Featured Photographer - GW Burns Posted: October 29, 2007 9:23 PM PST



Photographer Name: GW Burns
Nationality: USA
Hometown: St Louis Missouri and Sarasota Florida
DOB: 12-18-56
Sign: Sagitarius
Website Links: www.gwburns.com; onemodelplace.com 18425; modelmayhem.com 11291



Pixacom: How long have you been doing photography?
GW Burns: 7 years



Pixacom: Did you take any photography classes?
GW Burns: I read a bunch and have been fortunate to have shot along side of some incredible photographers, who have taught me a lot.



Pixacom: How did you get started photographing beautiful women?
GW Burns: I was an artist back in college and painted a lot from photographs. I wanted to create my own images to paint from and hence picked up photography.







Pixacom: How did you feel with your first model shoot?
GW Burns: I have always been comfortable in any setting involving people. I can honestly say I have never been intimidated by any model or situation. I shot a TV show on Southbeach with about 100 people watching and that was a ton of fun.



Pixacom: Would you say you are pretty comfortable now?
GW Burns: It is what I love so that is a natural yes!



Pixacom: Where would you say you get your inspiration from?
GW Burns: Many of my shots come from dreams. I will actually wake up with an image in my mind and write it down. Sometimes it will be a prop or outfit that iniates my creativity.



Pixacom: What would the average model say about your style of photography?
GW Burns: Creative and artistic. It is sensual, yet elegant at the same time.







Pixacom: What type of camera equipment are you shooting with today?
GW Burns: I use a Canon 5D with more then a hallf dozen different lenses. My two favorite are 70-200 mm 2.8 L with IS and my 17-40 4.0 L series.



Pixacom: Is there any equipment you'd love to have?
GW Burns: Let me go wild in a profoto store and I would be in heaven



Pixacom: What are your opinions on digital vs. film?
GW Burns: I shoot 99.9 digital these days and always enjoy the debate of the two mediums. Most film advocates are old school and I understand their passion for developing and the texture of the image. The interesting thing is even their work is converted to digital eventually, unless they are printing from a negative, so I dont really get their point when it comes to the internet. It is just another couple of generations added to the equation to getting the image on a site such as this.







Pixacom: Do you work with a modeling agency?
GW Burns: If an agency wants to hire me that is great, but I do not test for them any longer.



Pixacom: Are there any websites you would suggest for photographers looking to break into the business?
GW Burns: One model Place has gotten me more work then any other site. My space is another good networking site for photographers. I love Deviant Art because of the features and it truly is a world wide site that showcases the best photographers in the world.



Pixacom: What's the worst experience you've had working in model photography?
GW Burns: I once fell through the floor of an old barn I was shooting in and it was on the second floor. That hurt like heck lol!



Pixacom: What's the best part about working in model photography?
GW Burns: I have worked with so many incredibly talented people. From models,photographers, MUA's, stylist, and videographers, it has been an awesome experience for me. I am so blessed to have made so many friends and to be able to travel almost anywhere in the states and have someone there open their places and hearts to me has been overwhelming.



Pixacom: What's next for your portfolio?
GW Burns: I try and not look too far ahead, cause tomorrow may never get here. My most important assignment always remains the one that is in front of me right now.







Pixacom: Have you been requested to travel for your photography?
GW Burns: I have a map of the United States on the wall in my office and it has a pin in every town I have shot in. If you could see it you might think it was a porcupine lol!



Pixacom: If you had the opportunity to shoot a celebrity actress who would that be and why?
GW Burns: Charlize Theron is someone I would die to shoot. She has what we call "it"!



Pixacom: What female music artist would you like to work with?
GW Burns: Rhianna has some mystique about her that I find intriguing.



Pixacom: Have you had any of your photography work published commercially?
GW Burns: I have been lucky to have had my work published in GQ, People, and FHM. Ilex Press has a book entitled Digitale Erotique where they featured my work as well.



Pixacom: Where do you see your photography taking you 5 years from now?
GW Burns: I truly feel the best is yet to come. I want to be a staff photographer for a major magazine and that is my ulltimate goal.







Pixacom: Anything you'd like to say to all the models reading this right now?
GW Burns: Being a successful model is a lot more then being pretty. Learn to be a professional, aggressive, and responsible while youwork your tail off and you will be on the right track.




Pixacom: Last call. Anyone you wanna give a shot out to?
GW Burns: None of us in life are anything without the help, support, encouragement and influence of others. To my parents, my friends Matt Conrads, Chris Byrd, Don Bersano, Doc Glidewell, Loren David and countless others, know in your hearts that you are the reason why photography burns so deeply within this mans soul.




photos and interview submitted by GW Burns

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