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Tom Cullis: "There is a sexual energy in my images that my media people frequently want to suppress. I will always push that element within good taste because I feel that it is something that we all experience, relate to and enjoy."
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LA IS HOME: Thank you for another interview at Connex. I enjoy viewing your
site and the diversity of models and photographers you have interviewed. I
am a die hard LA photographer transplanted from the Bay area in Northern
CA. I have numerous personal interests that seem to keep revolving around
media and the arts. LA is home to everyone in the entertainment industry
and work and play seem to blend seamlessly here.
PROFESSIONAL STYLE: My style as a professional is influenced with my exposure to film and advertising. I am fascinated with the speed of change in fashion and cultural influence. I have the opportunity to interface with all cultures
in my line of work and this has given me an incredible opportunity to
learn and play with color and contrast. When I look for the next model, I
am looking for that face that is all about change. The type of model that
can do this will draw a person in and create interest for the viewer which
is exactly what an image should do.
SEXUAL ENERGY: My favorite male or female model has a smile, an attitude and passion to play. I just capture that essence on film and hopefully create pleasure for my audience. There is a sexual energy in my images
that my media people frequently want to "suppress." I will always push
that element within good taste because I feel that is is something that we
all experience, relate to and enjoy.
NEW PROJECTS: My new projects on the horizon will be a magazine editorial on
the controversial Kathy Griffin for Metrosource NY. I will also be shooting the national campaign to launch a new underwear line by Timoteo. I have a few events with Shop Studios in Manhattan that will involve fashion as well in September. My website will be re-released after completely ignoring it over the past 8 months to introduce my new styles with my celebrity and fashion shoots in 2008.
BACKSTAGE WITH TOM: My unexpected backstage moments are hideous for the most part. I have been caught live backstage next to a microphone that was not supposed to be turned on when photographing the singer who was not into the show that night. It had to be the most hilarious moment of my life when that curtain went up and the crowd thought is was some kind of rude Madonna joke. It
was a hit. It was also one of his best performances and made him appreciate his fans in a new way.
THE HOTTEST SHOOT: I have also caught a soft box on fire when I was shooting Benjamin Godrfre in a jeep in a studio. We just stood in disbelief as the Olympic torch burned. We rolled on the floor laughing that this was the "hottest" shoot, changed the light and went back to work. It smelled horrible in there for
a week!
JUST SEXY HOT: My top 5 fashion campaigns change every week. My old standard for variety, controversy and just sexy hot is D&G, Guess, Ruffskin, old International Male catalogs with hot models wearing bizarre tight clothes and
on occasionally A&F when they cross the line and shoot a clothing catalog
with all nude models.
SEXUAL CONTROVERSY!: In photography school photo reviews we always took the most time arguing over the images that some people felt had inappropriate sexual connotations. The images that were perfectly lighted and composed were passed over in a minute as "great stuff". It was at that moment that I appreciated good lighting and composition but strived for that little bit of sexual controversy that gets an image
noticed.
LIFE IS SEAMLESS COMBINATION: When I am not shooting, I am scouting new locations, new stylists and playing with my incredibly talented friends in the entertainment industry. My life is a seamless combination of work and play which I appreciate everyday. The models I have worked with stay in my life and we support each other throughout our careers.
QUICK CONNECTION: I see the world filled with limitless opportunities. The world is also about change and looking forward. I do not try to get someone's attention that I am interested in working with. There is just a connection that
happens when you see a model that "has it" because they are looking for the photographer that "sees it". The connection just happens very quick and efficiently.
HAPPINESS RECIPE: My recipe for a happy and successful career was stated clearly in a book by Chris Prentiss called Zen and The Art of Happiness. "The Zen of doing anything is doing it with a particular concentration of mind, a calmness
and simplicity of mind, that brings the experience of enlightenment and, through that experience, happiness.
THANKS: Edward, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Connex 247
family again. Best wishes, Tom http://www.tomcullisphoto.com
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