Alex Beer Photography: August 2009

Interview

http://www.beautyconfessional.net/

Saturday, 22 August 2009

ALEX BEER - CONFESSIONS OF A MODEL TURNED FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER

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?

I first modelled with Nevs back in 2003. Jon Bruce used to be my booker. He moved to Premier, and we stayed in touch and he took me on with Premier thankfully. They have been amazing. All the bookers are really friendly and great to work with. Plus get me good jobs...!!!!

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

Sang Bleu - http://www.sangbleu.com/

Binary Function
August 09, 2009 by Ben Perdue
There are two sides to every story; in this case it’s photographer Alex Beer and his subject Mark Harris.

The view from behind the lens..

“I love photography as a whole but tattoos are my passion. I’m fascinated by their unique qualities, from person to person and culture to culture. How they function as a visual representation of a person’s life and family history. I like to capture this through photography but with an edge.

“I’m making a TV show next year about the history of tattoos across the world, visiting ten countries in ten weeks. From Australia to Brazil and Japan to New Zealand, using my body as a canvas to illustrate the different styles of tattooing in each country. I’ll also be making a photo diary as I go which will become a book to accompany the show. Until then I will continue to photograph interesting tattooed people. That’s the plan.” Alex Beer

And the view from in front..

“I believe that you can tell a lot about someone by their tattoos, as they should be an extension of who they are, which is important for me as a performer. I’m a male solo singer and my artist name is Maze. The genre of music is comparative to that of a male Pink. I’m currently working on an album set for a spring 2010 release.
“I have had the same tattooist for all of my designs purely because she knows me as a person and therefore her illustrations represent who I am. My largest piece is the dragon over half my torso, which took around 30 hours to complete. I like the fact that not many people have large pieces purely because of the pain factor. Again this tells you something about the individual, even if it’s only that they are probably slightly insane.” Mark Harris

Tattoos by Lesley Chan at Shangri-la, Kingsland Rd, London

Fetishwear by Expectations, Great Eastern St, London