Ryan Pfluger
Ryan Pfluger has an interesting collection of portraits up on his website. His subjects seem coolly detached from the moment, almost like mannequins in a storefront window. We interviewed him recently and asked him how he would describe his style? ‘I think my style is a real integration of photographers that inspired me when I was younger, with the present day aesthetics of the people that surround me. I am still inspired by people like Peter Hujar, Mapplethorpe, and Avedon. I think my style is a combination of clean, well lit intimate portraiture with an edge. However, you don’t need to be over the top to be edgy. I’m all about subtleness’.
What are some things you look for in a model?
‘I’m very particular about my models. I don’t like using the typical vision of beauty in any of my work, whether it be editorial or personal. Most of my models to me are various facets of myself. Whether they are friends, or strangers, or real models’.
Where are you currently finding inspiration?
I’m still inspired by artists of the 70’s and 80’s. However, I feel lucky to be around during a time where there are so many talented, young artists. I kind of take in everything around me though. Whether it be video games, comic books, television or music. Everything kind of leaves a little bit of something with me that I try to express in my own work. While it may not necessarily be a direct correlation to my work, it completely affects how I look at my work’.
What other contemporary photographers are you really digging now?
‘Ye Rin Mok, Hellen Van Meene, and Jason Fulford to name a few. Also, I’m completely inspired by friends like Alejandra Laviada, Dina Kantor and Shen Wei’.
What camera are you using?
‘I use a Mamiya RZ for 95% of the stuff I do. I’m very much attached to using film, and probably won’t change that anytime soon’.
If there could be a soundtrack to your images, what songs or artists would be included?
‘To me, there is a soundtrack that goes along with my work. Kate Bush, New Order, The Smiths, The Organ, Bon Iver, Beirut, Frightened Rabbit and Great Lake Swimmers to name a few. They all work … at least for me, in adding something to the work’.
Tagged: portraits
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YOU'RE SAYING (2)
Andy said | 29 August, 2008
These interview pieces you’re running are really cool Alison, keep them coming! Your questions are great, the subjects are interesting and you always run a stack of amazing pics. Really enjoying them.
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kombizz said | 27 August, 2008
I loved your series of your images. For sure you a good photography on your own way. Good luck for future projects.
kombizz