IAN REDD PHOTOGRAPHY

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Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo, and what your reaction was?
Honeslty I do not, but Im sure I was a young kid and thought it was pretty cool!

Do you have any tattoos yourself?
I am 34 years old, I have been a photographer for 8 years and have photographed over 50 tattooed models and just got my first tattoos this year, and I am addicted. I have a japanese themed half sleeve on one arm, and my other half sleeve is a Buddah themed one.

As a photographer, do you approach shooting a model with body art any differently than a model without tattoos?
I do of course as the main main focus of a tattooed model is her tattoos, so angles and lighting and colors I incorporate into the shoot all have to do with his/her tattoo(s).

Any tips for other photographers, for working with models who have tattoos?
Yes, pay attention to the location of their tattoos, and angles while working with the model. Get a feel for their tattoos and their personality and try to incorporate that into the photos your about to take.

Are tattoos and body modifications a problem in other work that you do?
No not at all!

Do you ever have to shoot around tattoos or use cover-up make-up?
No never, why would I even want to have to do that! It's art and an extension if not a part of the individual and I need to capture that!

Do you ever Photo Shop out tattoos?
No never!

What is it about a particular tattoo or an individual with tattoos that you find interesting?
For me it is the combination of a models personailty, beauty and tattoos that capture me and I definetly have a few favorite models that I find to be unbelieveably sexy and beautiful!

Have you ever seen a tattoo, or a person with tattoos and said, "I have to shoot that!"?
Yes it happens to me almost every week, and I usually contact them, either by approaching/contacting them, introducing myself and giving them my business card and inviting them to my studio for a photo shoot!

As a photographer and visual artist, what defines a good tattoo in your eyes? What design and aesthetic qualities are you looking for?
I'm looking for an overall flow, good outline and shading or colors and also something that I just find interesting as a piece of art, something that I wanna photograph and ask the person why did you choose this to be on your body?  

What would be your advice to someone who wants a great photo that shows their body art to its best advantage?
For me as a photographer I would tell them that lighting is crutial and depth of field/focus on them and their tattoos!

What is the biggest difference between shooting editorial work - say for someonelike Bob Baxter at Skin & Ink - and working in a studio?
I can't answer that I have not been given the opportunity to work with a tattoo magazine yet and it is a goal of mine, I have had photos published in tattoo books and magazines but I have not been given an assignment or hired by an editor yet and it is a goal of mine!

Any tips for taking good photos at tattoo conventions?
Well when we go to tattoo conventions we set up a booth, so I bring a backdrop and all my proper lighting, but if I decide to walk around and shoot, I frame in tightly and use a low depth of field and focus right on the tattoo or the eyes of the tattoo artist depeding on the type of photo I'm doing.

What tips would you give to the home photographer, tattoo enthusiast or tattoo artist who wants
to take a great photograph of a tattoo?
Good camera, good lens, good lighting!

What do you think of the growing numbers of celebrities and models who have tattoos?
I think it's great!

What would be your dream tattoo photography assignment?
I would love to be a regular staff photographer for a well known tattoo magazine!

Email the Photographer :: Check out more of this artist's work at www.ianreddphotos.com

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