by Nahp Suicide

DarrylDarko has been a photographer for SuicideGirls since 2009. He lives in San Jose, California and has been working on an interesting SG side project called “A Day With A Suicide Girl.” So far he’s shot Rambo and Carrina for this series.

How did you first get involved with SuicideGirls?

I had known about SuicideGirls for a really long time, and the site has always drawn me in one way or another, but I didn’t get involved with the site until I found Saint, on Model Mayhem. I had never really thought about seriously shooting for the site until I met her and after a first initial test shoot we decided to shoot a set. That set, luckily was bought and kind of started my road down the SuicideGirls path. However, it would be awhile though before things really got rolling.

What’s your background photography-wise?

I’m almost completely self-taught, other than taking a few courses from some community colleges. I had been shooting for a while already, and they were basic courses I kinda felt I would benefit from to kind of put a bit of structure to all the information I already knew. Looking back, I kind of wish I had gone to something a bit more interactive and challenging than just those courses, but something about art school classes was off-putting.

What was the first photo you had published?

I had entered the Crossroads Trading Company fashion contest with this shot. It won an “Honorable Mention” and they bought the rights to it. At some point in the future after that happened, one of my friends told me to that they were using it at Crossroads stores in Portland as a poster so that was pretty cool at the time.

How would you describe your style?

It’s funny how shooting for the site has changed my style. I used to be more into outlandish ideas and wanting to really shoot stuff that was just “different.” With SG sets, I do like the idea of trying to capture the girl as naturally as possible, that’s why I kinda stay away from pinup-ish poses because that’s not the girl, that would be more of an act they’re doing. I’m trying to find a happy balance between the two. I’m still working on that.

What gear do you use?

I used to use a Canon 5D, but have switched to the 7D for the time being. I use 35mm, 50mm, and 24-105mm lenses. I want to go back to full-frame badly.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

Fairly important. I’m able to give photos an extra punch and screw with the colors to make them stand out more, plus smooth out whatever flaws the picture may have, but I try to stay away from making things look fake.

What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing sets?

I’d say some of the biggest inspirations are found on the site itself. Before I started shooting for the site Cymagen‘s personal work was a big factor in getting me to shoot more. Since I’ve been on site, Cherry, Sean and Vermelho were bigger influences. I also had a lot of inspiration from movies and music videos. What I really want to work on more is having a narrative to sets so they’re not just ‘a girl getting naked’ so I’ve been looking to more editorial shoots and photographers who specialize in that lately.

What is your favorite image?

[Above.] I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one but this one of Silvi is one of my favorites.

Tell us why it’s your fave and how you achieved it?

It’s one of my favorites because as an image it just seems so perfect. The light wraps around her body really nicely giving it this comforting “bathed in light” feel. This shot was achieved by light coming through the window in the front, but also there was light coming through a window on the left-hand side but it bounced off the ground, which was hard wood and gave it that nice side lighting. Some minor Photoshop enhancements and that’s what you get. The funny story about shooting this set was that when we arrived at the location I found that my camera’s battery was dead, despite me charging it the night before. Luckily my friend’s roomate had a Rebel and I was able to use that camera with one of my lenses. Everything worked out in the end.

Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph that you haven’t? (And tell us why)

Yes, I have an entire list of girls on site that I’d love to shoot someday. I’ll just list three:

– 1. Patton – because she defines ‘blonde bombshell’ perfectly. I’ve been told I have a thing for blondes though…

– 2. Radeo – because she’s Radeo.

– 3. GoGo – she has this awesome presence in photos and is the perfect mix of a supermodel and SuicideGirl.

Related Posts:
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Albertine
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Holley
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Dwam
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Writeboy
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. IvyLlamas
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Lavezzarro

by Nahp Suicide

Albertine is from in Milan, Italy. She has been a Suicide Girl and a SG Photographer since 2004 and has shot more than 200 sets!

How did you first get involved with SuicideGirls?

An old friend of mine, Aiki, was on the site. I was at the time studying photography and specifically was into a self portrait project, so I did a test shoot of myself for the site and the set was bought!



What’s your background photography-wise?

I studied photography in Italy at IED and then took a masters degree at SVA in NY.



What was the first photo you had published?

It was a picture for an Italian fashion magazine (“D”) that I shot while I was in NY: it was a big cardboard box sitting on a doorstep and you could see the hand of a girl trying to get out from one corner, as if the girl had been delivered to someone.



How would you describe your style?

This is a hard one, as I am constantly in conflict with myself wondering if I even HAVE a style. Generally, I like my models to feel comfortable. I like them to feel hot/pretty. For editorial work I love using references in the world of comics/ movies/illustration. I like it when an image triggers imagination.



What gear do you use?

I generally shoot with a Nikon D700, my lighting equipment depends on the job and the situation.



How important is Photoshop in your final images?

If I shot digital is very important, as I think that completely unprocessed digital images aren’t appealing: I think about Photoshop as if it was a digital darkroom, and the raw digital file a film negative.



What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing sets?

My style as far as SG shoots has changed a lot throughout the years. My sets used to be very themed, as I liked the idea of freeing the imagination of the model and the concept of playing a role/character. Nowadays I try to be as minimalistic as I can, and portray each model’s peculiar way of being sexy.



What is your favorite image?

There are so many that I love!

Tell us why it’s your fave and how you achieved it?

I guess that my favorite shoots of all times are the ones I did with Manko: I think we grew up together as friends and artists, and we always create something that is unique, and also never boring. I like to think of her as my muse.




Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph that you haven’t? (And tell us why)

I want to photograph tons and tons more. I am very intrigued about shooting more artists. I have a craving for faces that can communicate experiences, love and struggles, faces that have sparkles in their eyes!

Related Posts:
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Holley
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Dwam
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Writeboy
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. IvyLlamas
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Lavezzarro

by Blogbot

Artist / SG Member Name: Zoetica Ebb / Zoetica

Mission Statement: A cosmonomad on a mission to explore uncharted worlds and harvest the strangest of plants for my documentation and public education.

Medium: Oil, ink, graphite, digital – for now. I’m going to be dabbling in sculpture for next year’s Conjoined in 3D exhibit at Copro Nason.

Aesthetic: I’m exploring my fascination with Chapter 8 of À rebours and the concept of alien flora. My paintings are modeled after antiquated botanical illustration.

Notable Achievements: Owner of popular art and style blog, Biorequiem, co-founder of Coilhouse Magazine, designer of the GHST RDR jacket and skirt, creator of custom tattoos, SG staff photographer since 2006. Look for my next piece at the March 17th reception of Gag Me With a Toon at WWA Gallery in Culver City, and check out “Alien Botany” – my brand new limited-edition prints.

Why We Should Care: How many real-life Cosmonomads do you know? Come ON.

I Want Me Some: Visit: Biorequiem.com/shop

[..]

by Nahp Suicide

Holley is from United Kingdom. She has been with SuicideGirls since 2008, and is both a model and a photographer.




How did you first get involved with SuicideGirls?

My friends had known about it for a while. I looked into it, LOVED the idea, shot myself a set, and the rest is history!



What’s your background photography-wise?

I have a few photography qualifications, including a photography and digital imaging degree. 



What was the first photo you had published?

It was promotional images of a famous drummer for a drum case company a few years ago!



How would you describe your style?

Arty and retro :)



What gear do you use?

I use a Nikon D3, my favorite lenses (50mm and 35mm), and a reflector.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?

It used to be really important, but now I use it a lot less. Mainly now for the colors in the images and blemishes.



What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing sets?

Alissa and Cherry inspire me. I love how cinematic Cherry’s work is and how crisp and amazing Alissa’s work is. Also the model can be great for inspiration!



What is your favorite image?

Image 39 from Leon – “Observations

.” [above]

Tell us why it’s your fave and how you achieved it?

It’s my fave because Leon showcases SG perfectly for me. She’s so full of confidence and looks so happy here! I shot this set with natural light and used my reflector to bounce light back onto her face.



Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph that you haven’t? (And tell us why)

There’s too many.
I’d love to shoot either Annalee or GoGo. They are fascinating beautiful models.
Non SG wise? One day I’ll have a live shot of Dave Grohl published.

Related Posts:

In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Dwam
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Writeboy
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. IvyLlamas
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Lavezzarro

by Nahp Suicide

Dwam is from France. She has been with SuicideGirls since 2008, and is both a model and a photographer.




How did you first get involved with SuicideGirls?

I just applied (as a model).
As a photographer, it started when Sweety and Maedusa asked me to shoot them a multi. 




What’s your background photography-wise?

I don’t really have any proper background. I experimented a bit when I was in art school, then I just tried. However I assisted P_Mod for a while, and gathered as much knowledge as I could. 




What was the first photo you had published?

Hahaha, a band’s picture in a local paper, nothing glorious.

How would you describe your style?

I don’t know! Do I have a style? 
I think I like to see the girls impersonate a character, to create scenes, and to tell some stories. 



What gear do you use?

A Canon 550D, and a 15-55 and 50mm lens most of the time. 




How important is Photoshop in your final images?

It depends. Sometimes I play around with Lightroom, for color correction mostly, to add a mood or an ambiance. I also drew and added graphic effects on a few sets. Otherwise I edit as little as possible. I want to see real people, not plastic dolls. 




What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing sets?

Literature and movies, mainly. And the girls! Sometimes the girls evoke images and scenes, or sometimes I’ve got a very precise idea myself. Then I look for the girl that would best fit the idea. But usually I ask them if they have any idea, mood, or theme in mind, so we can work on it together. 





What is your favorite image?

This one. [above]

Tell us why it’s your fave and how you achieved it?

Well, it’s a picture of Nemesis, one of my favorite people I met through the site, and it sums up pretty much everything I love: gender queerness, literature, timeless feelings. It’s also a great memory. I love it. 




Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph that you haven’t? (And tell us why)

There are tons of people I wish to meet and work with. But right now on the top of my mind I think of Glitch, Chunni, Lumo, Adria, Opaque, Shanti and Malloreigh. Just because!

Related Posts:
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Writeboy
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. IvyLlamas
In Focus: The Photographers of SuicideGirls feat. Lavezzarro

by Nahp Suicide

Writeboy is Chicago based, and has been a member on SG since 2006. He became a staff photographer in 2010.

How did you first get involved with SuicideGirls?

I think I found out about SG through a friend. I can’t remember exactly. When I moved to Chicago a few years ago and didn’t know many people, I met some of my first local friends on here. SG Chicago had a pretty active group at the time.




What’s your background photography-wise?

SG was my motivation to get into photography. I’d posted some sketches in the SG Fan Art group and the positive reaction felt great. Then a woman I was seeing asked me to take some photos of her for fun and she liked them. So I kind of got addicted. I bought a Canon Rebel, joined Model Mayhem, and started shooting a lot. I volunteered to assist more experienced photographers and did some tutoring sessions. Some local Hopefuls and SGs offered to shoot with me and I’d go to SG Photographer Hopefuls for feedback on the sets. The great thing about photography to me is that it’s not rocket science. My work improved a lot because of some simple suggestions people offered along the way that made a big difference.




What was the first photo you had published?

I don’t know if I’ve had anything published in print yet, but my first homepage set for SG was Blue with Shyla Suicide.

How would you describe your style?

Hopefully it comes across as natural and spontaneous. That there’s a connection between model and viewer.




What gear do you use?

Canon 5D Mark 2 and 24-70mm 2.8 lens mostly. Lately I’ve been experimenting with 50mm and 85mm prime lenses to get sharper images. And an assistant with a reflector :)




How important is Photoshop in your final images?

It’s important. A couple months ago I finally woke up and realized I should be following Cherry’s tutorial in the SG Photographer Hopefuls group. It’s always a balance between helping the model look her best while showing her as she is in real life. 




What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing sets?

Looking at other sets of course is big. It also comes from what grabs my attention in someone. Do they have amazing hair, striking eyes, unique tattoos? Are they quiet, wild, intense, playful? It can also come from an article of clothing or the setting itself.




What is your favorite image?

I like this one from Bounty’s Pray Hard set [see full NSFW image].

Tell us why it’s your fave and how you achieved it?

Bounty just has these amazing big eyes. Also I like that the lighting is soft and her pose is kind of innocent, but there’s something suggestive in her look and the “Hard” tattooed across her knuckles that’s hot in an indirect way.



Is there anybody or anything you would love to photograph that you haven’t? (And tell us why)

Tons! It would be cool to shoot with Mary because she’s the original SG to me. As far as newer models, hopeful Spliff_ kind of represents what SG is about for me in that she’s hot in a unique and kind of unconventional way and yet comes across as down to earth and approachable. That’s what I like about lots of the members/models here and what I think makes this site such a unique place.

For more from Writeboy visit his SG profile.