Mark Drew + See Like Me No. 6

Our 6th project is the first of its kind on See Like Me. Mark Drew captured his model Christen Sage with the fleeting powers of a polaroid. Christen Sage then turned the attention onto Mark Drew, for an impromptu interview. Then the opposite occurred, with Christen Sage back in the hot seat. Photography / Mark Drew // Model / Christen Sage @ Next

CS: When did you first get interested in photography?
MD: I was 16. I would dress my brothers and take pics of them with a loaner Fujica film camera from my uncle. I would dance around listening to George Michael and Madonna, dreaming of the day I would shoot with Christy Turlington or Kate Moss.
CS: Did that day ever come?
MD: Not yet, but soon. I took many years away from photography. Maybe their agent will line that up for me.
CS: What music do you listen to today?
MD: I listen to Jay Z, Lenny Kravitz, Sade. Depends on what the shoot is for and what helps the vibe.
CS: I noticed your male images are very strong, why?
MD: I love the male figure as much as the female figure and the male is very simple. A males needs are simple and there is beauty in simplicity. Don’t you think? That’s not a question.
CS: Where do you get your inspiration?
MD: I get my inspiration from all things in life. Anything that moves me. I meditate every day so ideas flow from opening creative channels. I have to write the ideas down sometimes they flow so much. Movies, books, music, just beauty! It’s moving. I get jazzed up just thinking about it. It fucking moves me.
CS: Do you believe formal education is important as a photographer?
MD: No, what is definitely important is knowing what you want and how to freakin’ get it. Knowing how to create an image that moves people. That requires a vision! You cant buy that for $25K/year at a private art school.
CS: What do you think about when you are framing a shot?
MD: I don’t think. I feel.
CS: Do you let the models do their own thing?
MD: Yes and no. I always have an idea for the shoot and then it’s more like letting the model know what role they will play. During the shoot, I let them know if they are playing the role well or not. Sometimes the models have great ideas. It’s all about letting it flow.
CS: What advice would you like to give other photographers?
MD: Find your own vision. Immerse yourself. Break all the rules and shoot, shoot, shoot. And eventually, you will see something shine through and then you will know this is what I am. Then hold on for the ride!

MD: How long have you been a model?
CS: Since I was 14.
MD: How old are you now?
CS: I am 18.
MD: Are you an urban girl or country girl?
CS: I am an urban girl all the way but I have never seen snow.
MD: Tell me something interesting about yourself?
CS: I play the violin, I love Vivaldi and the baroque period and I am Valedictorian at my school.
MD: Such a smart ass and you have never seen snow wtf?
CD: Nope. g Tweet