Edward: Hi Tom. Tell us about your background.

Tom:  I grew up on a ranch in Northern CA. and had a very rural life up until  college. My parents were old country German and we enjoyed a cross cultural  lifestyle. My parents  Old World influence from Europe combined with our  fast paced life in the US was a great inspiration to embrace both the new and  old concepts in my approach to art and music.

My interests in art, music  continued through college along with my life sciences interests. I  graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy and had several clinics in  Southern CA that specialized in the performing arts and sports medicine.  This was the entry into meeting managers, agents and celebrities in the course  of treating injuries to restore them to peak performance levels. 

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

Tom:    I became interested in photography during my career as a physical  therapist. I was very involved in the marketing of my Sports Medicine private  practice and worked with photographers in developing layouts for marketing. This experience led me to explore new concepts and ideas behind the camera instead as well as art directing.

Edward: Share some of your memorable moments as a photographer.

Tom: My most memorable achievements in photography are when my images are published and enjoyed. Over the years I have had the good fortune to have many magazines and special edition photography books publish my images. For any photographer this is a special moment to see the vision and hard work go to print.

A special feature article highlighting the images and story of Rob Sager, an international fitness model will be published in DNA magazine. I was the last photographer to work with Rob before he suffered a fatal heart attack earlier this year. My images and interview will be in this upcoming issue. I would have to say this will be one of the most memorable moments that will always stay with me.

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Edward:  What are some of your current projects?

Tom:  My current projects include a new underwear campaign for an established designer concurrent with a new ad campaign for a high end Italian clothing designer. And here we have the advantage of the new and old world influences. I  am excited to return to Europe to scout new locations this summer.

Edward: What are you looking for in models to work with you?

Tom: I test a number of models that do not necessarily fall into the fashion agency requirements. I look for strong facial structure, ability to create expression, mood and a look that most viewers want to see. There is always an implied sexuality in my images through the eyes, lips or body language. A  former patient of mine who was an executive for an exclusive marketing firm once told me, "sex sells" with a wink, end of advice. I have never forgotten her recommendations.

Edward: You must have had some amusing moments during photo shoots?

Tom: I have never had a photo shoot that did not have a funny segment. Models who have shot with me will tell you that I require a high level of comedy participation during a shoot to keep it real. When a shoot gets into a skimpy clothing segment,  modesty issues always lead to a good laugh because it is a hopeless situation. Despite the laughter that always results, it is also the  time that the model needs to trust the photographers professionalism to get the shot.

Edward: What is your specialty?

Tom:  I have photographed a number of beautiful women but prefer to specialize in male model photography.  It is almost impossible to be good at everything and female fashion/glamour is a black hole of experience. I have several favorite male models that continue to inspire me and push me to create images beyond my imagination. It is their input and suggestions during a shoot that really start to turn an ok concept into a wow concept.