My Name is Andy Simon, I’m from Walsall in the West Midlands, and I am the photographic mastermind behind Darkslide Photography. I specialise in Alternative fashion, Pin –up and creative horror photography. I mostly shoot on location rather than a studio and like to think of myself as an environmental photographer, adapting the location to suit the model and the theme of the shoot. I also co run the Pin-up for Heroes project, which raises money for the Help for Heroes charity and has to date raised over £10,000 for the cause.
2)There are so many photographers out there what make you different from them?
Hard to say, but i think its a combination of my enthusiasm for my work, as well as having a quirky eye when it comes to my style of photography. Although it is a very niche area to specialise in, the Alt scene has so much to offer and is such a vibrant community.
3)What word best describe you as a person?
Eclectic!
4)What is one thing you can't leave home without?
My Galaxy S Android phone. It is literally a physical extension of myself. I use it for networking, surfing, inspiration, and of course taking photos with! I am a big believer in ‘The best camera is the one that is with you’ and even though i have my pro kit at home, having a phone able to capture a moment in time wherever you are is invaluable to me.
5)If you had the chance to do a shoot with 3 people of your choice who would it be and why?
Tough one! There are so many amazing models out there already, and people who i have shot in the past i would love to work with again, but 3 off the top of my head at the moment would be Karen Gilliam (of Doctor who fame) Charlotte Holmes (runner up in the 2010 Britain’s next top model) and last but not least, Kitty Liquor, an up and coming burlesque performer and pin-up model.
6)What makes a model model when taking pictures?
A good model is someone who is expressive and confident with themselves, knows their own body and how to hold a pose. But most importantly, someone who has a good working attitude!
7)Describe your fashion sense?
Stuck firmly in 1992, deep in the grunge era.
8)Are you married/single/divorced/relationship?
Married
9)What music would have you shaking your booty on the dance floor?
Anything from a bit of Pearl Jam, to (cringe) Britany Spears.
10)What attract you to someone?
Eyes.
11)What are a few things women do that makes you mad?
Not just for women, but people who lack confidence in themselves.
12)If we was a fly on your bedroom wall what would we be shock to see?
Probably my comic book collection, i am a total geek when it comes to comics!
13)If the fashion police was to have dinner at your home what would you prepare?
Full on home made stew, simmered for around 8 hours so the meat literally melts in your mouth.
14)What do you love most when dancing with someone?
That someone is willing to dance with me is a good start, as I am about as co-ordinated as a drunken yak!
15)What do you sleep in boxers........briefs......pjamas......naked?
Boxers, with one leg always kicked out the side of the blanket.
16)If you was given 2 tickets to attend any event which 2 would you attend?
New York fashion week and possibly an opera at one of the big halls in London.
17)How can someone from the other side of the world learn more about you and view your work?
Follow me on facebook on www.facebook.com/darkslidephoto or visit my website www.darkslidephotography.co.uk regularly as I update often with new projects and images. Or of course, they could just ask, i like to think i am quite an approachable person.
18)What makes someone photogenic?
I think anyone can be photogenic, it is how they are shot that makes a photo, pose and lighting make a difference true, but trying to show an individual’s real personality is the true test of a photographer.
19)If you had the chance to whisper something really nice into the fashion police ears what would you say?
‘Please be gentle with me’
20)What do you think of men who teaches women to walk the runway?
I’m all for it, i think men can be a bit more subjective and impartial when it comes to giving advice.
21)Where do you get your inspiration from?
Everywhere! I can be walking down a street, see a shadow or a glimpse of light, and that’s all that’s needed to give a spark of an idea. But anything from comics, to fashion magazines of the 50’s and 60’s to more contemporary photographers who inspire me on a daily basis.
22)Who are your 4 best friends you would ride and die for?
Mr G, Mr B, the other Mr B and Mr C.
23)Which 3 camera men do you look up to if any?
Bob Carlos Clarke who was massive in the 90’s and sadly died a few years back. Richard Avedon and Matt Cannon.
24)Any last word for our many blog readers around the world?
Thanks for reading, be happy and enjoy life, as we only ever have one of them to live!.
I am currently preparing to commence studies at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, if God spares my life, to study Law.
I love watching african movies HEY! hahahaha Not forgetting a good book in my times of solitude.
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