Los Angeles Firm Inc. Magazine March/April 2015 | Page 74
ELEGANCE
LOS ANGELES FIRM INC MAGAZINE
MARCH / APRIL 2015
LOS ANGELES FIRM: How does it feel to be
such a recognized photographer?
VISUAL XSTASY: How does it feel to be
such a recognized photographer?
In all honesty, I never predicted my work
would become as popular as it has, its a bit
over whelming sometimes however I am
humble enough to remain grounded no matter
where this path takes me, I look up to various
photographers for inspiration so its awesome
to know that others are doing the same to me
and my work as Visual Xstasy!
LOS ANGELES FIRM: What other things do
you do besides photography?
VISUAL XSTASY: I am a makeup artist,
stylist, photo editor, graphic and web designer
aswell as photographer - I guess I’m a bit of a
geek haha!!
“Elegance is not standing
out, but being remembered.”
—Giorgio Armani
LOS ANGELES FIRM: Who is your favorite
model?
VISUAL XSTASY: Thats a tough one. I love Cara
Delevigne because she is so down to earth, quirky
and expressive however I also love Adriana Lima
for her classic stunning beauty. I cant choose one,
theyre both equally stunning in their own ways.
ELEGANCE
LOS ANGELES FIRM: What would you note
el·e·gance/
noun
the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner; style.
the quality of being pleasingly ingenious and simple; neatness.
LOS ANGELES FIRM: What would be your dream
location and setting for a photo shoot?
VISUAL XSTASY: I would love to shoot in a dessert,
the endless sands and the sunshine would make for
such an amazing concept. Failing that and as bizarre
as it sounds, my dream location is a scrap yard which is actually not going to be a dream for much
longer so stay posted to see the results from that
concept coming soon!
as your biggest accomplishment?
VISUAL XSTASY: My biggest accomplishment to date is without doubt meeting and
photographing Hollywood actor Vinnie Jones,
such a lovely genuine man. Nothing like you
see in the movies, he was doing an event auctioning off the items used in ‘Lock Stock and
Two Smoking Barrels’ in order to raise money
for a cancer charity as his wife has it. It was a
very moving night.
LOS ANGELES FIRM: Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in fashion photography?
VISUAL XSTASY: The best advice I can offer is to take risks,
think outside the box and never be scared no matter how strange
the concept seems in your head to go out and execute it.
Many photographers will argue that you can only produce amazing quality on expensive cameras with expensive kits which
I’ve come to discover is not true at all - a true artist has the
vision, not the latest camera and lenses! But most importantly
as with any body going in to anything, PRACTICE PRACTICE
PRACTICE!
LOS ANGELES FIRM: In your opinion what do
you think photographers and graphic designers
should focus on more within the fashion communities?
VISUAL XSTASY: In your opinion what do you
think photographers and graphic designers should
focus on more within the fashion communities?
There is far more sexual ‘art’ than just appreciation for beauty nowadays aswell which I find
upsetting as I feel it doesnt portray to youngsters
the right image. I am all up for sexy imagery but
its become far too mainstream in my opinion.
Its not just images, its advertising in general everything from hot chocolate too shampoo has
been sexualised. I think the focus should go back
to the products and the artwork. I started noticing
whilst I was modelling, the change in direction
from fashion to nudity, it was subtle at first, now
its everywhere. hence I keep my work based
more around beauty and fashion. Sexuaity has its
place, providing its justified in your work.