Michael:  Tell us a bit about your background.
Tom: I was born in the midwest, Iowa, but grew up mostly on the east coast from Georgia, to Pennsylvania, to New York. Studied literature and art at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, NH.

Michael: How did you decide to become a professional photographer?
Tom: From 1983 to 1993 I owned a small newspaper in Vermont, and took all the photographs for each issue; so my start was really in photojournalism.   Later I spent time in San Diego with an Internet company my partner and I started, and I began doing some fine art images with men, and many of my friends said I was good at it.

Michael:  How would you describe your 'style'
Tom: My style has evolved from a time when I did primarily outdoor figure photographs to a broader range of portraits and fine art work. My images tend to bring out the personalities and feelings of the subjects.

Michael:  What are your special interests as a photographer?
Tom: People are my primary interest, and finding ways of capturing the essence of the person I am photographing. I try not to use the term "model" for people I shoot, that word has too many frozen, stiff connotations for me.

Michael:  Share your passion as you seek the 'perfect' picture.

Tom: I haven't taken the perfect picture yet. But in attempting to get a solid image, my focus is always about getting the best light. Most of my work now is done with natural light, which I find can result in some astonishing results when everything comes together.

Michael: Outline for us some of the highlights of your career.

Tom: I've been told I have taken some good photographs, but the highlights really are the rich experiences I have had meeting and working with the young men I have photographed, people like Derrick Davenport, Andrew Honda, Leighton Stultz...it's a long list of extraordinary guys.

Michael: You help young models. Tell us about the role you try to play.

Tom: Whenever I shoot someone, I try to provide some useful portfolio images; I also try to connect them with other good photographers so they can further develop their look.

Michael: What advice would you give aspiring models.

Tom: Stay in shape, and learn how to reflect light!

Michael:  What do you look for when selecting models.

Tom: I prefer men who are in top physical condition. Having a good sense of humor, an active imagination, and an interesting personality also helps, because those things show in the pictures.

Michael: How does location influence your work?
Tom: I shoot all over the country, but one of my favorite locations is in Vermont near my home -- in a lost, remote area called the Northeast Kingdom, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Allowing the men I photograph some freedom in that space often results in excellent photographs.

Michael:  How do models contact you.
Tom: Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   or via AIM using my screename: tswatkin

All photos are copyright 2006 Thomas Watkin.