Incubus’ Choice: Close-up on Phoenix Voltaire Photography (Paul K. Talley)

What message(s) do you want to express through your work?

I work predominately with African women or women of African descent. I love the different tonalities of skin that are possible when they are the subject of my photographs. One of the messages that I try to convey is the beauty of my subjects. With the Peau Moite video, I wanted to create a vision that was a very clear departure from Urban/Ghetto depiction that is so common in American culture. The music of Antherius was the perfect vehicle for this.

Which artists inspire you? Who are your masters?

Early on, my inspiration came from Uwe Ommer. I have spent a lot of time studying the work of the Masters. I have learned something from each of them. But I really get my inspiration from everywhere. I like some of the more creative fashion photographers in Lush, Numero, Vogue, Surface and Clear. At the same time, I look at a lot of work from the Masters of painting and sculpture. Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Ingres and Titian have taught me a lot about lighting the subject. Claudel, Rodin and Maillol were genuises in the area of posing the figure.

What have you gained by being on the internet?

Exposure. I could never achieve the same degree of attention without it.

Did the internet enable you to meet new models, to find new exhibit places?

I am a member of several modeling websites. As time goes on I meet more models who approach me and want to be a part of what I am doing. I am also on Community Zoe, which is where I find my most sincere and honest critics. Almost all of the exhibits I have participated in I found on the Internet.

Has your work ever been censored? If so, how did you deal with it?

In short, yes. I have been told that my work would not pass the “Family Sunday” test by one exhibition. Some people are troubled by the fact that I work almost entirely with African women. I was rejected from an exhibition in Toronto because the curator could not imagine that I could possibly have any understanding of Black Women. There is no point arguing these censors. There are so many other places where my work is welcomed.

What projects mean a lot to you at the moment?

I am working on a series of photographs inspired by the works of Rodin, Maillol, Claudel, Ingres and Lempicka. Like Peau Moite, this is a long term project. It took me 4 years, 14 models and well over 1000 images to complete Peau Moite. And really, it isn’t complete. I just abandoned the work because I felt I needed to move on to something else.

Could you tell us a few words about the place you live/work in?

Photography is not my sole profession. Actually, I need to have a full time job as a business consultant in order to support the habit. I am blessed by a beautiful relationship with a wonderful and woman, Liz, who encourages me and keeps me on track. Working in Houston has been a great experience. Access to very professional models and facilities has helped greatly.

Close-up on…