Photographer Name: Dusty Austin
Nationality: American
Hometown: Ft Walton Bch Florida
Sign: Aquarius
Website Links: www.dustyaustin.com , www.modelmayhem.com #624, www.onemodelplace.com #49802 www.supershoots.net #114

Pixacom: How long have you been doing photography?
Dusty Austin: 30 plus years

Pixacom: Did you take any photography classes?
Dusty Austin: No formal classes, but did attend every workshop that I was able to attend, apprenticed under anyone that would have me

Pixacom: How did you get started photographing beautiful women?
Dusty Austin: Just lucky I guess, actually it has been a lifelong ambition

Pixacom: How did you feel with your first model shoot?
Dusty Austin: A little nervous, but it was her first time also and a friend

Pixacom: Would you say you are pretty comfortable now?
Dusty Austin: You would not believe how comfortable I am, it is like another personality took over my body

Pixacom: Where would you say you get your inspiration from?
Dusty Austin: Ken Marcus, J Steven Hicks, Bob Clarke, Dean Collins, Gary Bernstein, Helmut Newton, Peter Gowland, Bunny Yeager and Hugh Hefner

Pixacom: What would the average model say about your style of photography?
Dusty Austin: I have been told I have a "Maxim" style of photography

Pixacom: What type of camera equipment are you shooting with today?
Dusty Austin: I have all types from 4x5 view camera to medium format but lately its mostly digital, my newest toy is the new Nikon D300

Pixacom: Is there any equipment you'd love to have?
PhotographerResponse:[Dusty Austin] always some new glass (lens's) a digital back for my Bronica would be nice

Pixacom: What are your opinions on digital vs. film?
Dusty Austin: Film will teach you the discipline needed to be a great photographer, digital is nice I like it very much, but it spoils the photographer, makes them lazy. New photographers just starting out are totally relying upon the pure quantity to pull them through the shoot rather than working on just quality alone.

Pixacom: Do you work with a modeling agency?
Dusty Austin: Not any more, got tired of cranking out cookie cutter model images

Pixacom: Are there any websites you would suggest for photographers looking to break into the business?
Dusty Austin: There are so many out there to learn from, Fred Miranda's site is great as is Robert Farbers, now if you really want to test your worth on a worldwide scale then by all means go to Photosig and be a contributor, just be prepared to have thick skin, but it will teach you a lot about yourself. Now on just the glamour side there are several sites Onemodelplace.com, Model mayhem. Glamour 1 to name a few. I still participate on all those sites.

Pixacom: What's the worst experience you've had working in model photography?
Dusty Austin: Well one model sticks in my mind, she had a problem communicating with me on her particular needs, she showed up three hours late for the session, wanted me to change my backdrops before she would even consider shooting, so the nice guy I am did so, it still wasn't to her liking went back to original like I suggested in the first place, we shot a few images , did a wardrobe change, took her an hour just to change I stopped after three hours told her we had all the stuff we needed, she said she would like to shoot with me on location, well stupid me agreed, I wanted to do some street scenes any way, so we set a date and a time, explained to her about time being very important for lighting, morning of the shoot she calls me when I was on the way to the location (40 miles away) said she was tired, partied a little late last night and could we move it back a couple hours, well I knew her two hours were going to turn into more, so I told her sure and turned around and went home, never heard from her again.

Pixacom: What's the best part about working in model photography?
Dusty Austin: It has to be the oohs and aahs that I receive

Pixacom: What's next for your portfolio?
Dusty Austin: Working on some retro pin up stuff

Pixacom: Have you been requested to travel for your photography?
Dusty Austin: Oh yes a lot of times and yes I do travel

Pixacom: If you had the opportunity to shoot a celebrity actress who would that be and why?
Dusty Austin: I would have to say Julia Roberts, she just exudes timeless glamour to me

Pixacom: What female music artist would you like to work with?
Dusty Austin: Well I have worked with the Dixie Chicks, these gals are true blue professionals, regardless of their personal opinions

Pixacom: Have you had any of your photography work published commercially?
Dusty Austin: Oh yes several times, and still is as we speak

Pixacom: Where do you see your photography taking you 5 years from now?
Dusty Austin: Retirement! I am planning on teaching some workshops

Pixacom: Anything you'd like to say to all the models reading this right now?
Dusty Austin: could you turn this way, yes just like that, oh hold that, sweeet!

Pixacom: Last call. Anyone you wanna give a shot out to?
Dusty Austin: Hugh Hefner ...phone tag ...your it!

photos and interview submitted by Dustin Austin