Edward:  Welcome to Connex247 Alan.  It´s such a great honor to interview you. Tell us about your background.

Alan Mercer: I grew up in the middle of the United States in Nebraska in the 60's so I had very little influence from popular culture in those days. As soon as I was old enough to look at magazines I realized I wanted to be a photographer or artist or both.

Edward:  How did you become interested in a career as a photographer?

Alan: I actually studied photography for a while but then I went into art as a painter and pencil sketch artist. I did that for a long time but realized times had changed and digital photography was taking over the world. I always admired the Celebrity Photographers who had the opportunity to shoot charismatic people. I could also appreciate the challenge of shooting fashion.

Edward: What do you look for most when selecting models to shoot?

Alan: If I am picking out a model to shoot then I look for a photogenic quality as well as a fit body that may be slightly underweight as the camera adds weight. Youthful and balanced looks are important no matter what the age.

Edward:  You seem to have helped a number of models with their careers. What do you really feel about that?

Alan: If I am able to help anyone with anything I am happy to do so. Modeling and acting is very hard to get into and everyone needs a little help.

Edward:  How do you rate beauty and elegance for your daily life and also to the models you work with?

Alan: Beauty and elegance in MY personal life is important as far as what I feel inside. I like to feel beauty in my way of thinking and seeing. I hope elegance comes from my personality and manners. As far as models go, well, it helps if they have both qualities in abundance.

Edward: What advice would you give to models and the aspiring ones?

Alan: My advice to anyone thinking of entering this field is to make 100% sure it is what you want because you may be sacrificing the best part of your life for something that may never happen. If someone is already working then they already know the challenges.

Edward: There must be special moments when you feel that you have captured a perfect picture... Share this passion with us. How does this special moment happen?

Alan: I always say to get that perfect image, that magical look is a gift. There is so much that can and does go wrong while shooting that the great photos feel like magic to begin with. It is a rare and special thrill to know you have captured a spectacular moment with someone.

Edward:  If you could select 5 fantastic places around the world for a shooting, which ones you´d choose and why?

Alan: I haven't been to most of the places on earth so this is limited. I love Hawaii and I think it is a great environment to shoot beauty. Of course Los Angeles is where I live and I love shooting here as the light and the weather are so accommodating. New York City is so energetic and shooting there is guaranteed to get some strong results. Puerto Rico had great atmosphere and the most beautiful people so I love that. I will guess that Rio De Janeiro(Brazil) would be a place that I would love though I have yet to see it for real.

Edward: If a model wants to work with you, how do they get in touch?

Alan: Send me a few recent photos and a contact number to my e-mail on my web site http://www.alanmercer.com. I am always looking for the next superstar in front of the camera.

Edward: Alan, leave a message to Connex247 readers around the world.

Alan: I only hope that your readers enjoy the photos and perhaps learn a bit about the process here. It is not as easy as it first appears to get great images but if you are passionate about it and do not stop, well eventually you have some great shots. Photography is the world's number one hobby so I think everyone should have as much fun as possible.

Click here to see more of Alans' work in his gallery here on connex247!
Photos are by Alan Mercer. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.
Visit http://www.alanmercer.com