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| The New York Optimist |
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You may remember TNYO introducing Tony Ryan in the August Issue, the renowned photographer and creator of “Pumped Up
Down Under” Calenders to “Empowered Beauty”.
Interviewing a very welcoming Tony Ryan, at his studio apartment.recently, I was blown away with the large prints hanging and stacked
against the wall of his ground level studio, of the “Pumped Up Down Under” Collection. Still inspired even up until today of Tony’s older
works, which portray the health and fitness of men and women. Physique's so strong, defined and well aligned, it empowered even the
average Joe to immerse themself into the fitness Industry. Within the last few years “Pumped Up Down Under” has evolved to “bodyline”
and “empowered beauty” Calenders and Prints.
Tony loved the PUDU style, but found that the use of clothing was creating conflict for him and felt the need to express the female’s
Inner beauty through nude modelling. Hoping it will change the way men and women view aesthetically beautiful women, by bring
humility to the experience rather than need and possession.
Looking through Tony’s prints, I’m quite fond of his new collection as well. Tony’s latest works takes on a completely different
approach, its empowerment comes deeper within, grasping his great warmth for honesty and freedom, which he captures so on camera.
The images are quite soft, feminine, and graceful and oozes sensuality. Also being in Tony’s presence and speaking about his passions of
life and photography, I’m quite impressed by his humbleness, and zest for life which truly shows in his works. Tony’s Pumped Up
Down Under, Bodyline, and Empowered beauty Calenders are now considered as collectables, though we are kept in suspense whether or
not Tony will be bringing another Calender out for 2010, though some 2009 Calenders are available from Tony Ryan.
Tony Ryan has and will continue to run photographic/creative workshops in Melbourne Factory/ Studio. These will be scheduled regularly
and he is keen to extend them to other states and countries. The general theme is to capture aesthetic beauty but with an in the moment
reality.
Down Under” Calenders to “Empowered Beauty”.
Interviewing a very welcoming Tony Ryan, at his studio apartment.recently, I was blown away with the large prints hanging and stacked
against the wall of his ground level studio, of the “Pumped Up Down Under” Collection. Still inspired even up until today of Tony’s older
works, which portray the health and fitness of men and women. Physique's so strong, defined and well aligned, it empowered even the
average Joe to immerse themself into the fitness Industry. Within the last few years “Pumped Up Down Under” has evolved to “bodyline”
and “empowered beauty” Calenders and Prints.
Tony loved the PUDU style, but found that the use of clothing was creating conflict for him and felt the need to express the female’s
Inner beauty through nude modelling. Hoping it will change the way men and women view aesthetically beautiful women, by bring
humility to the experience rather than need and possession.
Looking through Tony’s prints, I’m quite fond of his new collection as well. Tony’s latest works takes on a completely different
approach, its empowerment comes deeper within, grasping his great warmth for honesty and freedom, which he captures so on camera.
The images are quite soft, feminine, and graceful and oozes sensuality. Also being in Tony’s presence and speaking about his passions of
life and photography, I’m quite impressed by his humbleness, and zest for life which truly shows in his works. Tony’s Pumped Up
Down Under, Bodyline, and Empowered beauty Calenders are now considered as collectables, though we are kept in suspense whether or
not Tony will be bringing another Calender out for 2010, though some 2009 Calenders are available from Tony Ryan.
Tony Ryan has and will continue to run photographic/creative workshops in Melbourne Factory/ Studio. These will be scheduled regularly
and he is keen to extend them to other states and countries. The general theme is to capture aesthetic beauty but with an in the moment
reality.
| Interview With PhotographerTony Ryan By Kaliopy |
Kaliopy: How long have you been involved in photography?
TR:Since 1989. Started as a model and then became a photographic director where I would do everything other than push the button.
From there went to having a photographer continue to set the technical side up and I would take the shots. In 1995 I commenced doing
everything myself.
Kaliopy: What made you turn professional, and how long ago?
TR: Think I was professional right from the start. Just felt that there was a market for images of beautiful Australian women and was also
very passionate about posing and capturing them on film. Also had always dreamed about making a living doing something that I enjoyed.
Kaliopy: What are some of the most difficult situations you face in photographing nude models, portrait and fashion shots?
TR: There are so many different obstacles to getting great shots. For me the common one to all is helping to get the model into the
moment. Most people when placed in front of a camera start worrying about the result. Then their mind and energy goes ahead of time
and when the camera clicks it is not capturing an empowering energy. I believe that even if a person looks perfect in a photo that the same
photo will lack full impact unless the person in the photo is relaxed and free when the shutter clicks. I believe that when a person does
relax and be in the moment that their faces and bodies change and that this is reflected in the photo. Some people have changed their
appearance considerably in a matter of minutes or even seconds. Strange but true. Aside from this I find that in fashion it is very
important to style the clothing and accessories with great care and insight. With nudes you have the added society conditioning where
people are often nervous, self conscious and in some instances not trusting. Also in most body work it can be a struggle to direct
someone’s body into the best angles and then have them hold the pose and look and be relaxed in face and thought. I could go on for ages
with this so please get back to me if you want more.
Kaliopy: Tell me about why you chose to photograph models that had experienced depression or anxiety disorders?
TR: Didn’t choose the models that had depression or anxiety disorder. It just happened that over the years most have had these conditions.
Personally I think it has been a combination of these people being born with a heightened emotional sensitivity and also the attention they
have received for their looks. This has had the affect of creating them to be more self absorbed than most and in being self absorbed has
taken away awareness from the amount of energy that has entered their systems. In this way they have lived unaware to what is really
going on with their emotional selves. As such when external life has treated them badly they have felt like victims and this has further
fuelled an inner state of conflict which has created outer drama
TR:Since 1989. Started as a model and then became a photographic director where I would do everything other than push the button.
From there went to having a photographer continue to set the technical side up and I would take the shots. In 1995 I commenced doing
everything myself.
Kaliopy: What made you turn professional, and how long ago?
TR: Think I was professional right from the start. Just felt that there was a market for images of beautiful Australian women and was also
very passionate about posing and capturing them on film. Also had always dreamed about making a living doing something that I enjoyed.
Kaliopy: What are some of the most difficult situations you face in photographing nude models, portrait and fashion shots?
TR: There are so many different obstacles to getting great shots. For me the common one to all is helping to get the model into the
moment. Most people when placed in front of a camera start worrying about the result. Then their mind and energy goes ahead of time
and when the camera clicks it is not capturing an empowering energy. I believe that even if a person looks perfect in a photo that the same
photo will lack full impact unless the person in the photo is relaxed and free when the shutter clicks. I believe that when a person does
relax and be in the moment that their faces and bodies change and that this is reflected in the photo. Some people have changed their
appearance considerably in a matter of minutes or even seconds. Strange but true. Aside from this I find that in fashion it is very
important to style the clothing and accessories with great care and insight. With nudes you have the added society conditioning where
people are often nervous, self conscious and in some instances not trusting. Also in most body work it can be a struggle to direct
someone’s body into the best angles and then have them hold the pose and look and be relaxed in face and thought. I could go on for ages
with this so please get back to me if you want more.
Kaliopy: Tell me about why you chose to photograph models that had experienced depression or anxiety disorders?
TR: Didn’t choose the models that had depression or anxiety disorder. It just happened that over the years most have had these conditions.
Personally I think it has been a combination of these people being born with a heightened emotional sensitivity and also the attention they
have received for their looks. This has had the affect of creating them to be more self absorbed than most and in being self absorbed has
taken away awareness from the amount of energy that has entered their systems. In this way they have lived unaware to what is really
going on with their emotional selves. As such when external life has treated them badly they have felt like victims and this has further
fuelled an inner state of conflict which has created outer drama
Kaliopy: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – what does this phrase mean to you?
TR: Could write an essay on this topic. I think that most of us concur regarding beauty if we are open to our hearts. This doesn't
mean that we will not all find a range of looks equally beautiful. However I think that many things that we find beautiful in human
looks is conditioned. eg; really skinny catwalk models and also big breasts and big lips ECT. Also find that many get confused
between aesthetics and essence. For example I do not believe that too many pregnant bodies are aesthetically beautiful. However
the concept of being pregnant and the inner feeling of the pregnant woman may be beautiful but this is inner feeling not outer look.
Also many of us these days are scared to admit to finding certain women beautiful in looks incase we are judged as shallow.
You have an appreciation for aesthetically beautiful people, but have you ever considered people to be not as attractive?
Kaliopy: I have seen many people who I have felt that aren’t as attractive. Mostly people who have lost the passion to have self
respect or respect for others and life. People who have excess weight and poor hygiene amongst other things. Also have felt many
aesthetically attractive people to be ugly as they have lacked humility and awareness. I suppose this also relates to these people
having low self awareness.
Have you ever taken photographs of models that were not considered aesthetically beautiful in the traditional sense?
TR: Yes I often photograph people who would not be considered to be aesthetically beautiful in the traditional sense. I do a fair bit
of portfolio work for actors and also private commissions for family groups or couples act. However the majority of these photos
have an appeal no matter the varying levels of aesthetic look. I pride myself on helping people to drop their protective walls and be
themselves in the images. A small child or a person of 80 plus can look good in a photo so long as they are presenting a freedom
and humility to the camera. This can be a range of emotion from happy to sad but so long as it is real and in the moment to me the
resultant shot looks powerful. This is something I spend much time discussing at the workshops I now run for photographers.
Kaliopy: Some more conventional individuals would classify nude photography as porn. Is there a difference between
pornography and what you do?
TR: I think that this is another example of society conditioning. We have been raised to fear nudity I think. This is perhaps initially
due to religious teachings. I believe that the human nude body can be the most beautiful aesthetic and energy on the planet.
However most of us buy the society line and either lust/possess nudity or try to avoid it and judge those who embrace it. Porn for
mine is when the subject is trying to elicit need from the viewer. Where they are saying I have something you need and here it is.
This puts the subject on a pedestal and the viewer looking up. This sort of photography is suggestive both in pose and energy. It is
to my mind very fake and has little to do with presenting aesthetic beauty. Further this sort of imagery can be porn even if the
model is fully clothed. My imagery is about aesthetic and energy beauty. The models are meant to look free and humble and
aesthetically beautiful. I see nothing pornographic about nipples or bottoms or even genitals. It is how they are presented and
received that can change the affect. I would be very proud for anyone of any age to view my imagery. If anyone was hurt by
viewing my belief is that their hurt is to do with their already present issues rather than my photographs.
Kaliopy: Lastly, in your opinion, what would be the best set of equipment for a photographer who wants to follow in your shoes?
If he is on a tight budget, or if money is no obstacle?
TR: I love my tungsten lights and my studio. On both counts I just happened across them. The lights were at an auction from a
television station and the warehouse just appeared to me one day when driving around. Once again my product knowledge is not
great. I seem to have what I need at present but would imagine that there are heaps of products out there that could benefit me.
Eg; Larger format camera with a bigger and brighter viewing screen. More reflectors and scrims, better and more flexible tripod,
generator to power lights outdoors. The list could go on and on. However in my opinion a $3000 camera and lens set up,
Photoshop and 2-3 lights would probably suffice.
TR: Could write an essay on this topic. I think that most of us concur regarding beauty if we are open to our hearts. This doesn't
mean that we will not all find a range of looks equally beautiful. However I think that many things that we find beautiful in human
looks is conditioned. eg; really skinny catwalk models and also big breasts and big lips ECT. Also find that many get confused
between aesthetics and essence. For example I do not believe that too many pregnant bodies are aesthetically beautiful. However
the concept of being pregnant and the inner feeling of the pregnant woman may be beautiful but this is inner feeling not outer look.
Also many of us these days are scared to admit to finding certain women beautiful in looks incase we are judged as shallow.
You have an appreciation for aesthetically beautiful people, but have you ever considered people to be not as attractive?
Kaliopy: I have seen many people who I have felt that aren’t as attractive. Mostly people who have lost the passion to have self
respect or respect for others and life. People who have excess weight and poor hygiene amongst other things. Also have felt many
aesthetically attractive people to be ugly as they have lacked humility and awareness. I suppose this also relates to these people
having low self awareness.
Have you ever taken photographs of models that were not considered aesthetically beautiful in the traditional sense?
TR: Yes I often photograph people who would not be considered to be aesthetically beautiful in the traditional sense. I do a fair bit
of portfolio work for actors and also private commissions for family groups or couples act. However the majority of these photos
have an appeal no matter the varying levels of aesthetic look. I pride myself on helping people to drop their protective walls and be
themselves in the images. A small child or a person of 80 plus can look good in a photo so long as they are presenting a freedom
and humility to the camera. This can be a range of emotion from happy to sad but so long as it is real and in the moment to me the
resultant shot looks powerful. This is something I spend much time discussing at the workshops I now run for photographers.
Kaliopy: Some more conventional individuals would classify nude photography as porn. Is there a difference between
pornography and what you do?
TR: I think that this is another example of society conditioning. We have been raised to fear nudity I think. This is perhaps initially
due to religious teachings. I believe that the human nude body can be the most beautiful aesthetic and energy on the planet.
However most of us buy the society line and either lust/possess nudity or try to avoid it and judge those who embrace it. Porn for
mine is when the subject is trying to elicit need from the viewer. Where they are saying I have something you need and here it is.
This puts the subject on a pedestal and the viewer looking up. This sort of photography is suggestive both in pose and energy. It is
to my mind very fake and has little to do with presenting aesthetic beauty. Further this sort of imagery can be porn even if the
model is fully clothed. My imagery is about aesthetic and energy beauty. The models are meant to look free and humble and
aesthetically beautiful. I see nothing pornographic about nipples or bottoms or even genitals. It is how they are presented and
received that can change the affect. I would be very proud for anyone of any age to view my imagery. If anyone was hurt by
viewing my belief is that their hurt is to do with their already present issues rather than my photographs.
Kaliopy: Lastly, in your opinion, what would be the best set of equipment for a photographer who wants to follow in your shoes?
If he is on a tight budget, or if money is no obstacle?
TR: I love my tungsten lights and my studio. On both counts I just happened across them. The lights were at an auction from a
television station and the warehouse just appeared to me one day when driving around. Once again my product knowledge is not
great. I seem to have what I need at present but would imagine that there are heaps of products out there that could benefit me.
Eg; Larger format camera with a bigger and brighter viewing screen. More reflectors and scrims, better and more flexible tripod,
generator to power lights outdoors. The list could go on and on. However in my opinion a $3000 camera and lens set up,
Photoshop and 2-3 lights would probably suffice.
