Meet DAVID VANCE .... in the eyes of the beholder

Photographers, like artists/painters,  share many characteristics that some might find more just plainly obvious. Most artists or creatives are known to develop a particular style in the representation of their chosen subject matter on which they focus on but the common thread that truly connects these creatives even closer is the process in which they can be equated as being curators of their singular “museum.”

 It’s true that lensmen, like painters, have worked to support themselves in trying times  with less than ideal commissions but these are rarely the works that are ever remembered. The most distinguished and memorable images are those that represent a personal or particular affinity for the artist which has been infused into the finished work. Vance is not always easy to pin down in terms of style but there exists a commonality, for the most part, which is that he offers you the opportunity to visually explore some incredible examples of beautiful men who have worked hard to create their own body of work … pun intended.

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 This series of interviews opens the door for photographers to speak about what and why they do what they do or in other words... their modus operandi. As you will find out it’s not all about beefcake and muscle as Vance speaks openly about his profession and his choices.

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 I must thank Hervé Godard of Blake men (https://www.blakemag.com ) for the introduction to these talented photographers and look forward to shedding some light on the art of photography and not just the “photographers of Instagram” …. Or as I call then … snap shot photographers.

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Here in his own words is David Vance

JF: How would you say the internet and social media, especially Instagram, have affected the way you go about setting up a shoot in terms of “subject,” location or boundaries

DV:Instagram has afforded me an additional platform by which I can reach more prospective talent. I have an additional place to display my work. I like to say; there are models willing to cross the ocean to shoot with me, and some who wouldn’t cross the street. It keeps me humble. You’d be amazed by the number of people I contact who never even respond. As far as location, these days I tend to prefer my own studio and locations with which I’m familiar. Boundaries… what are those?

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JF:Much has been written about creatives who have a signature look; would you say you have one?

DV:I think so, although it seems to be more apparent to others than it is to me. Want one? And why?

I think my work is primarily romantic, impressionistic and sensual… maybe a bit dramatic at times.  My images seem to convey a sense of motion even when the subject is still.

My main influence is my Italian heritage. I was raised on religious art and Opera.

A friend who worked as my assistant years ago wrote this: “The photography of David Vance conveys a sense of beauty that is immortal and innocent. One senses that the soul of David Vance is more important to the photography than the camera. A quiet strength is interwoven with even the softest of his studies of the female form. A certain delicacy is sensed in his powerful portfolio of the male nude.” Bernard Lynch

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JF:If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

DV:The expected answer to this question is 5 famous people living or dead… but I don’t put much value in fame. The people I would choose are my parents who are deceased and also friends that have left this earth too soon. I have unanswered questions and unspoken conversations. Oh, and of course a really great chef.

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JF:What would you say has been your most rewarding or fulfilling assignment to date and why?

That would have to be the work I was fortunate to do with HARPERS BAZAAR ITALIA and UOMO BAZAAR. I worked with a great fashion editor, Stephanie Richardson, and many talented models, stylists and hair and makeup professionals. The locations, the clothes, everything was provided. We worked in Rome and Milan, in studio and on location around Italy. It spoiled me for the current editorial platform. Everything is different now.

These days I concentrate on making beautiful photos that hopefully will end up in a coffee table book.  I am currently entertaining the possibility of doing a KICKSTARTER campaign for my next book, MENANDWATER.

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JF:You have said that you prefer to photograph models who are involved in fitness; why that preference and do you find that they make good subjects and why or why not?

DV:Since I like photographing bodies it makes sense to find the best bodies. Fitness models by nature of the title are the ones that have the best bodies. They are dedicated to being in the best shape possible and they are generally at least a bit exhibitionistic. They like to show it. I like to shoot it. Makes sense to me. With all that being said, I’m really a sucker for a beautiful face. I always have been. I started making portraits of my family when I was just 14. If I have someone with a great body and an O.K. face, I always struggle to make sure the face is photographed to match the beauty of the body.

I also really love photographing athletes, dancers and acrobats. I admire grace, agility and strength. When I am inspired it’s far easier to create magic.

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www.davidvance.com   AND  you can own one www.davidvanceprints.com.OR www.blakemag.com/david-vance-by-jeffrey-felner

meet Hervé Godard .. founder of Blake.. Blake men

www.blakemag.com

Being in fashion has never been a smooth road to travel. Creatives are rarely satisfied and those who know they possess great talents eventually wise up to as to when they are being used for someone else’s advancement.

Mr. Godard started as a stylist and eventually worked his way up the ladder to editor but as with most creative people, he was not in love with being told how he should be creative. The saga and journey continued until he had an idea that he felt was original and he wanted to pursue. The idea was BLAKE.

BLAKE was to be an online magazine which was formatted as if it was in hard copy. This was just the beginning of the blogosphere and few if any had chosen to imitate a real in the flesh magazine; most wanted to dare to be different and utilize less traditional formats. One is reminded of the old saying “why fix what’s not broken?”

Monsieur Godard envisioned a magazine for men that would unfold more as a possible conversation between friends. In other words, there would be varied topics ranging from fashion, to sports to politics and yes even sex! The difference was that he didn’t want some preachy magazine telling readers how to or which was the right way to dress or to look at a situation, he wanted to offer options for how to look at any possible situation.

At this juncture in time, BLAKE will now realize its full potential is a real in the hand magazine but unlike its on-line version, it will publish 4 times a year(first issue November 2014) and be more of a collector’s piece rather than a monthly periodical. He has assembled a small staff of wonderfully creative people who will share their specialties with readers: Jeremy Fonda, Marc-Antoine Coulon, Anne Vogt, Benjamin Déjoué and Mohammed Aljuraish. Their topics range from skincare to films to sports to illustration and graphic design to hygiene, fashion and style and yes sex but in a very pictorial erotic way; in essence this is a true lifestyle magazine. The print magazine is meant to be a coffee table piece which will engender further conversation as well as echo its online cousin.

Now, as an extra added addition or further outgrowth or perchance in today’s politically correct language... a brand extension of the name is THE MEN BLAKE. This is a model agency of sorts that operates to represent those men who have opted for modelling as a career or as an alternative option and require or seek representation and guidance. Just as Mr. Godard has opted for less traditional assortments of topics in his magazines and he has also taken a similar tack for those he represents. These are not cookie cutter boys we so often see on runways, but many of these men have alternate sources of income and do not conform to only one particular look or age. As is his wont he discovered them in less traditional places such as the metro or walking in the street or at the supermarket.

Hervé Godard is man who surrounds himself with fashion and life on every level as well as the men who inhabit it along with their lifestyles. He is an original, an iconoclast who carved a niche for himself and those he has chosen to accompany him on his travels. The slideshow will tease you with some past covers and some artwork and fashion that will appear in the newest online edition. Godard is a man with a discerning eye who appreciates the history of fashion as well as the present and future.

www.blakemag.com