ALTPICK.COM

Michael Sexton knows what it takes to shoot an exceptional portrait. "When you're working with people, I think it's very important to match the personality and temperament of your subject and gain their respect and trust," says Sexton. Such was the case with Kristen Hersh and the Throwing Muses on a shoot for Option Magazine. The band arrived for a show later than expected. There was no option but to shoot them while they were setting up.

Throwing Muses

Sexton says, "Kristen was five months pregnant at the time and a little hesitant to be photographed. Because they are not photographers, [subjects] don't always have the ability to visualize the end result. You need to reassure them that you are trying to produce something to compliment their style without being so different from the image they have of themselves. Once I showed her the Polaroids and explained what I was going to do with the final images, she warmed to the idea."

Rob Zombie

Sexton uses a lot of different methods to compliment his style. "I try to be open to both techniques and ways of shooting that are appropriate to the assignment, but I also like to do things that are not expected," says Sexton. This departure from the ordinary was perfectly illustrated on a recent assignment for Guitar World Magazine. The subjects were Rob Zombie, a musician with a grisly and sepulchral persona, and his blood-filled guitar toting band mate Riggs. Sexton recalls, "Blood was flowing everywhere that day. It covered them on the set, and eventually the camera and myself.

Everclear

Michael attended The Brooks Institute of Photography. Eager to begin his career, he moved to San Francisco and began developing his portfolio while working as an assistant. Soon, he discovered he was shooting more and assisting less.

These days Michael does a lot of work for the music industry as well as magazines like Time, U.S. News and World Report, Red Herring, Worth, and a number of science digests. He also successfully incorporates his portraiture and lifestyle images into the advertising and packaging industries. Recently, altpick.com spoke to Michael about his work.

Have you always wanted to be a photographer?
Yeah, I started back in high school. But I originally went to college for computer science. I realized I didn't want to be sitting in a cubicle environment for the rest of my life. I decided to turn my interest in photography and the art world into a paying career.

How would you define your style?

How do you engage nervous people or those not easily accessible?
For me I try to meet the subject on whatever level they are at. If they are comfortable or nervous, if they are very uptight [like] a CEO who's got very little time, or if they are smoking a bowl in the back room. I really try to gain their trust so they know that this is going to be a cool photograph. I'm here to do a good job.

Whose work to you respect or admire?
From the old school I really like Phillip Dixon. I like his sensibilities and I'm really inspired by his ideas. Two other people I enjoy are Frank Ockenfels III and the way he deals with subject, and Chip Simon. One of the greatest things about him is his ability to conceptualize.

What would you say to someone just starting out?
Two things. First, perseverance more than talent can get you far. When you start out you might not be the most talented photographer but you'll always learn things and become better. You have to persevere, not just follow your vision but be open to different visions. The other thing is that everyone is going to have an opinion about your work. One art director will love it, another will hate it. You can't take that too personally as long as you are trying to achieve what you want in your work.

What do you do when you're not shooting?
I do a lot of sailing. I have a boat out here. I like to do a lot of mountain biking. Generally, I like being outdoors and rarely bring my camera with me when I do my alternative thing.

- Contributed by Mary Beth Holland