Charles Lucimainterview
A nice talk with the inspiring Producer and Photographer based in Los Angeles, Charles Lucima and one of his sensual series starred by gorgeous Prestin Rose, enjoy it!
Know more about Charles’ work at instagram.com/charleslucima– lucima.com
In a few words, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m an artist that is still coming to terms with being an artist.
How long have you been a photographer?
Finally an easy question. 7 years and counting.
How did you discover photography?
Through a Minolta Maxxum 3xi like this one: http://www.amazon.com/MINOLTA-Maxxum-3xi-power-28-80mm/dp/B004S74TG2
How was your first shooting? What did you shoot?
I’ve had many “first shoots”. Before models, I practiced on stuffed animals, family members, my dog and even myself. But the most memorable first-ish shoot with a model was when I rented a studio and shot my cousin-in-law who was a professional model. The gentleman who owned the studio watched me shoot and noticed that I (in newbie fashion) didn’t say a word to my model while I was shooting. He took over the camera/sync and demonstrated how a photographer should/could direct his/her model. I watched with curiosity. As he handed back the camera/sync he said to me, “Tell her what how you want her to move/look”. To which I replied, “But I don’t know what I want her to do?” Ah, the good ole’ days of being a newb.
How would you describe your style?
Beauty idealized in the female form. Sensual. Soft. Strong.
What does photography mean to you?
As a vehicle for creative expression, photography is the best fit for me. Which is to say I get along with photography more than I get along with music and certainly more than I get along with any other art. Photography gives me the purest and most honest translation of my ideas, visions and dreams as an artist, as a creative, and as a human being. I’ve tried to break up with photography in the past but like a bad girlfriend she keeps coming back into my life :)
What inspires you?
People that have ideas but are totally flexible. Visions I have in my head. Combinations of stuff that I hadn’t previously put together. Growth in general. Getting lost in my head. Being totally passionate about something.
What would you like to photograph?
What do you mean? Like outside of models? Animals. Landscape. Architecture I guess. Street photography maybe.
A photographer you particularly admire?
As a genre, I really like admire female photographers. They intrigue me because their perspective is sometimes so different from male photographers. And sometimes they’re exactly the same. Which begs the question, “Are female photographers emulating male photographers when their images have that same style/look/vibe? Or do they really “see” the way male photographers “see”?” Personally I like it when female photographers present a different perspective. I’m not sure if this is what you’re asking but at this point I’m just recreating these questions as I go along :)
What is happiness?
For me it’s obsession. Being totally committed. When I can’t think of anything else.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
With 2 weeks to live, I’d probably go back to Bora Bora.
What’s your next goal?
Sorry, I don’t do “goals”. I take it one step at a time. Lots of small steps. But really fast.
Credits:
Photographer: Charles Lucima instagram.com/charleslucima
Model: Prestin Rose Obradovich instagram.com/princessprestinn
Manager Caleb White instagram.com/cwmanagement