Ray John Pila

It may have been growing up on the Hawaiian coast, watching sunsets and surfing throughout his childhood years, that gave Ray John Pila his creative muse…maybe it is the twenty years of schooling that is so inspiring, after deciding he wanted more out of life than ‘beaching it’… or maybe it is the so obviously apparent passion and devotion to his art that enriches his images with beauty and movement, not only capturing the essence of a single moment but of a sole emotion. Currently living in West Hollywood Ca, Ray John Pila’s photography is honest and sensual…here he tells iCandy about his inspiration, aspirations and why the best way to relax his models is by taking out his hose…!

http://pilaphotography.com/
http://www.modelmayhem.com/

What is it about photography that appeals most to you?
It’s so fast now! Back in the old days, one picture took about a week to process and develop, and cost so much on film and paper! Now it’s super easy, super fast and super cheap!! …and Photoshop rocks! I looovvve that!!!

How would you describe your photographic style?
I was on the 20 year plan in college, so my style involves a lot of theory. Art history, graphic design and love…I do like Edward Hopper and try to make each photograph a painting.

Where do you find inspiration for your shoots?
I like Bruce Webber, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie and Fitch……… it’s a really good style, and then I add my own twist to it. Mostly adding movement and motion and art theory! I hate pose-y, so you’ve got to make them move!

What is your most important consideration in a photograph?
Composition, contrast, repetition, alignment, proximity. I make the model fit all these elements then shoot…or getting the model wet is fun…shooting them with the hose! Pouring water over them, that gets them really pissed off, then they’re so relaxed they look their best. It makes a huge difference, really!

What do you believe makes a good photographer?
Having passion and love for the art. Not being in it just for the money but having a connection to the subject, like your making love to it.

Capturing the emotion and expression of each individual is clearly very important to you. How do you approach a photo shoot with a model?
I usually try to get in there pants right away… lol kidding! I usually just treat them like a guest in my own home. Be their friend, make them relaxed. I ask them their sign too and play off of that….it helps. I tell them what to do, move left or right, up or down, tell them to sit, move, smile, bend, etc. No matter what, most models take about an hour to loosen up, so squirting them with the hose fixes that right away!

What is the most important thing you look for in a model?
I shoot mostly male models, just because you roll around in dirt, get them wet and shoot them and then you’re done. Bam, bam, bam! No make-up or hair! I do like shooting girls too, but it takes 10 hours longer.

What’s next on the agenda?
I do a lot of graphic design, painting and piano but I really love photography the most. Capturing a moment in time is really great! I would like to do a book, or maybe shoot movie stars!!!

Words by Berni Christie