Photographer's Comment: Mya epitomizes the 1950's
pin-up/housewife. I felt this photo put an edgy twist on the idea of
what the women of the 50's represented.
Interview with Patrick D Wade (April 2006
Tattoo Photo Contest Winner)
Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo,
and what your reaction was?
From when I was a kid, my Uncle had tattoos, and the one I remember the
most was the Devil on his forearm. I always found it fascinating and
rebellious that he didn't care what anyone else thought.
Do you have any tattoos yourself?
Yes - I have a art piece of an ocean scene with a squid grabbing a sunken ship
on my right calf. I've always loved the surfing and the ocean, so its very
personal piece for me.
As a photographer, do you approach
shooting a model with body art any differently than a model without tattoos?
No - If a model has a piece of body art I will try to capture it in some form as
a means of seeing deeper into who this person really is.
Any tips for working with models who
have tattoos?
Don't avoid working with models because they may have a tattoo, it can add something very personal to the shot. Tattoos don't carry the stigma they once did and can add a unique edge to a photo shoot.
Are tattoos and body modifications a
problem in other work that you do?
No - I have always worked in the entertainment industry, and being in
such a creative field my tattoo and piercing have never been a problem.
Do you ever have to shoot around tattoos or
use cover-up make-up?
I either use the tattoo in the shot or simply Photoshop out the body art
if I feel it doesn't enhance the image. Trying to cover tattoos with
makeup can be difficult and can sometimes look fake.
What is it about a particular tattoo
or model with tattoos that you find interesting?
The perfect example would be Mya, who I used for the April photo shoot. She has
this beautiful, sweet 1950's pinup housewife look and then reveals this edgy
rebellious side with all this amazing body art. Quite a contradiction.
Have you ever seen a tattoo, or a
person with tattoos and said, "I have to shoot that!"?
Yes - Sometimes I see a person with a tattoo
and an idea for a shoot just comes into my head. I like to shoot someone
showing multiple sides of who they are. Tattoos are generally just
personal statement that add to the image.
As a photographer & visual artist, what defines a good tattoo in your eyes?
Color, symmetry and good art work are key.
What design
& aesthetic qualities are you looking for?
I think the tattoo should suit the personality of a person or model.
We've all seen tattoos that don't seem to fit the person they are on.
Tattoos are a personal and lifelong statement.
What would be your advice to someone who wants a great photo that shows their body art to its best advantage?
Find a good photographer that you feel comfortable with, someone who will
understand that statement you would like to make with your picture. To me
personally, lighting is the key to the best possible photo outcome.
What is the biggest difference
between shooting editorial work - say for someone like Bob Baxter at Skin & Ink
- and working in a studio?
When you are working for an editorial job, you are hired to fulfill
someone else's vision, with some input of your own. But when working on a
private project, you are getting to create something that is truly your own.
Any tips for taking good photos at
tattoo conventions?
Do the very best to try and control the lighting and the set up to the best of
your advantage.
What do you think of the growing numbers of celebrities and models who have tattoos?
Tattoos have become more mainstream over the years and have become
less "taboo" with more and more celebrities showing them off. Tattoos are no
longer just for bikers and rock stars anymore. I think it has opened up
societies mind to what type of person has tattoos today.
What tips would you give to the home photographer, tattoo
enthusiast or tattoo artist who wants to take a great photograph of a tattoo?
Use enough lighting to get the shot right, most people underestimate how much
light it takes to get the detailed work in a tattoo. Have props set up to give
the shot some interest and most of all don't try too hard.
What would be your dream tattoo photography assignment?
Traveling the country photography celebrity tattoos....
Patrick D Wade
300 W Summit Ave
Wilmington, DE 19804
917.497.7816
patrickdwade@verizon.net
www.patrickdwade.com
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