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.