriminate, but of course big names mean bigger budgets,which again would allow me to pull off more elaborate shoots.

6 Your photos are very theatrical and tell a very powerful story. What goes through you are deciding the theme for a shoot?  

I really attempt to shoot on location, because I’m personally most inspired by locations. It probably is connected to my passion for photojournalism and traveling. A good location can be a story in itself sometimes. You just need to manipulate it, or put it together in a logical way. During the process a lot of time goes into finding the right location for the story you’re trying to tell, and of course it’s very time consuming. Casting is also essential, because fifty percent of the shoot is casting, finding the right model to go with the story is especially critical, because sometimes a model can inspire the story you’re looking for.

7. You have worked with models from some of the world’s best agencies. Do you have a favorite model that you have worked with?
Everyone I have worked with has given me something I can learn from. They’ve all given me a valuable piece. If it’s a new face I’m pushed more creatively as a photographer because it is more of a challenge to get what you need out of them, but if it’s a more experienced model I’m allowed to focus more of technical aspects. So in this sense, everyone I’ve worked with has been a favorite, each in his or her own way.

8. In 10 years, your dream is to be…
To do what I do now just on a bigger scale. As I mentioned earlier I love traveling and I am curious to see that once I have the capability to incorporate the visual treats this globe has to offer into my work what the outcome could be.

I would also like to focused a bit more on advertisement. In advertising you’re allowed to work with bigger budgets and compared to editorial everything in advertisement is mapped out very specifically. There’s a clear vision of what has to be accomplished from the beginning. In a sense it’s easier for a photographer to complete an assignment. Editorial is more convoluted. You have a concept and idea but not the same structure. The execution process is much more precise in advertisement. But ultimately both have the same purpose, selling a product.

Thanks for the interview Tomaas. Dont forget to check out  Tomaas' gallery show starting on January 5th at Taylor Mckenzie Gallery  in Chelsea NY.

The UK  has only  ever won the Ford Supermodel of the World  competition once but I think that  another victory might be just around the corner. Sadie Phelps was recently  selected as the UK Winner of the Ford Supermodel competition and I am seeing shades of Karen Elson and Agyness Deyn. Sadie has a very high fashion look. The Ford Supermodel Contest has helped launched the careers of  the likes of Adriana Lima, Charo Ronquillo, Gemma Ward and Kendra Spears and after the final in January, I think we will be able to add Sadie Phelps to the list of supermodels who started out  on this contest.

  1. Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life- anything you wish to tell)

I was up London once in Covent Garden with my boyfriend and a friend of mine, when a man came running out from this salon (Essensuals Toni & Guy) asking if i would like to be his model for a hair competition, at the time i was 16 and all i cared about was standing out from the crowd, rebelling as one would say! So i really didnt care what happened with my hair, i was more than happy to model for him, my hair went from long to SHORT over night! We ended up winning the competition and i think i could put that down as being one of my first 'shows'.

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Joseph Sinclair has photographed some  of the world's biggest pop icons such as JLS, Michelle Williams from Destiny's Child and Kimberly Wyatt from the Pussy Cat Dolls. He also lensed  some of the industries most in demand male models. One thing that is common to all his photos is how he manages to bring out the  true essence of his subjects. His photos are not only glamorous and  beautiful but they possess a striking  quality that  entices viewers. Beauty Confessional  had the pleasure of having him answer some of our questions about his upcoming book projects, his inspirations and the art of photography.

1. What led you to become a photographer?

I’d always been interested in photography and film since I was very young. I actually first starting shooting movies on my Nan’s Super 8 camera, I was fascinated by capturing people on film. I still shoot Super 8 now, I love the vintage look created from film. I then started shooting headshots for actors, and model comp cards, some celebrities and it built up from there.

2. Are there any artists who you admire/ who are your influences?
Absolutely, my biggest influence is Bruce Weber, I’ve always been a huge fan of his work. I love his films too; Chop Suey is one of my favorites of all time. He captures beauty in everyone he shoots. I’m also a huge fan of David LaChappelle, Terry Richardson, Guy Bourdin, Rankin, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Greg Gorman and Sante D’Orazio.

 

3. Describe your most memorable shoot?

There are several shoots that are memorable. Shooting Pussycat Doll, Kimberly Wyatt at the Sanctum Hotel is probably my favorite shoot to date!! We just hung out in the hotel room and shot some photos, very old school and relaxed. Just the creative team, no pressure from art directors or editors so we just played around with ideas, and got some great candid shots, Which is how I prefer to work. Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child was another great shoot, same kind of vibe on set. Both Kimberly and Michelle have incredible energy and look fierce on film! The Apple Bottoms campaign with my friend DJ Sassy Pandez was amazing! Also shooting Pete Doherty and his band The Libertines, which was one of my first assignments.

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There is something quite "007" about Premier model Alex Beer; He is mysterious, sexy, athletic and not afraid of a challenge. Behind the camera or in front of it Alex is making waves in the fashion industry;modelling internationally and shooting ad campaigns for labels like Danielle Alessandrini and editorials for magazines like GQ. And like a true man of mystery he still makes time for his leading lady (sorry girls!). Be sure to check out his blog  where you can check out his photography skills!

1.    Tell us a little about yourself.
 I am a full time model with Premier. I have modelled all over the world and shot ad campaigns for labels like Danielle Alessandrini and editorials for magazines like GQ. I have always been interested in the creative side to photography and by the photographer's vision of how they decide on a story and then tell it through various compositions, lighting and subject expression. To me it is a window to a world that only exists for that moment in time and images are a permanent reminder of that world. Moving from in front of the camera to behind the camera seemed an obvious and easy transition. Photography is my passion.

2.    How did you get signed to Premier Model Management?

3.    Your modelling pictures have an element of mystery… would you say you're a man of mystery?

I think everyone has an element of mystery. That's what captivates you when you see them in images. The eyes tell everything about that moment… Modellling is like acting. You have to perform when the camera is on you. As a good model you have to make someone stop on your image, to make them think….having mystery is a good thing. Diverse mystery even better! Thats what gets you work.

4.    You shot an upcoming editorial for GQ with Zena Holloway, what was it like working with her?

Working with Zena Holloway for the November issue of GQ was amazing and it's a 12 page editorial so you will see a lot of her work in the magazine and the story behind the shoot.

It was one of the most exciting shoots I have ever done.

I love the water and I used to be a national swimmer so it came naturally to me to play my role in the shoot. Being underwater and shooting was very different to anything else I have done in my modelling career and as I am a big fan of Zena's work it added to my excitement when I was cast to do it! She is an amazing photographer; Friendly, easy to work with and professional. Although my eyes were very red after! I recommend putting full fat milk drops into your eyes while shooting underwater all day..!!!

 5.    Describe your personal style?

My personal style (photography) is very cinematic and with a directional approach, where the concept, style and all the details are carefully thought  out prior to the shoot with the models acting out their roles in the scenes. I create scenarios, concepts and feelings with my photographs.

My style is very eclectic and some may say eccentric! I love hats and I have lots of them, always like to put a hat with any outfit – no matter what the occasion!  I love putting outfits together with a twist….

6.    What made you want to crossover and work behind the camera as photographer?

I have always loved photography and art. I like to be moved by images, igniting feeling and emotion inside me. Being a model is sometimes very frustrating as you are just a subject, you have no creative scope or control. I am fascinated by everything that goes into creating a great shot; From finding locations to models to getting the right light, I could not wait to start taking pictures. I love the excitement I get from taking pictures. The self-fulfilling buzz and passion.

    7. Does your experience as a model influence and improve how you work as a photographer?

Being a model has helped enormously..! I understand angles of models, body posing and above all how to make the models feel relaxed to allow their personality and spirit to shine through in shots.

8. Any upcoming shoots that you can tell us about?
I am shooting the Autumn editorial for Refresh Magazine. And this month, the ad campaign for Nico-D. That's all I can tell you about at this stage anyway!

9. What is your favourite movie of all time?
Matrix.

10. Finish this sentence. At weekends I can be found…..
Trying to chill out and switch off from my constant stream of ideas (doesn't usually work)!! Watching movies and eating out in my favourite restaurants…..with my girlfriend, who I ADORE!!! ha ha

1. Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life now – anything you wish to tell)
I was born & raised in the UK. But I have a mixed blood line, and family all over the world. Kind of convenient for me really, I usually do at least 3 trips a year to see my family, so on top of fashion seasons I usual get to visit Italy and the middle east.

2. How did you get involved in modelling?
I was first scouted a few years back now. I was in the middle of my degree in London, and really didn't have the time to consider anything other than my work and my sport. But once university was done, I could really concentrate harder on my career in media. So I started out by joining a small agency, my first job was at London fashion week, and since then I've looked to grow and work harder and harder every day. Im just so lucky to be in an industry I love.

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Oraine Barrett

When you witness the  beginning of something special you feel like you are a part of it. I remember back in 2004 I had the  pleasure of watching  Pulse's Caribbean Model Search. I've seen  Oraine Barrett grow from an unknown model  to one of the most in demand male models. His career has grown in leaps and bounds,  having landed some major campaigns( Abercrombie and Fitch, Pepe Jeans, Liz Claiborne… etc.)   and shot with some of the world's greatest fashion photographers.  Then again he is  from the same country that has produced frontrunners such as Usain Bolt and Bob Marley…greatness is to be expected.

1. Tell us a little about yourself. – (where you grew up, your life now – anything you wish to tell)

I'm from a small, little town in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica,  called Siloah. I have four brothers and one sister. I went to Munro College and graduated in 2004. My mom died when I was 14 years old so I had to take up a lot of responsibilities. I handled myself well and i know that she is proud of me right now. My family means everything to me and i am really happy to be a part of them.

2. How did you get involved in modeling?

Actually, I wasn't interested in modeling at all. Football (soccer) was and still is my passion. I love modeling but it comes second. I was only 19 when i started modeling. My initial goal was to get a scholarship, but my papers had been processed too late the year that i wanted to go to school. One day when i was on break from boarding school I overheard my brother and his girlfriend talking about a competition Pulse (pulse is the biggest modeling agency in the Caribbean, they've discovered top models, Jaunel Mackenzie and Nell Robinson) was having. While i was just chilling doing my thing my brother called me and asked me if i wanted to accompany his girlfriend to Pulse and give it a try myself. I was in shock because i had never thought of doing modeling wish i thought was just for wealthy and certain types of people. After discussing with my brother i finally decided to give it a shot. Me and my brother's girlfriend got into the semi-final where she was eliminated. I ended up winning the competition which is the Male Face of Jamaica and the Male Face of the Caribbean  2004. My manager then brought me to NY where he introduced me to almost all the agencies. After a week of deliberating about which one would best suit me, we decided to go with Major Model Management. The rest is history.

3. How did you get your famous scar?

My scar is something i don't really like to talk about because it's pretty painful to do it but i'm going to be brief. I was in Jamaica where i was attacked. i was robbed, held at gun point and then got slashed in my face.

4. What is your ultimate goal as a model?

My ultimate goal as a model is the be in as many campaigns as possible. This will give me the opportunity to go beyond my limits

5. Who is your favorite photographer that you have worked with?

Steven Meisel.

6. What is the craziest Thing You have ever done?

The craziest thing i have done was shooting with a bunch of naked girls. It was fun but also professional.

7. If you had a choice, what magazine would you be on the cover of?
There are so many magazines I would love to be on the cover of. However I would love to be on Vanity Fair. It's  a magazine that is seen in almost every country.

8. The question that the ladies would like to know….are you single?

right now i'm single.

10. If I were to turn on your MP3 player. What song would play?

 i listen to all kinds of music. it depends on the mood i'm in

Thanks Oraine. Below are some of Oraine's Fashion photos. You can also visit the Major Models Blog to get the latest on this supermodel.

RELATED LINKS

Major Model Management Blog

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If you have ever visited fantasticsmag.com then you might recognize male model,  Luke Bontius. Fantasticsmag  has  featured Luke, in 3 spreads shot by photographer, Lindsay Lozon. This Canadian model was nice enough to answer some questions. From reading his answers you'll see that he has got a very positive outlook on life, a great  sense of humour and one of the coolest Afros I've seen in ages.

 

1.Tell us a little about yourself - (where you grew up, your life now - anything you wish to tell)

 

 

Well I'm Canadian born here in Toronto. I've always been very active and athletic taking full advantage of all four seasons and the sports each had to offer. I grew up an only child with a hard working single mother. This allowed me much time to myself and as a result I think I can get very shy sometimes, but I love to break out of my shell on stage. Any stage, as long as folks are watching.

2. How did you get involved in modelling?

At the time that I decided to model I had already tried a few other career paths like auto mechanics, landscaping and police work. None of these held my attention so the idea of modeling was a welcome change. I also received a lot of positive feedback from others.

3. What do you think is the biggest misconception about male models? do you live up to that misconception?

 

I find that a lot of people outside of the business immediately think I'm gay or a sex fiend, and I'm neither. But who knows what the future holds! 

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Brandon Perry is a New York based male model. He hasnt been modeling for long but since he started modeling he has worked with some of New York's best photographers.  You might even recognize him from Shermaine Jeremy's  music video for her hit single "I came to show you" or maybe you've seen him modeling on the Wendy Williams show. Expect to see lots more of Brandon Perry. I could so envisage him in GQ or Krave magazine. The shocking thing is that  Brandon isnt signed to an agency yet. ( note to agents snap him up quickly , while you still have a chance)

1.Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life now – anything you wish to tell)

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Harmony Moniz can dance, act and model. On top of that she can SING! Shes a Las Vegas girl with Big ambitions and she has got the talent to make those dreams come true.

1.Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life now – anything you wish to tell)

I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I loved growing up in Vegas! I am so used to everything being 24/7, that when I go to other places and things are closed early, I’m like
"woah! what is wrong with this place!?" ha ha. I have always known what I have wanted to do from an early age. My idea of fun as a child was making up shows to perform for people. All throughout high school, my friends would get mad at me for not wanting to party and go out. I was always content at home writing lyrics, and working on my goals in life. I am a very goal-oriented girl, and it is very important to me to reach my goals. I never want to wonder, "what if?". I won’t stop until I am satisfied (which may very well be never ha ha).

2. How did you get involved in modeling?

Modeling was never something I really considered pursuing. It was by coincidence that it happened. I am a headliner in a show in Las Vegas called "Fever". One of my cast members danced for an agency, and she talked me into doing it for extra money. I went in to sign with the agency for dancing, and they started offering modeling jobs to me. I ended up loving it! I love being in front of the camera! With modeling, I get to be something different everyday. I get bored easily, so it work perfect for me.

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Ivan Rusilko

 The answer – You get Ivan Rusilko. Ivan Rusilko is one of the 11 finalists in Mister USA 2008, he's also our personal pick to grab the title. Dr. Ivan Rusilko  answered a few questions for us. Read on to hear what he had to say.

1.Tell us a little about yourself – (where you grew up, your life now – anything you wish to tell)

I grew up in western Pennsylvania where I learned a great appreciation for the outdoors. I am an avid sportsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking. Currently, I am a fourth year medical student in the process of preparing for residency. As a bodybuilder and fitness model exercise and good nutrition are very important components of my daily life. As a result of my dedicated exercise and nutrition regimen I have won several bodybuilding competitions. I am always amazed at how much attention I get in public based on my physique. Recently I was on a trip to Disney World and people were stopping me asking to have their picture taken with me…like I was some Hollywood celebrity! It is both gratifying and quite humbling!

2. How did you get involved in modeling?

I got involved in modeling quite by accident! I did a bodybuilding show a couple of years ago and my pictures were online and an agent so happened to see them. He got in touch with me and badda bing badda boom, here i am!!

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Vaughan Lowery

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