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Interview
by Edo Q ©
2008 CoverMen
Mag!
August, 2008
-Hello
Tom, thanks for accepting to be interviewed for my website,
how
did you start doing photography? When did you start
working with celebrities?
Hi
Edo, Thank you for the interview and chance to be featured
with so many of your great models and photographers.
I
started doing photography years ago hanging out with
great mentors like James Loy, Steven Underhill and Phillip
Ritchie. Their passion for an image that was fresh, creative
and properly lighted became contagious. I had worked
with celebrities as a physical therapist for many years
and became comfortable with these people in a very personal
way. It was an easy transition to move from treating
them to photographing them. When you have great mentors
and are willing to put in the time, great results happen
very quickly. There were no shortcuts to time and experience
in becoming a skilled photographer.
-Do
you remember your first photo shoot? When did you start
taking photos of models?
I don't know if
there was ever a first photo shoot but my first time
trying to be a professional photographer was an incredible
eye popping experience. It was suddenly obvious that
there was more to a great image than getting a hot model
and shooting away. The challenges of camera angles,
balancing light and most importantly connecting with
and directing an inexperienced model was overwhelming.
It can still be that way years later as you learn many
more options and your equipment grows in complexity
inventory.
My
first model was an incredible guy who was 6'1 21 years
old and of Japanese/German descent. He was a natural
exhibitionist and the shoot became erotic very quickly.
I had a lot of lucky shots that day but I wish that
I had that day back to shoot again. That session had
more energy than the following 10 shoots combined and
was a education as to what a shoot can be when the model
can perform.
-What
do you consider important when you select models to
shoot? What are the physical features of your "ideal
model"? 
My taste in selecting a model
is usually dependent on the project that I am currently
working on. I coordinate my location, stylist, makeup
and model all at the same time. My preference for a
model is usually on the lean side and 6' at the minimum.
I work with primarily with signed agency models that
are used to the requirements of a long photo shoot.
Inexperienced models frequently take a considerable
amount of time and patience to get into the flow of
a fast paced shoot. These models are usually booked
with me for concept testing only.
-I
guess not many models are comfortable in front of the
camera, how do you help them relax?
I don't
have a problem getting my models to relax for the camera
because they are carefully screened prior to a shoot.
If the connection is not there the shoot does not happen.
If I have to shoot a model that I have not met prior
to the shoot I will put in the time to try and make
it happen but if it does not work I will stop early
and wrap it.
-I
visited your official website, www.tomcullisphoto.com, and I was really impressed by your style, very artistic
and glamorous, what advice do you have for new/aspiring
photographers to improve their photography skills?
My
advice to new photographers is simple. Continuing education
is very important. Find mentors that you aspire to emulate
and contact them for advice or suggestions. Assist or
watch people who are very successful. There is no substitute
for a solid education and constant practice. The demands
of current digital photography and printing requirements
for magazines and fashion require constant reading and
upgrading skills if you even hope to be competitive.
Fixing sloppy photography in Photoshop will only carry
you so far. It will definitely fail you when that big
job comes your way and the skill is not there to make
it happen for the client.
-Please
share with me some of your current projects...
My
current project is a holiday issue for a New York Magazine
featuring Kathy Griffin and concept editorial featuring
new designers this Spring . I am also in a college photography
program to test medium and large format cameras and
their interface with computer processing programs. One
of my mentors James Loy had always told me, if you have
skill you should be able to create great images with
a simple disposable camera. I try to never forget that
very important fact as I grow and shoot with these new
incredible creations of technology.
-Thanks
again Tom for taking your time to reply to my questions,
I wish you an Happy and Safe vacation, if you have any!
Thank
you again Edo for this opportunity to be a part of your
online model site. Tom!
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