Whenever fashion model Carmen Collins worked with photographer Victor Skrebneski, she was obliged to arrive on set, ready to shoot, with hair and make-up done. No problem for her, because she had her best make-up artist close at home. Brother in law Ernest was her secret weapon and it wasn’t for long that he made name as one of Chicago’s best hair stylists and make-up artists. From styling to photography…it is a step that many dream of but not an easy one to take. Ernest Collins did it all. Now an international renowned photographer himself he resides between Paris and Chicago. Beautiful had the chance to meet Ernest in person and he was happy to answer a few questions.
Ernest, from make-up artist and hair stylist to successful photographer. What make you decide to take the step?
Ernest: I was always working with top photographers in New York, Chicago and Milan, as a hair stylist and make-up artist. I think I always wanted to be a photographer, but never had the courage. Finally, by faith, I was given a camera, and with that the story began.
Your work as photographer has brought you all over the world. We can mention places like Taiwan, Beirut, Dubai, Istanbul, Milan, Senegal, Cameroon, Moscow, Germany, Martinique, and New York City. What brought you to Paris, and what made you stay here?
Ernest: Actually I came to Paris on vacation. I had an American friend who had made appointments, unknowingly to me, with different photo agents. I saw three and started to work the following week. I went back home to collect my stuff, and have been in Paris ever since.
Your work is being used for several purposes. You have done shootings for fashion (Daniel Faret, De Fursac, Azzaro,.), cosmetics (L'Oreal, Nickel, Clintex Laboratories,.), but we also know you as one of the regular photographers for urban ethnic gay magazine BabyBoy and as the creator of beautiful artistic work. What type of photography do you enjoy most?
Ernest: I enjoy mostly working for magazines. I think it gives you a chance to outwardly express yourself artistically.
Being black and gay yourself, how do you look upon the integration of young ethnic gays in our society?
Ernest: Unfortunately, when you are a minority of any type, you always feel somewhat of an outsider. But I know I am much more than just a black gay man, so it is not necessary I put this on my resume. Above all I am an artist.
Ernest Collins will return in the second part of the Beautiful/Ernest Collins interview, Monday May 29.
beautiful art who is this guy so much to learn, so much talent
Posted by: ed | May 24, 2006 at 07:15 PM