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.

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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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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

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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.

We had the opportunity to chat with budding Welsh  photographer, Sophie Pycroft, whose work I stumbled across by  chance. Her style is bold and striking. She is mostly self taught but this summer she will be moving to London to study for an MA in fashion photography at Central St.Martins LCF, where she fill further hone her skills. She is definitely one to watch out for in the future.  Check out the Interview After the Jump!

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I've said it before and I'll say it again. I think Viktor's work is exceptional. It's got shades of Terry Richardson and Juergen Teller with infusions of  the style and aura of East London's, Brick Lane.  He doesn't retouch his photos. Instead of relying  on photoshop and heavy airbrushing he manages to bring a special  "Je ne sais quoi" energy out of all his subjects.

My french is kind of rusty ( very rusty) but i think the title of this series translates to "The space of a heart that drinks the cup.". If anyone  reading this speaks french and can give a more accurate  translation send me a message.

 
Mariano Vivanco is currently travelling. While in Barcelona three days ago, Mariano shot these images of British, It-Girl Daisy Lowe and male counterpart Pierce Taylor. Team Vivanco were  kind enough to share these images with us.  The Dazed and Confused photographer really has outdone himself. As they  say in Barcelona "Muy Sexy!!!"

Special Thanks to Team Vivanco for sharing the photos!!!

Hi readers, Beauty Confessional is run by two bloggers: Che the webmaster (myself) and Paula the blogger. Here are some shots of Paula by British  Fashion Photographer Ken Niven. Ken's work has been featured in elite publications such as British Vogue, French Vogue, NY Times and Elle Magazine to name a few. He ranks alongside Jonathan Leder, Gene Kiegel , Annie Liebovitz, Terry Richardson and Mario Testino as one of my favourite photographers. More photos from Paula's shoot are below.

 

Today the Guy Bourdin Exhibit will be unveiled . Unseen Guy Bourdin, the exhibition will be launched by Nicolle Meyer (pictured at left in an iconic Guy Bourdin shot). Although the exhibit opens today, mere mortals will have to wait till Saturday when the exhibit opens to the public. The exhibition takes place from 09 MAY – 04 JULY 2009 at The Wapping Project, Wapping Wall, London.

Source:Vogue

Here are some shots of Charlotte from the John Casablanca's modeling agency in Toronto. The shoot was shot by Ryan Rey. Its got a very intimate vibe to it, very subtle and subdued.

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Photography by: Zach Burns
Collection by: Richard Olokun
Models: Pavel Baranov at Oxygen Models, Mark Mochalski

This is the second time I am featuring Azza on the Beauty Confessional. This is an old shoot but I will share these with you while I am waiting for Azza to send me some new images that he has shot. This shoot has more of an urban vibe than the last series that I featured. It also features one of my fave T-Shirt designers, Karl Slater. So , I have two reasons for liking this shoot.

Photographer: AZZA
Stylist: Perfectly Flawed -Karl Slater
Make up artist: Chvonne (Make up me) 
Models: Jermaine Barnes, Christina Edwards, Arun Blair-Mangat

Zach Burns sent me a series of shots entitled "Green Goddess"  with Symara from Oxygen Model Management. To my surprise I actually know the model , Symara is  really sweet and fun and I just love the energy she exudes in these photos.

More Photos After the Jump

Photographer: Zach Burns
Model: Symara @ Oxygen Model Management
Make Up: Ru Mel

Zach's Blog

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It's been a little while since I've last posted, This has a been very very busy week. A few days ago i got sent some new shots by  one of our new contributors Ryan Rey. The gorgeous shots are of an even more gorgeous model named Cecilia from John Casablancas' agency in Vancouver. Ryan described the photos as "not overdone… but still telling a personal story" and having a "sexy bedroom vibe" . I definitely agree! As you all know I am really loving the simplistic  editorial style photos at the moment and i think Ryan's photos are very Oh la la!

More after the jump

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