|
Interview with Ronan Spelman (February
Tattoo Photo Contest Winner)
Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo,
and what your reaction was?
I was a young kid. I remember seeing it on a mans arm just under his shirt
sleeve. I thought how odd it was that he let someone draw on him... still I
thought it was cool and wanted someone to draw on me. I tried with my own
markers but it was a big mess.
Do you have any tattoos yourself?
Yes I have four. Two designs by Leo Zuleta. A tribal band and a scorpion. A
heart for my late mother and a custom sleeve piece... better than the one I
tried to design as a kid!!
As a photographer, do you approach
shooting a model with body art any differently than a model without tattoos?
Without a doubt. When I shoot a model with a tattoo. I am very concerned with
capturing the art of the tattoo as well as the model. They go hand in hand. The
tattoo is an extension of the personality and needs to be captured in unison. A
model that has no art is shot trying to bring something out that is within them.
I often find too, that the body art can help to conceive a shot.
Any tips for working with models who
have tattoos?
If you want your work to stand out, you can add a very light amount
of moisturizer. But the main thing I can say is try to work with your tattoos.
Be aware of them. Know how they sit on your body and try to emphasize that when
posing. You need to be very careful with your lights and flashes. Try to avoid
bleaching them out. This is sometimes the hardest thing to avoid!!
Are tattoos and body modifications a
problem in other work that you do? Do you ever have to shoot around tattoos or
use cover-up make-up?
NO... plain and simple. I shoot all kinds of people and use them in my artwork.
so sometimes it is good for me. If I need a different look I will find someone
who is not inked. I would never ask someone to hide their work.
What is it about a particular tattoo
or model with tattoos that you find interesting? Have you ever seen a tattoo, or
a person with tattoos and said, "I have to shoot that!"?
Just about anyone who has ink is interesting. They all have a story of some kind
to go with their tattoo. I nearly always want to shoot people who are inked.
Freewind from Blackwave tattoo was an example of someone I just had to shoot. He
is a very striking man... with a lot to say I might add. I was lucky that I had
a project I was doing for Skin and Ink magazine... so he agreed to let me shoot
him. Otherwise I am sure he would have said no. But my Irish charm won him over
for sure!
What would be your advice to someone
who wants a great photo that shows their body art to its best advantage?
HIRE ME!.....
Be one with yourself, and your work. Relax. If you try to hard you will end up
with a bad photo. Unless you are just talking about the tattoo... which I do not
do. I am concerned with both. And if you have a gut... Suck it in!!!
What is the biggest difference
between shooting editorial work - say for someone like Bob Baxter at Skin & Ink
- and working in a studio?
Not much difference... as all my work is done in a studio of some sort. I am
lucky that Bob allows me to more artistic in my work. He encourages it. Skin and
ink tends to stand out that way. As a photographer I do my stuff and then
present it to Bob. If he and the art director like it, we are half way there.
Then it is up to the readers. We are always concerned with the artwork. But if
the girl is cute enough... need I say anymore. BTW... NOT A SEXIST COMMENT!
Any tips for taking good photos at
tattoo conventions?
I try to always take my victims outside, were there is natural light.
Nothing worse then shooting under florescent lights... AGGGGHHH. It also really
helps people to relax. No one looking at them. It puts them at ease. You have
more room to work. We can also spend a bit more time to get the one good shot
that you need. If they want to be in the magazine I want them to look good and I
want them to feel like buying it when it comes out.
What do you think of the growing
numbers of celebrities and models who have tattoos?
What ever rocks their world! Sometimes I think it is a bad thing. Some have the
worst tattoos I have ever seen. And fans want to be just like them... Hence we
have an onslaught of bad work. On the other had we have some who have just the
most amazing work... perhaps they have too much cash! It is all good as long as
it is presented in a good positive way. Tattoos do not need any bad press as
they have had a stigma attached to them for so long. So when you see a celeb on
the red carpet, I want them to have a degree of decorum. They can be a
spokesperson for the tattoo community.
What tips would you give to the home photographer, tattoo
enthusiast or tattoo artist who wants to take a great photograph of a tattoo?
Be adventurous and experiment. Always keep in mind what you are shooting. For me
I can not stress enough how important it is to see the person and the ink as
one. I see artist's books all the time and wish I could see the person that the
tattoo is on. Most of the time the tattoo in the book is cropped too close and
you have no sense of space. The art of tattooing to me is all about use of the
canvas. The negative space is just as important. Artists need to be more
sensitive to new clients. A new client would be more likely to get a similar
piece if they could identify with someone. Which is why they come in with
pictures of celebrities. Try not to use a flash unless you know what you are doing.
This goes for all your equipment.
Experiment. and don't give up until you have the perfect shot you are looking
for. I am constantly learning on every new shoot that I do.
What would be your dream tattoo photography assignment?
OOOOHHH... the mother of all questions!
Most assignments I have been on were a dream. But one that seems to stick in my
head... I want to go to Japan, and shoot some traditional Japanese work. The
work is stunning. I think I could create some visuals I would be very happy
with.
One day it will happen. and until then I will try to continue to have fun taking
pictures where ever and when ever I can.
Keep a eye out for "Art of Ronan in JAPAN" though!!
|
