Phil:
Hey Jesse how are you?
Jesse:
I’m a little sleepy right now, but other than that I’m ok. It’s the start of the summer right now in San Francisco and that makes me stay out later and later. I’m really starting get excited about the next few months.
Phil:
So tell us a little bit about yourself.
Jesse:
I’m from Boston, but I have been living on the west coast for the last 6 years or so. This means that I stick out like a sore thumb among all the laid back Californians. I’m okay with that. I’m currently working as managing editor for the art site Feacal Face dot com as well as shooting photos for a variety of magazines.
Phil:
How did you get into photography?
Jesse:
I actually sort of hate photography. My dad was a photographer and he documented me to death when I was growing up. I never thought in a million years that I would pick up a camera, but then I realized that I could get girls to do what I wanted easier if I had a camera in my hand. So I guess my answer is that I got into photography to take photos of attractive women.
Phil:
What are your biggest influences?
Jesse:
Just walking around the city always yields great results. It’s a fairly exciting place and it provides me with an endless array of options for getting into something that will make a great photo. I’ve always been interested in people’s facial features as well and when I see someone with a remarkable face, I’m compelled to grab whatever camera is handy.
Phil:
What camera do you use?
Jesse:
When I shoot 35mm I have Canon EOS that I like a lot. It’s got great colors and has a fantastic auto setting for when I‘m too drunk to set the shutter speed. I also almost always travel with my Canon SD20 digital. It’s pretty old by now, but it fits in my pocket, is super durable and takes great from-the-hip style photos.
Phil:
Which photos are your favourites?
Jesse:
I’m a big fan of any photo that makes me look twice. For the most part I only will use photos that I haven’t seen before. When I’m editing my work I only look for things I haven’t seen photographed before. I don’t want anyone to be bored when they look at my photos because I know that feeling and I don’t want to fall in that trap.
Phil:
What do you think is the secret to taking a good photo?
Jesse:
I think interesting photography needs to be spontaneous and impulsive (at least for my style of photography). If can visualize a shot in my head that I think I have never seen before, I’ll do my best to recreate it as soon as possible before it starts getting stale. As far as it being framed and composed well.. all that stuff is secondary to me. The subject matter is foremost in my mind.
Phil:
Who's your favourite photographer?
Jesse:
I don’t really play favorites, but right now I have some books by Boogie, Hiromix and Nan Goldin that are in heavy rotation on my coffee table. Also check out the guys fromHamburger Eyes. You won’t be sorry.
Phil:
So what are the plans for the future?
Jesse:
I publish a photo zine called Catch A Bad One (http://www.unpiano.com) that is due for a new issue sometime in the near future as well as some great projects that will be affiliated with Fecal Face. I also plan to visit the park as much as possible and lie in the sun as much as I can this summer. I’ve never had a tan in my life and this seems like a good time as any to give it a shot.
Phil:
Quick fire round:
What’s your favourite:
Song: People have favorite songs? Fuck, I don’t know.. ‘Everyday’ by Buddy Holly.
Film: I’m going to go with a tie between Dead Man with Johnny Depp and You Can’t Take It With You by Frank Capra.
Drink: Whiskey. In every form and fashion.
Sport: I ride my bike a lot so I guess I like.. cycling? I don’t own any cycling equipment though, so I don’t know if that counts.
Colour: Blue.
Thanks Jesse, you can go check out more of Jesses stuff over at:
Jesse website unpiano
Feaclface.com
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