Photography by Diego Diaz Marin

Italian based photographer, Diego Diaz Marin sent me his latest editorial shoot. Its inspired the  women of Sicily in the 90's and features italian model  Caterina Maiorana. As I am this blogs resident Italophile i couldnt resist posting this shoot.  It reminds me of my last trip to Italy.

Diego is originally from  Torre Del Mar in Spain but is now living in Italy to view more of his work visit his website at diegodiazfashionphotographer.com

I've been a huge fan of Gene Kiegel's work for quite some time now. I've always admired his work. One of my friends has coined the word Gene-ious to describe his skill with a camera.   At first I was a bit of a voyeuristic fan as I admired the work from a far but after Interviewing Sadie Phelps for the blog, I decided to  make contact with Gene as I knew that she had worked with him. So I set off to a cafe in East London to do the interview and what was initially supposed to be a short interview  turned into long and enjoyable conversation about Gene the man versus Gene the photographer. Today I share with you Gene the man and Tommorow I will share part 2 of this interview where Gene discusses his photography.

1.I’ve seen you putting a stamp-like character on some of your photos.  What is the significance of that?

Well, being originally from Ukraine, my first name is Yevgenii, or Zhenia for short, where “Ж” is the first Cyrillic character of the shorter version.  The character is quite unique and very graphic.  I made it into a stamp and often use it instead or along with my name signature for some of my personal and fine art work.

But you probably wonder, how did I get to Gene from Yevgenii in the first place.  Yevgenii is a name of Greek origin and means “born into nobility, noble”.  The English variation of that name is Eugene or Gene for short.   So, during the time of making my name “official” I went with Gene Kiegel for the ease of usage

2.You had many different career ambitions throughout your life (product designer, computer scientist, architect) how did you finally settle on photography?

Well, to be honest I’m still toying with the idea of being an inventor.   I think growing up in the environment where there are few basic things available but you wanted more, you were naturally forced to use your creativity to find ways to solve everyday challenges.  I think it really opens ones mind to work with what you have and come up with creative solutions to any challenges that come along your way.

I enjoy all sorts of creativity and I think that photography was my main and most natural outlet of that.  See, I never realized that photography could actually be a profession.  Coming from the socialist Soviet Union and being somewhat sheltered from visual adverts, I was never really exposed to the world of beautiful photo imagery.  I had seen some beautiful art and movies, but .. not photos.

When I moved to the US with my parents, I was 15 years old. The things that really struck an interest were movies and video games.  I won’t deny it, yes, I did think of going into acting as well and the only reason I ended up doing computer science and engineering at UC Berkeley was my love for creating the worlds of video games.  After two years of computer science I realized that creativity was not really something that graders were looking at.  They wanted solid answers by proven methods.  So, clearly, what’s the fun in that   I decided I needed to find something closer to my heart.   After some soul searching I ended up graduating in Architecture and took a few fine art courses along the way.  I love architecture and it is really one of the hardest and time consuming professions out there.  I have the greatest respect for people who are doing it.

 After finishing school I was tempted by the social myth of making money first and following your passion later, so I ended up back in Information Technology world.  I figured that from the funds I’d accumulate from my work I’d be able to start my own architecture practice in just few years.

To cut a long story short, at 25 I had a million and a half dollars stuck in stock options.  The timing wasn’t on my side though, as the stock market crash left me with virtually nothing.  I lost my job, my relationship was over so I figured to come back home to Los Angeles and have a fresh start.  

I got a call from one of my friends asking me if I’d like to replace one of their friends who cancelled their trip last minute to go to Brazil for Carnival.  I figured it couldn’t be a better timing.

Oh Brazil.. I think I owe so much of that experience to where I am today.  I still remember the exact moment I had my “epiphany”.   It was sunset at a beautiful beach in Bahia.  The tourists were long gone with the carnival crowd and I was all one on the beach watching the sky as it changed colours and I was just laying there with nothing on me but a pair of shorts and a capirinha in my hand.  For the first time in my life I felt contempt with myself.  I felt happy.  I realized that my ever-going chase for money or material things or career goals or being happy by social standards is nothing but a trap.  I’ve had the money, I’ve had the cars, and I’ve had the lifestyle everyone dreamed off, yet that never really made me happy.  There was always the next goal to set, the next milestone that I thought would make me happy, but it’s like a dog chasing its own tail.  This is not a route to happiness.  The key to it is to be happy now.  To be content with your reality, with your daily actions and your daily life.  It needs to have a purpose that material things would never replace.  That feeling really stuck with me and when I came back to LA, things started to slowly change the direction.  I just wanted to enjoy my life, and most importantly, to give it a purpose.  Naturally, all the decisions make its course and nothing happens overnight, so while searching for the next IT job in the dead market, I stumbled upon a part time opportunity of being a model scout.  Given the fact that I was recently single and also never really having a proper chance to party as I was studying and working pretty hard all along, this seemed like a perfect match.  My job consisted of scouting potential models and new faces while going out, partying and meeting new people.   

I soon realized that many of these models are completely new to the industry, and needed photos for their portfolio.  I had always done photography as a hobby ... I think from the age of six.. I really didn’t know much.. but I had a good sense of composition and since I’ve always been into painting or drawing, I learned to look at things differently and to find beauty in things.  So, I started giving out my “photographer” card along with the model scout card to offer them a very cheap photo shoot sessions.

Unfortunately, I found out the modelling agency was a scam and I cut ties with them but I still pursued my new-found joy - photography. I wanted to learn as much as I could.  For a number of reasons, I didn’t really see a point of going to school to study photography, so I would read books, experiment and visit the guys at the local photo store to bombard them with loads of questions.

I guess because I’ve never had any formal photography training, nor really any exposure to photography / fashion world, my pictures were different from people that were in the industry.  I got noticed by a few agencies at first and soon model agencies like Wilhelmina, Ford, Warning and Elite started paying me to do portfolios for their models.

Stay tuned to this blog as part 2 of this interview will be posted tommorow. In part 2 Gene discusses his inspiation, his style and th future of fashion photography.

I was just this eye-catching editorial by photographer Diego Diaz Marin. These shots are from his latest shoot called  "Out of Paparazzi" and features Spanish model Fabiola Gomez. It was shot on a little Island  off the coast  of Rome. I love the style of his work, its glamorous with a hint of voyeurism.

These amazing images were captured by New York based, French fashion photographer, Remi Rebillard. They really bring to life the concept that a battle is won before you even throw the first punch, The fighting spirit that these photos exude is tremendous. Who thought that a woman in boxing gloves could look so high fashion, intriguing, mesmerising, dangerous and beautiful all at once!

Styling by Pipi Loose at Artist by Timothy Priano

Makeup and Hair by Adi Sage.

More photos from  FRAGILE by Remi Rebilland are after the jump.

German born photographer, Tomaas recently sent me these amazing photos that he shot for Disfunkshion magazine. The editorial was is titled "Angel of Darkness". Think of the smoldering sexiness of dark denim, with an aesthetic that recalls the rock-and-roll edginess of the 1950s. I love how Caroline Loppke (Major Model Management) looks in these photos her red hair looks wild and untamed and there is such a raw energy in the photos.

You might remember Tomaas from the recent Interview I did with him.

more photos are after the jump.

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.

Here is an editorial from the second issue of biannual fashion mag, HERO. It was shot by Matthew  Kristall and features Ryan Bertroche from Re:Quest and Joan Pedrola from Major Model Management New York with styling by James Worthington Demolet.

HERO is created by London-based duo, James West and Fabien Kruszelnicki and is available at their website.

Ever since my trip to Rome  in October I have to say I am now an Italophile. I love the country. Italy has to be the most beautiful country in Europe. Of all the European countries I have been to, nowhere comes close to the wonder that is Italy. Its home to the worlds greatest architectural masterpeices, it has a rich history  and is home to one of the worlds fashion capitals... I love it all.  I have been paying particular attention to Italy's photographers and I have been impressed by the work of  Giuseppe Circhetta. I love  how he effortlessly captures the beauty of a woman.  I hope you enjoy my interview with him and you learn moe about the man behind the lense.

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

I was born in 1979 in the south of Italy, but I grew up in Tuscany in a small village by the sea. Since 2004 I've been living in Milan, a city I adore.

3. Italy is one of the most Beautiful countries on Earth and it is home to one of the worlds fashion capitals. What is it like working  as photographer in this beautiful country?

It brings you a lot of inspiration: I really love to shoot in tiny "corners" you might find even in the smallest italian town. And often I shoot in locations around Milan without searching too much: for a story often a small room is needed. And a bunch of imagination. Apart from that, Milan is full of events related to fashion (you can almost smell it!).

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

From the past, I am pretty much influenced by the elegant shots of Richard Avedon and I also love the attitude that Helmut Newton could put into his works. Nowadays I love the technique and style of Greg Kadel and Steven Meisel.

5. Describe your most memorable shoot?

I especially remember shootings for one main thing: the relationship I could establish with the subject. Sometimes I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and everything is difficult. Other times there's a good chemistry with the model and after 5 minutes we are best friends. What is more important for me is that the subject of my shots understands what I want to communicate and trusts me in whatever I ask her to do. Even though we are surrounded by all of my team (stylist, make up artist and my two assistants), it must be only the two of us. This year I remember particularly a late afternoon test shooting I did with Ineta, a girl from Lithuania, where I could really "get in touch" with the model (see backstage here: http://www.giuseppecirchetta.com/blog/?p=1154).

6. How would you describe your style of photography?

Elegant, pure and simple at the same time. Or at least that is the type of woman I am trying to represent, although every time I re-invent the way I photograph depending on the story I am telling.

7. If you could shoot any model (past or present) who would you like to  photograph?

Well, there are so many...Kate Moss for the personality she puts in all of her images as well as Naomi. Lately I really love the natural quality of Irina Sheik.

8. Italy is the birthplace to some of the world's most Iconic faces ( Sophia Loren, Carla Bruni, Monica Belluci) What qualities  do you think make a great model?

Linda Evangelista used to say: "I’m not just a coat hanger. I’m not the same for each photographer. It’s kind of acting, but in stills, and I put my whole heart into it". That's exactly what I want in a model: personality, flexibility in the assigned role and deep understanding with the photographer. It's exciting how some young models in the early years of their career already figured that out.

Ending thoughts

I would like to thank my team for the big effort I ask to them. And for the positive reaction I get. Staff can change sometimes, but I would like to list the ones who have been standing me for quite a long time: thank you Monia (Monia Pedretti - fashion stylist), thank you Max (Max Bertoli - backstage guy and location manager), thank you Fabrizio (Fabrizio Franza - Make Up artist), thank you Silvia (Silvia Molonato - Make Up artist), thanks to all the girls at Marangoni Fashion Institute (Irene, Alice, Rossella & Co.) and thanks to the model agencies for believing in me and, once again, for  withstanding my vagaries...

Inspired by Antoine Watteau's commedia dell'arte, his sad Pierrot, and influenced by the modern sensibility of today, Saria Atiye created the editorial "Maybe Pierrot". Maybe it is Pierrette, Pierrot's counterpart. A loveable pantomime figure, dressed colorful with a smart cocked hat. Tender-hearted, fanciful and delightful whimisical. Her name suggests a spirit loving, tender, comforting, but saucy, gay and smart. Sometimes there flashes on the melancholia and fragility of the sad Pierrot of Watteau, but quickly it's gone by the distant character when you see her strong, sexy shade. Either way she cries out for love.

Barrios marginales - Bad Neighbourhood

I love finding  new talented photographers to share with you. Diego Diaz is a 22 year old photographer, who hails from Malaga, Spain. He is now living in Florence Italy and working as a fashion photographer. This all happened as a result of a designer seeing some of his photos on Flickr.  His style is very unique and blurs the line between photojournalism and fashion photography as his photos tell a vivid story while showcasing fashion. It comes together to create something quite intriguing.

Guerrillera- Guerrilla Leader

Reading my news

Tobogan

Gallinas - Chicken droppings

operacion

 
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.

 

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.

Beauty Confessional favourite ( we love everyone British), Danny Schwarz is in the latest editorial from online glossy, Contributing Editor. It was shot by photographer Cameron Crone Check out the entire editorial shoot over at contributing editor.

There are so many online magazines...  most of them aren't very good. Then you have to take into account that very few fashion magazines are targeted at men. If you do the logical deduction that means that there are very few good online men's fashion mags.

One of the delightful exceptions  to this general rule is WWIT. It's the creative child of Dennis Lye. I've been reading it for well over a year now. It used to be a men's style blog and now  it's evolved into an online glossy. Even the editorials have consistently gotten stronger.  Check out the editorial by  Reno Ranger below and dont forget to visit We're Worth it Too for Issue 7 - Battlefield!

Photographer: Reno Ranger, www.reno-ranger.com
Make-Up & Hair Bjoern Krischker c/o Profiteam
Styling Katrin Pick c/o Profiteam
Model Thorsten Kuechler c/o Place Model Management

DACE Spring 2010 from Ryan Rey on Vimeo.

Ryan Rey recently sent me this video he shot  DACE's Spring 2009 collection, Its a reminder of why I'm a big fan of the seventies. I love the big hair and the relaxed vibe of the video.There are so many little elements about the video that I like, from the playful musicality  and softness to  the sun peaking  through the leaves. Makes me feel  serene  and makes me feel like going for a bike ride in the park.

Although the video is shot in Canada its got a very Parisian  influence  that reminds me  of  visiting  Paris as a child. The video perfectly captures the relaxed nature and classic femininity of the collection.

Source: Ryan Rey

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

Whether it's capturing the youthful allure of Robert Pattinson or imbuing the eye with the glory of icons like Naomi, Eva and Claudia on the cover of Vogue, John-Paul Pietrus is photographer of the moment. An established and respected name in the fashion industry, he creates pictures that are exciting, beautiful and in my opinion masterpieces! I say this not only because he has the best subjects but because he possesses a certain style that is unmistakable and unforgettable.  Beauty Confessional caught up with the London based photographer to find out how he creates his magic.

1. What was your inspiration for becoming a photographer?

It was an accidental inspiration, so to speak. I really had my mind set on studying genetic engineering at MIT. Then I decided last minute to apply to art school, as although I didn't really make any ‘art' up until that point, I had a keen interest in fine arts. I concentrated on writing a killer essay as I had absolutely no portfolio, and was accepted to the prestigious Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I was thrilled! After foundation year, I loved studying fine arts and completed my undergrad with a concentration in photography and painting. Before embarking upon my career in fashion photography, I actually was a documentary and news photographer.

2. Which artists or photographers do you admire?

I admire photographers with integrity and who are in pursuit of or hold a personal vision; not ‘copycat artists' of which there are many. True pioneers I admire include Guy Bourdin, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Juergen Teller, Steven Meisel, Hiro, Jeff Wall, the Magnum crew, the National Geographic crew (particularly Steve McCurry). I could write pages and pages of names, but these are who have just come to mind.

 3. Your work portrays a hint of "romanticism". What influences the themes for your photos?

I think that you are very correct in noting that, as I do like strong emotions in my work. I try to achieve a sense of personal emotions with my models, whether it is their own emotions, or more likely, an emotion I want to feel, and have them to project. I also find inspiration in literature, travel, paintings and installations... Inspiration is all around us!

4. You have shot editorials with supermodels like, Naomi, Claudia and Eva and worked with celebrities like Jerry Hall. What is it like working with the most iconic faces in fashion?

What's it like? It's damn cool! Each person tells a different story, and that's one thing I love about my job. Whether it is someone famous or a ‘new face', they all have a story, a journey that they've been on. The ‘icons' bring out, additionally, a sense of awe in me as these are people who inspired me when I was a student, thus to work with them is a remarkable honour and quite exciting!

5. What qualities do you believe a model should possess in order to produce a unique picture?

Quite simple really: either something physically unique by genetics (Sasha Pivovarova's eyes!), or something emotionally or personality unique which can make itself visible physically (Jessica Miller's posing). But it's also down to the photographer and team.