P. Michael Perez: I picked up my first camera while in high school. After about six months of frustrating results, and after just one photography class, I set my camera aside and decided to pursue video instead. Years later, I discovered the still camera again, but this time was different: I started getting results that I liked, but more importantly that touched others.
I am the son of hard-working migrant farm workers, and as such, I was never trained in the finer aspects of visual appreciation. Still, somehow I've been able to develop a style that is instantly recognizable by those who have been following my career.
I'm not sure what that look is, but I love putting a gorgeous model in a beautiful location. There is something about how the two interact. I really can't explain it, I just know that it gets responses.
Edward: How did you become interested in a career as a photographer?
P. Michael Perez: It sort of happened by mistake. One of my first tastes of success was shooting a brand new model who eventually was published in Playgirl Magazine. It turned out he'd never been photographed by a professional photographer. Soon his portfolio started getting attention and getting him work and started to put me on the map. It was then I knew I was onto something.
Edward: Share your special interests as photographer.
P. Michael Perez: Love travelling to exotic locations. Actually I hate the getting- there part. I love it when I arrive. Nine times out of ten I'musually at this location for a shoot. Among my favorite locations are Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Maui, and Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. I can't wait to travel to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Edward: What do you look most when selecting models to shoot?
P. Michael Perez: It's hard to say. I see hundreds of models a week. And today, with various model websites and tools like Modelwire, a model is always a mouse click away. Some say I have an "eye" for spotting fresh new talent. I'm not sure how to define what I look for - I just know it when I see it. Casting directors, agents, and directors are always looking at my website (http://viewfinder.net) for the next hot talent. I've been told that Britney Spears is also a fan!
Edward: You seem to have helped a number of models with their careers. What do you really feel about that?
P. Michael Perez: It's thrilling. It never gets old. It's always fun meeting with prospective models and showing them my book because most of the models in my book have never been in front of a camera before meeting me. Telling the stories of each of the models - how they blew up in their careers, how they got placed on a network show, how they booked a soap opera gig after my shoot, how they got their first agent -- it's always a thrill. Many of the models I've helped launch have become lifelong friends.
Edward: What advice would you give to young models and the aspiring ones?
P. Michael Perez: Do your research. Figure out a way to get out there and get a good book. Don't spend lots of money because you can get your portfolio together rather inexpensively, if not free! In the age of the internet launching your career is easier than in years past. Most of all, watch out for the scam artists. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation do not be afraid to walk away.
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?
P. Michael Perez: Sometimes it happens unexpectedly. Right now I'm most proud of an image that was shot with absolutely no planning whatsoever. The image of Andy Ashton wearing an aussieBum swimsuit was one of my most proudest shots. We were on the beach, dodging the lifeguards (we had no permit on this particular day), and the sun was going down, and the lighting was becoming just beautiful. When the sun goes down in Southern California, it doesn't wait for anyone. Plus it was getting awfully cold - in fact freezing. So here we are: the near naked model, an assistant and me scrambling to set up a light and reflector and always looking over our shoulder thinking we'll be busted at any moment. Click, click, click - and I knew magic was happening. Now that I work almost exclusively digitally it's easy to check results right away. In 10 minutes the sun was gone. This image has been published around the world and is featured on the 40th issue cover shot of reFRESH magazine! By the way, the cops didn't bust us.
Edward: If a model wants to work with you, how do they get in touch?
P. Michael Perez: The best way is through my website: www.viewfinder.com. Click "Get Discovered" on the main page and you're good to go.
Edward: A special moment in your career.
P. Michael Perez: One of the special moments was working for a fashion company and getting to book three Abercrombie models for a gorgeous swimsuit shoot at an exclusive Malibu beach home. We even had Bill Rancic, the first winner of "The Apprentice" make his modeling debut on my shoot. It was covered by the TV show Extra! and People Magazine.
Edward: Final comment?
P. Michael Perez: Please let your readers know that in addition to viewfinder.net, they should also check out Male Model TV. I'm the creator, and it's the first and only video podcast focusing on male modeling. You can get it for free at iTunes.
The photos for the feature were provided by P Michael Perez and are strictly covered by copyright 2006. See http://viewfinder.net
Edward: Tell us about your background
Edward: How did you become interested in a career as a photographer?
Edward: You seem to have helped a number of models with their careers. What do you really feel about that?
P. Michael Perez: Sometimes it happens unexpectedly. Right now I'm most proud of an image that was shot with absolutely no planning whatsoever. The image of Andy Ashton wearing an aussieBum swimsuit was one of my most proudest shots. We were on the beach, dodging the lifeguards (we had no permit on this particular day), and the sun was going down, and the lighting was becoming just beautiful. When the sun goes down in Southern California, it doesn't wait for anyone. Plus it was getting awfully cold - in fact freezing. So here we are: the near naked model, an assistant and me scrambling to set up a light and reflector and always looking over our shoulder thinking we'll be busted at any moment. Click, click, click - and I knew magic was happening. Now that I work almost exclusively digitally it's easy to check results right away. In 10 minutes the sun was gone. This image has been published around the world and is featured on the 40th issue cover shot of reFRESH magazine! By the way, the cops didn't bust us.
Edward: If a model wants to work with you, how do they get in touch?
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