CAPTURING THE EROTIC

FASHION FORWARD MEN

interviews 

SETH LONDON

I am not the authority of what it takes to make a good photographer, but I have been around long enough to recognize talent.  PURE TALENT!!!  Before you go any further , stop reading and take a quick opportunity to look at all the images in this feature.  Would you believe that Mr. London has only been doing this professionally for a year? 

Originally introduced to film and the dark room in high school, a spark of intrigue occurred during the process.  Seth realized that this was a field that he was very much interested in.  So much so that he continued his education, learning more about the world of photography.  Like many artists, London put his formal education on hold, and began learning from photographers who have already established themselves in the work force.  

Taking from the more experienced, Seth got a better idea of what type of imagery he wanted to produce.  Not one for having models  going out their way to contort their bodies in crazy poses, the talented photographer prefers to use lighting to bring out the models natural beauty.  Perhaps this is why people have considered his work to be erotic, raw, and gritty. 

"I draw inspiration from art, paintings, magazines and other pictures.  Often times I am inspired by the portfolios of the models.  I want to capture them in a way they never have been," he adds. 

I did a little research on Seth, before I asked to feature him on Fashion Forward Men, and I found him to be straight forward, yet subtle in approach.  Seth RARELY takes pictures of models unless they are with an agency.  I applaud him for this because it seems like every other person is calling them self a model these days.  It somewhat makes sense though.  A model who is signed with an agency shows potential.  Imagine flipping through Steven Meisel's port.  In it is page after page of supermodels, then you come across a random image of a women in her late sixties with ankles the size of hams.  It wouldn't make sense.

"I am an artist... My skill is my skill.  Now if someone wants  to pay me to have their pictures taken, that's a different story," he explains.

  

So how does Mr. London turn down a project that he is unable to do? Simple... He refers them to a different photographer, or a talented intern.  Let me step in and say that if you are one of the individuals that London has turned down, it doesn't mean that he didn't want to take on the project.  As a friend of his on Facebook, I see new images being posted every other day practically, so it may not be you, it just may be he simply doesn't have the time.      

I know shoots can be sometimes be long, but I have never heard of a photographer who is is behind the lenses 24 hrs a day.  When S.L. isn't on set, he shares with us that he devotes 2 hours(at least) to editing a day, A few hours online, and a few hours on the phone with clients, and potentials.  Perhaps this is why he is making a name for himself so fast; I didn't hear him mention anything he did for mere fun.  But if you are doing what you love, I imagine it is fun in some ways.  It's always refreshing to hear that someone is doing what they truly enjoy.  

When London isn't doing any of the things previously mentioned, he also takes on the role as a stylist... So you see, contrary to belief, London doesn't have a problem with seeing models in clothes.  

It may seem that things are falling into place rather quickly for Mr. London, but it takes dedication to get to where he is.  In fact, he leaves those wanting to break into the business great advice...
"Be ready to spend 1000 dollars to make only 100.  You have to be in this game because you love it, because there will be many days when no one will need you for a shoot." 

Sensible words from a smart man.  Stay tuned to Fashion Forward Men to keep up with the latest updates from this fast rising talent.  Seth hopes to have a book of his works published in the next few years.  We wish him all the best.