Interview With Rusty Darko of Shangri La Photography

by Cary

Rusty's photography has a cool sensibility that I just really like.

What inspired you to pick up a camera?

Just the fact that I enjoy photography. Even when I was little I would run around with those crappy disposable cameras. You know, the ones that no matter how good a photographer you are, still take awful photos...

Oh, and sometimes they double-expose frames.

Actually, those were usually the best pictures.

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

I don’t consider my work "erotic", though I suppose it could be grouped into the "fetish" genre, Based upon the outfits the models tend to wear.

As far as challenges? I guess just finding models willing to be photographed in the places I shoot at. My work mostly takes place in abandoned locations, or places that are in some way unique or unusual. Which means that there is sometimes a little risk involved.

Do you prefer to shoot with film or digital?

Either way I answer this question there will be photographers calling me an idiot… Honestly I prefer digital; much of my work goes through a computer before it’s complete. It just makes sense to start digital since it has to be converted to digital at some point anyway.

I do have a film camera however; it’s a 1965 Cannon Pelix. It was my father’s; he brought it back from Vietnam. It’s the camera I learned to shoot on.

How did you become interested in fetish/BDSM?

Again, I’m not a purely a fetish photographer. I would think if I had to be placed into any genre it would be “surreal” or maybe just “strange”. At any rate I just shoot photos that I myself would enjoy looking at. “Art” and “Good” are both relative to the individual.

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

Yes, certainly. Likely due to the internet I would assume. Thank you Al Gore…

Are there any other creative mediums you work in?

Most people don’t have just one creative outlet. I also sketch, mostly pen and ink. I’m actually starting work on a comic book, If I ever complete it is a different matter altogether. Aside from that I create goggles for Panzer Kitty. They’re used as hair accessories. I know that sounds weird, just visit the website and you’ll see what I mean. www.PanzerKitty.com

What kind of music do you like?

That’s a very broad question. I guess I’m open to most anything really, as long as it’s remotely intelligent. I often use music to help me out while I’m editing my work on the computer. What I listen to depends on the mood of the piece I’m working on.

Rocket From The Crypt, The Faint, Tub Ring, old stuff by AFI, The Beatles (Everybody has to list them, it’s some sort of rule) Sometimes I listen to musical scores from movies as well, I enjoy Thomas Newman and Danny Elfman in that regard.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy finding new places to shoot in. Since I do a lot of my photography in abandoned places, I need to find the locations first. It’s not like I can just MapQuest “Spooky Old House” and print directions.

Additionally my girlfriend and I are in the city (NYC) a lot, mostly at night. She’s a go-go dancer and I’m usually running around taking photos while she’s dancing.

Oh, and my Xbox. <3 my Xbox.

See more of Rusty Darko of Shangri La Photography at:

http://www.myspace.com/zombierusty

http://www.rustydarko.deviantart.com

See more of Rusty Darko of Shangri La Photography at:

http://www.myspace.com/zombierusty

http://www.rustydarko.deviantart.com