" Believe. Believe that what you are doing is right for you. Understand that you are born into this world with a finite number of days. You can spend them however you choose, so spend them wisely. Spend them following your aspirations, not where others wish or choose for you to go."
You're a truly passionate artist. How exactly did this passion begin ? I'm sure you remember your very first experience ?
My discovery of the female form happened at a very early age. I feel fortunate to have had three older sibling brothers. Their collection of nude publications hidden from Mom’s prying eyes in a box behind the dresser to me was a constant source of fascination. And due to my young age I had no clear understanding of the reproductive process, so I really didn’t see the nude images as sexual. Here before me was an unclad woman in a possibly provocative pose and my only thoughts were “My god... she is beautiful !” That perception, because of my exposure at a young age, has stayed with me ever sense.
When a nude model steps before my lens my goal always will be to create a thing of beauty first, sensuality doesn’t enter into it.
"Oh those eyes..."
Art Model Sarah Ellis
Be sincere : how long could you be far from your camera ? Do you think you could make something else ?
Well the sad truth is never. I have a camera with me 24/7. Whether it is a small point and shoot in the saddlebags of my motorcycle or a large DSLR in a bag on my shoulder, I rarely go anywhere without a camera. Having a camera of some type in my possession is as common as having shoes on my feet. Every second of every day is a moment that will never come again and I don’t want to miss any of them.
Why a "sad truth" ?! It's your vocation, and that's it ! We all are like you. How could we be different ?... I saw many BW pictures in your portfolio. Could you tell us some words about this ?
A historian once wrote “The past tempts us” and to me that is the embodiment of black and white images.
I learned to develop with black and white film. The chemicals are less sensitive to temperature, it was cheaper, etc. So black and white has a sort of history to me. There are those who say that black and white is or has a more artistic feel to it but to me it is a gentile reminder of how I got started and how far I still have to go.
Except fine art nudes, is there another genre you enjoy ?
I am now a full time professional photographer, this is all I do. My main staples are weddings, portrait and commercial photography.
Art nudes are my passion.
Even in this so called enlightened age there are still just far to many people who can’t look at a nude image without attaching some kind of sexual connotation to it. As a result of this it makes it extremely difficult to gleam a significant living as a photographer from art nudes alone.
I enjoy working with people and I love being a photographer therefore I shoot what I have to so that I can shoot what I want to.
That's clear. You say : "I honestly can’t imagine packaging my work into one container and saying this or that is what I am." I agree. But, let's imagine, if you really have to define your style in some words ? Because you have one and you know it...
If I had to define my style I would call it “collaborative improvisation”.
I may go into a shoot with certain ideas or shots in mind but it is not a ridged schedule.
The more eyes you have on a location, the more input you have with those you work with, the more unique the end product.
An example of this is a shot of Sarah Ellis in the Ferns I call “The Real Eve”. I scouted the area, formulated the shot idea but Sarah Ellis gave me a pose I had not quite envisioned.
The result is an image I believe is timeless.
"The Stuff Of Legends"
Art Model Sarah Ellis
So improvisation (inspiration could we say ?) takes a large part in your process of creation ?
I like to formulate an idea, pick a location and if out of doors even a time of day. Impart this information to the model and see where she can go with it. It is a fifty percent inspiration fifty percent perspiration concept. I am always jotting down shot ideas and locations but I do rely heavily on a models perspective and creativity to give that idea form.
Film or digital ? Maybe both ?... BW or color ?...
Digital. I cut my teeth on film. It will always be special to me. But I also learned to drive on a 1967 Chevy Impala. I love film like I loved that car because of what it represents to me. But the simple truth is that if you do this for a living like I do, digital just makes more sense.
If you believe in what you are doing, if your work has value to you, the medium really doesn’t play into it.
BW or color ? I really like both equally. It depends on the photo. Which to me best conveys the message I am trying to send or the perception I am trying to reach. Most photographers will say BW. But I tried and experiment on line not long ago. I posted two identical images, one in color, one in BW. The color version was viewed 4 to 1 over the BW. For the viewer, color seems to make an image less like a print and more like a person. A color image puts flesh on the photo. But for me it is 50/50, I like them both.
You say : "I prefer to shoot on location in accordance with the theme and the concept. Shooting in the studio makes me lazy." Really ?
The number one and most basic rule we all follow is that photography is about light. In the studio I can control every aspect of the light, from how much to how intense.
Location shooting forces you to work with the light, obey it, to get the shot with nothing more than what nature provides you with. It is far more challenging and rewarding.
You can modify natural light with fill strobes or reflectors, but you can’t control it. So it forces you to work with it and I think makes you better. It can be very humbling too when it doesn’t work.
And what type of locations do you prefer ? Outdoors of course ?
I do like nature... A nude form in a woodland setting, what could be more natural than that ? Just seems to fit you know. But I also like stark contrasts too. A beautiful candle lit table, a lovely and attractive nude model, and the whole thing set in a junkyard. Beauty and degradation so to speak. But as a general rule, I really enjoy shooting beautiful models in beautiful settings.
Some words about your wonderful art models ? Sarah Ellis for example ? You seem to let them a great freedom, but you must have (I think) your personal way to direct them ? To give them your vision ?
With models like Sarah Ellis, Lela Rae, etc., you don’t really direct them so much as guide them.
With Sarah Ellis and Lela Rae I could say “I am looking for something like this...” and they just hit it. Then if you just sit back and watch for a moment they will also give you about three more things you didn’t even think about at the time.
These are really some creative models and feel really blessed to have worked with them.
"A Gentile Touch"
Art Model Lela Rae
I know your deep respect for your art models. I see it in each of your words since I discover your wonderful work. By the way, with who are dreaming to work ?
Okay that is kind of a hard one. There are just so many.
I guess first and foremost I really want to work with Lela Rae again. She is not just and amazingly beautiful woman and a skilled and competent model, she is also a very lovely person inside. I see so much passion in much of her work.
I also really am just awed by a model recently photographed by John Peri named My Friend Gi Gi. I have no idea what it is about this model but I find her just stunning.
There are really a great many European models I would love to work with.
I used to live in Germany and I really want to return to Europe again some day soon. The culture is so much more open minded as whole about nudity than the average person is here in the States. Steeped in art and culture that spans centuries.
By comparison to our European brethren we are relative new comers to this whole art thing. Anyone who would doubt me should visit Paris sometime. I have been there, I speak from experience.
The messages are sent ! And not in a bottle... David, how do you feel at the end of a shooting ? Tired, excited, speechless, in rush ?
In a word... spent. Both physically and mentally. Yet I still can not seem to wait to get back to my office and download the images. I even have a hard time sleeping the night after a shoot. Always ready to get back up and look at them some more. It really is intoxicating.
How I understand you !... Now, a difficult question, maybe the most I ask, what is your own favorite photo ? Could you choose one ?
You are right, that is a hard question. There are so many that I just love. But if I had to choose one, one image that just instills in me a feeling of disbelief that I even took the image it would be “Lost Maiden” with Sarah Ellis. It hasn’t received nearly the attention I think it deserves, but :
If only one image of mine survives me, if only one photo were to embody my appreciation and love of the female form. I hope it is this one. It has depth.
Wow ! What a strength in your choice... And now, what is your next project ?
I am creating a buffet of images. I desire to share my passion with everyone that they may come to see the beauty I see around them every day. To set aside their busy lives and if for no more than an instant, a few pictures on their computer screens or prints in a book, marvel at what a wondrous and enchanting world we live in.
"And Her Sould Was Full of Star"
Art Model Lela Rae
Have you some challenges you're dreaming about in a near future ?
Well, as I mentioned earlier I really want to return for an extended period to Europe. But we all know the economy is not where we would like for it to be. Add to that I am not a young man anymore so I know that time is not on my side. But I will continue to ponder the situation and build contacts abroad. It’s where my heart is.
I have a room for you ! Now, when and where will be your next exhibition ?
I don’t have one planned at the moment. I have tried to spur some local photographers into putting together a joint exhibition but so far there has been little interest. Sadly to many in this area that what I deem as a way of life, they see merely as a hobby.
You just have published a book. What about it ? Is there already a new one to come ?
I live in a small town, a very small town. One in which everyone not just wants but has to know everyone else’s business. “Private Eyes” is a dig at that “Leave It To Beaver” mentality. I have chosen to say in these images what most of the folks around me will only whisper in private. Mom and Dad don’t sleep in separate beds anymore.
Nudity is not about sex and beauty deserves to be appreciated. People need to learn to touch passion when it comes their way. It is rare enough as it is.
I am working on a new book. The full concept has not yet come together but I expect to have formulated what I want to say very soon, just not sure how I want to say it.
What is your best way to promote your work ?
The internet, no question about it. You want to establish an electronic presence everywhere you can. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, DA, etc. The more time you spend promoting your work the better the chance to get seen. I am a firm believer in answering messages and emails in a timely manner. I check all my sites everyday. It is hard finding the time, but if you believe in it enough you find a way.
And where can we purchase your prints ?
The best way is direct from me. I check every print to make sure it is of good quality and it is cheaper. The only prints I have posted on line are the ones that were requested by viewers. Email me for more info : farriderphotos@yahoo.com .
Is there a question nobody ask you and you would like to answer ?
How does my work affect my personal relationships ? I don’t let it. Relationships are founded on trust. My work is based on creativity. If my relationship doesn’t have trust then it wasn’t much of a relationship to start with.
I never thought about such a question, but you're right, passion can be a problem for the others. What advices would you give to someone who wants to work in your genre ?
Believe. Believe that what you are doing is right for you. Understand that you are born into this world with a finite number of days. You can spend them however you choose, so spend them wisely. Spend them following your aspirations, not where others wish or choose for you to go.
Any message you’d like to leave our readers ?
Communicate.
We are the only creatures on this planet capable of speech. Tell an artist what you think and why. We create as much for the masses as we do ourselves. Our work is there to be shared, enjoyed and we want to hear from you. Invest at a minimum a little bit of your time into the art community. For they are the heart of humanity.
Thanks David ! For your support, your trust and your passion.
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