Interview With Charlie Bones

The Photography of Charlie Bones

by Cary

What inspired you to pick up a camera?

I grew up passionate about the arts - writing and shooting Polaroid and film like it was going out of style. I didn't really begin to take things seriously until I hit college when my darkroom instructor opened my eyes to the challenges in conveying a story with nothing but still images. I enjoyed that it was a medium I really had to push myself and constantly be learning to really become great at.

What particular challenges do you face with Pinup photography as opposed to other genres?

Pinup photography is a unique monster in that everything down to the last detail must be perfect. If you miss the mark with lighting, styling, set design - you throw the entire concept of the shoot off. Even after the shoot when I am retouching the images its a huge task to create a classic image that is not only convincing in its style but also has a modern twist so that the ideas and concepts are fresh and innovative.

Do you prefer to shoot with film or digital?

I will always love shooting film and don't ever plan to give it up - however these days I prefer to shoot the bulk of my work in digital format.

Who inspires you?

I work very closely with my Hair/MUA Xenia Reyes; she pushes me to be better at what I do and is never scared when I come to her with a new idea. As talented as she is at styling she also contributes to the creative process with ideas on set and concept design. As artists we tend to have a hard time grounding ourselves - I spend most of my days lost in a dream cloud of ideas and concepts and rarely have time to think about things here in the real world that don't pertain to photography; I am fortunate to surround myself with a team of amazing models, and stylists who are as passionate about creating great images, as I am!

Do you think pinup and fetish are becoming part of the mainstream culture?

Absolutely, in a lot of ways I think it already has. 3 years ago there were a lot of magazines I couldn't pick up at my local book store - and even fewer people who actually KNEW what I was talking about when I mentioned models and photographers in the industry. It definitely seems the pinup and fetish corner of the art world is quickly emerging into the mainstream.

Are there any other creative mediums you work in?

I have also been a model for a little over 2 years.

What kind of music do you like?

I listen to everything from electronica to indie folk music - however the staples of any playlist include the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, MGMT and RAC.

What do you like to do for fun?

Haha I shoot! I suppose when I'm NOT out there with a camera in hand I'm a bit of a movie addict, the theater is one of my favorite places to be!

How can fans of your work keep up to date on what you're doing these days?

Like everyone else under the sun I DO have a twitter where everyone can lurk me, I also have a website anyone can check out for blog updates and info on travel booking a photoshoot!

http://www.charliesbones.com/
http://twitter.com/Charlie_Bones

**photos + credits**

Krysta Kaos in Hey Sailor Hat Designs, Hair/Makeup by Xenia Reyes

Mosh wearing a hat by Hey Sailor Hat Design, Hair by Xenia Reyes

Krysta Kaos wearing GothFox Designs, Hair and makeup by Xenia Reyes

Staci Louise in Collective Chaos, Hair by Chad Clark, Makeup by Geneva

Staci Louise, Hair by Chad Clark, Makeup by Xenia Reyes

Model Holly Cakes Hair and Makeup by Xenia Reyes