Written by: Jo Ann B. Duggins

If you are on My Space then you've probably seen Michael's mohawked coiffure on someone's page. If you go to his website you'll see some really amazing photographs. When I viewed his photographs for the first time, I wanted to buy whatever he was selling. His images are vivid and fun and some really beautiful people know where to find this Los Angeles native. Michael specializes in intimates, commercial, artisitc, and portrait photography and has a private studio for doing headshot work. You can also find him on the red carpet snapping the stars. Read on...read on...

How did you get into the business of photography and how long have you had this relationship?
- I picked up photography as a hobby back in 1992 when I worked for the Pasadena Police Department as a cadet. I processed juvenile arrests and shot their mug shots, which sparked my interest in photography. (this guy was a cop?)

What do you find is most interesting in a subject?
- I have a thing for a person's eyes. Can't explain it, but I can just get lost in a woman's eyes.

How did you come about doing intimates and tell us a little about that realm of photography. (i.e.. how do you select models, what do you do to motivate them, what all goes into the process as opposed to your usual subjects)
- I once did some shots for an adult actress and then for a couple strippers. Never really tried to get into intimates. It just kinda happened. Since I work strictly for hire, I don't select models per se. As far as motivation, my clients have their reasons for coming to me, so I really don't have to motivate them, however, I make every effort to make my clients comfortable on set by limiting the number of people in the room to the client and the makeup artist.

4. You've done a slew of famous peeps...is there anyone out there you want to photograph that you haven't? Who has been your favorite so far and why?
- I have a wish list of people I would die to shoot, but offhand, I would love to do a shoot with Jessica Alba. My fave so far was David Anders from Alias. He plays a villain, but is by far, the nicest person I have ever met.

5. What has been the most challenging for you as a commercial photographer?
- Finding a lot of work. There are just too many photographers out there to compete with, and that can be difficult to get discovered. I have been fortunate to find my regular commercial gig.

How do you feel your photographs stand out against the competition? What makes your photographs unique?
- I honestly do not think my work stands out against my competition. There are a ton of other photographers who blow me away by miles. I just do what I do I guess.

7. Major influences?
- I actually don't have any. I never took a class, so I don't have the basic education to know who the great photographers are or the textbook styles.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
- If I am still alive (I am a bit unhealthy), I see myself doing what I do now. Just shooting and servicing those who need me.

9. Do you feel your photographs "sell" a product?
- Hmmm. I don't think they sell my clients as much as they display them. The style of my work is strictly to show who and what they are as opposed to show who or what they can be.

10. What's your advice to others who are trying to do more commercial work?
- The key to success in this business is to create a portfolio that shows what you can do. Next is to network with everybody and anybody because that one person you impress could be the one person who hooks you up when you least expect it.

11. Do you prefer film or digital?
- I miss film, but digital is so much more convenient and with proper handling, can create images just as effective as film.

12. Marilyn Monroe or Grace Kelly?
- Marilyn was sexy, and I really don't know much about Grace Kelly. Give me the choice of Kelly Hu and Jessica Alba, and I will hustle to get both. =) (Man that Alba girl gets a lot of props)

To see Michael's work you can visit him at his website: www.8x10proofs.com and also visit his page on MySpace: www.myspace.com/therealmichaelanthony

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