Michael Epps, A Man of Contrast

FOR MANY PEOPLE NEW YORK CITY IS A LIGHTENING BEACON. IT DRAWS YOU IN LIKE A MOT TO A FLAME. IT IS LIKE THE EMERALD CITY IN THE LAND OF OZ. BUT FOR MICHAEL EPPS, WHO HAS LIVED HIS WHOLE LIFE IN THE BIG APPLE, NEW YORK IS A WORLD OF GREYS, LACKING A CERTAIN CONTRAST HE SO DESPERATELY WANTS TO SEE. BECAUSE CONTRAST IS WHAT MAKES LIFE INTERESTING AND EXCITING. AND THUS MICHAEL EPPS CREATES HIS OWN.

Michael Epps never thought he would be a photographer. In fact, the first time he actually came in contact with the art was when he was attending film school. He took a few photo courses at the suggestion of one of his professors who believed that learning the still camera was good for a cinematographer. Knowing this, it explains immediately the cinematographic aspect that is so present in Michael’s work. Each photo is like a little capture, almost like it is part of a bigger scene. That, and the fact that all his work is in black and white, are signature characteristics for Michael Epps. But there is more.

Whenever Michael shoots portraits, it seems like the model’s eyes absorb all elements of light and turn into pools of darkness. In a world where even the earliest classic painters spent a great deal of time to bring there subjects to life by adding the most detailed reflections in the eyes – a technique still used in photography – Michael’s almost deliberate lack of light might be seen as revolutionary. If it wasn’t for the fact the origin of the technique was quite coincidental: “When I first started doing portraits, I really didn't notice the dark eye effect until it was pointed out. I think partly in the beginning it was due to my lack of Photoshop skills. Dodging, burning, and masking were completely out of my comfort zone. I think dark eyes can be very enigmatic, and so revealing in contrast to a well lit face and body. Of course this only works if the model is completely open, and in sync with me.”

Michael Epps is a man who believes in having a vision in everything he does. For his photography it is the most important ingredient: “If I don’t know what I want, I rarely get it.” Looking at his work, it seems obvious Michael clearly knows what he wants and how to get it. His photographs do not only show beautiful emotions. They also speak of great graphic skill, resulting in well balanced, harmonious compositions. Does this mean Michael deliberately tries to capture beauty? No, Michael Epps believes true beauty has no rules and can’t be bound by societal restrictions. Beauty is in everything, and most certainly in Michael Epps work. –B-

MICHAEL EPPS | BEAUTIFULMAG

Comments

[Steve]

The ability to create beauty using only black, white, and shades of grey is a talent not possessed by many artists. By limiting one's palette of colors to these few shades, a tremendous amount of skill is required to create images that will captivate the viewer. It is obvious that Michael is gifted with these talents, and working with male models as beautiful as those presented here just makes his art all the more stunning!