Keith Russell interviews photography legend Bryan Mell, whose work is published internationally and is available exclusively through-

bmell.photographer@yahoo.com.

Some of his recent work includes:In Manatomy-The Desirable Male Body in Close-Up 2004/

More Body, More Soul: Beautiful Black Men 2005/ Provocateur Black Calendar by Bryan Mell 2009.

Bryan Mell Interview

By Keith Russell

How did you become interested in photography? Bryan: My parents were very proactive in my exposure to the arts at an early age. I made frequent visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Institute of Art, which inspired my artistic pursuits. I was fascinated by paintings and sculptures, particularly those depicting the human form; their massive grace and quiet power ignited my desire to portray the beauty of the human form. Photography became a logical choice because of a photograph’s ability to immortalize a moment in time without the subject’s form being constrained by the limitations of any particular medium. Was Cleveland Ohio where you were born and raised?Bryan: Yes. Where did you receive your education? Bryan: I am a product of the Cleveland public school system.

Can you explain more about how your father and mother’s influence helped shape the person you are today?

Bryan: Yes. My father did medical illustrations. I was beguiled by his drawings. His attention to detail and accuracy have made me a perfectionist when it comes to my art. From my mother I learned perseverance, tenacity, confidence and to be humble.

How did you come to live in Philadelphia?

Bryan: In 1990, I was a hotel night manager with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in St. Louis. I was transferred from St. Louis to Philadelphia to open the Ritz when it was located in the Liberty Place building at 16^th and Market.

Is photography your full time profession?

Bryan: No not yet, but I am working to that end.

As a photographer what types of images do you take?

Bryan: I prefer not to be defined by one photographic genre. I enjoy applying my artistic talents to fashion, fine art, commercial, and even forensic photography. However, I must say - photography that allows me interaction with people is the most satisfying.

How would you describe your photographic style?

Bryan: LOL, Somewhere between Rodin and Mapplethorpe.

Digital or film?

Bryan: As a purist, I feel there is no substitution for film, particularly black and white film photography. In keeping pace with the market and competition however, I work in the digital format primarily.

What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

Bryan: People.

Do you sell prints of your fine art photography?

Bryan: Yes, select images are available for sale.

Have your images been displayed in galleries or public spaces?

Bryan: Yes, I have shown my work at the Cosi Coffee House in Philly (12^th and Walnut Streets), the Reset Gallery in Philly (201 South Camac), Giovanni’s Room bookstore in Philly (12^th and Pine) and the Shaka King New York Boutique in DC (825 Upshur St. NW).

Have your images been published?

Bryan: Yes. In Manatomy-The Desirable Male Body in Close-Up 2004/

More Body, More Soul: Beautiful Black Men 2005/ Provocateur Black Calendar by Bryan Mell 2009.

Congratulations on being selected to work with the Provocateur Division of Village Lighthouse.

Bryan: Thank you.

That’s a major international company that supplies many of our same gender loving calendars and greeting cards. You are probably the first Black photographer whose work has been featured by Village Lighthouse. How did you get to work with this company?

Bryan: I submitted a collection of my work to Village Lighthouse in 2003 for review to see if there was any interest. In December 2007 there was and here we are.

When and where will the Provocateur Black calendar be available?

Bryan: The calendar can be ordered online right now and it is available internationally. It should hit the stores early June this year.

Will your images be showcased on any other products produced by Village Lighthouse?

Bryan: Yes. My images will be showcased on greeting cards, posters and other electronic media.

The Provocateur Black calendar is one of the few calendars featuring Black models produced by a company that is not Black owned. Do you feel that such companies have a moral obligation to produce products for and about Black audiences?

Bryan: Yes, I do. These companies have made substantial profits publishing materials featuring ethnic models for their non-black subscribers. It only stands to reason that they should also make products specifically for the Black audience.

Do you have any pet peeves about the ways in which Black models are used by the same gender loving media today?

Bryan: Unfortunately there are still those who would objectify and demean their models for profit, but far worse are the models that allow themselves to be demeaned and objectified.

As a Black photographer do you bring anything special to the table when you photograph Black models?

Bryan: As a Black photographer I empathize with the feelings of my models. My mission is to capture an image that is an honest depiction of the narrative, sentiment, sexuality, and the expressive possibilities of the human figure. So many photographers have produced work that has objectified and demeaned their models. My hope is to exalt people of all races and present to a wider audience the subjects so often missing in museums.

How do you find models?

Bryan: Most of my models are referrals, but occasionally I will meet an individual I feel has that eclectic, charismatic, unique look. In any case I introduce myself and set up a time for an informal interview to exchange ideas, goals, and feelings. This exchange will allow us to gain insight into each other’s views. If we vibe it becomes our project - an artistic collaboration.

You’ve helped several models that are now well known, such as Jabari Livingston, get started with their modeling careers. Given your industry experience, what suggestions would you give an aspiring model trying to get started here in Philadelphia?

Bryan: It has been my pleasure to work with some great talent. Each collaboration has been an exhilarating experience for me. I believe however, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”

There seem to be more and more young Black men that want to model that are also doing gay porn. Any thoughts about why this is and do you think its possible to do both successfully?

Bryan: Marilyn Monroe said “It’s better for the whole world to know you, even as a sex star, than never to be known at all.” As a Black man, a career in modeling is extremely challenging. The racial biases of the industry are substantial despite the fact that the physical attributes of a particular Black model may match or surpass those of his white counterparts. This disparity in traditional opportunities and the current economic climate causes some Black models to seek out nontraditional opportunities just to get a piece of the action. As our views on sexuality and morality evolve so have the opportunities for these young men to gain equality, notoriety and easy money. Marilyn also said “Of the nude pictures: Sure I posed. I needed the money.” So yes, I do believe it’s possible to successfully balance a career as a traditional model and an erotic performer. One such example is the aspiring local model Keyontyli Goffney. Despite his recent personal woes, Keyontyli’s professional vita is quite impressive. He has appeared in films, SNL, Law & Order as well as in several erotic titles.

What are some of your favorite locations in which to photograph here in the Philly area?

Bryan: The Rodin Museum, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Fairmount Park.

Do you limit your fine art photography to any particular kinds of models?

Bryan: Not at all. The project will dictate the type of model needed.

Are there any well-known people you would like to photograph in the future?

Bryan: Barack Obama, Rockmond Dunbar, Don Cheadle, Philadelphia’s mayor Michael Nutter, and Angela Bassett.

Are there any special photography projects that you haven’t done yet that you would like to do?

Bryan: I would love to publish a coffee table book featuring modern day Black opera stars.

How can a potential model or customer contact you?

Bryan: bmell.photographer@yahoo.com.

When you are not working or taking photos how do you spend your time?

Bryan: Visiting museums, antique hunting, bowling, movies, dining out and oh yeah, sleeping.

If you could have a successful career in some other field what would that be?

Bryan: Nursing or Diagnostic Imaging.

What are your favorite foods?

Bryan: I love seafood.

What’s in your CD player right now?

Bryan: My listening tastes are somewhat eclectic. Right now you would find Madonna, Beyonce, Seal, Timbaland, Anthony David, Rihanna, Tupac, Chaka, Mary J, Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.

Any final thoughts about your work?

Bryan: Just the following quote.. “A true test of an artist’s work is not its beginnings, but its evolution, not its medium, but its impact…”

Thank you Bryan and good luck with your photography career.