New York City-based photographer Michael Epps accepted this exclusive interview with Charmants.com. In this first part, he shares some insight on his work, and the nitty-gritty about the featured models: Marlon and Jim Halloran.

What was the first photograph that you remember making an impression on you?
There are way too many images in my mind to settle on one definitively. I’d like to think it was something familial and close, though.

Can you describe the first photograph you took that made you — or someone else — think that you might have a calling as a photographer?
While attending film school, I took a few photo courses at the suggestion of one of my film professors, who felt that learning the still camera was good for the eye of a cinematographer. Up ’til that point, I had no real conscious inclination for photography. I had always loved pictures, but making it my life’s art seemed too vague to consider. My first film camera was a Pentax K-1000, and I completely fell in love with it. My very first portrait was taken with that camera, and I clearly remember standing in the darkroom thinking how cool it was that I made that. It was definitely my first time thinking I had the eye.

Which photographers influence you most?
Richard Avedon, Robert Maplethorpe, Henri Cartier Bresson, George Platt Lynes, Peter Lindbergh, Hedi Slimane, Slava Mogutin, Cindy Sherman, and Guy Bourdan, are all artists I respect and admire. There are many others as well.

Where do you find your models?
Lately, I’ve been having the pleasure of them finding me, and the net has been a gold mine.

Where did you meet these two?
I met Marlon [above] at the New York gay pride parade a couple of years ago. The fact that he was wearing a pair of bulging red briefs — and not much else — helped me come to the conclusion that I needed to photograph him (laughs).

I met Jim Halloran [below] on the Model Mayhem site. Not only is he gorgeous, but he’s also one of the coolest guys ever.

What can you tell us about them?
Jim Halloran is a model and actor here in New York. So far I’ve only had one session with him, but there are definitely plans for more shooting in the future. Working with him was such a relaxing and productive experience. He definitely brings it, without having to be directed constantly. He’s also hot, and that always helps. My shoot with him went super smooth, and the glasses were genius.

Marlon was the first model I ever shot nude in a studio setting, but his natural ease and comfort with his own body, immediately cured me of any first time jitters I may have had. I originally wanted to shoot him in a white speedo, but the black one worked out more than fine.

Hit the gallery link for the two full series of photos — some are definitely NSFW. And expect Michael to return next week, with more thoughtful answers – and more men.

Michael Epps