Meet New 'FRONTIERS MAGAZINE' Coverboy MARC CARTWRIGHT

Meet the new 'Frontiers Magazine' coverboy Marc Cartwright. Aside from being supersexy, he's a supercool guy - and he's also one of L.A.'s best photographers. I can vouch for him, personally, since I've been with him when he shoots (mmmm...) and he rocks.
Marc's featured on the cover of this month's 'Frontiers,' but he took a few minutes to answer some Muzo-style questions...mostly cuz I made him, and that's how I roll.
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Marc: Thank you! It was a bit scary! No control of the lens or PhotoShop! In the end it was a really fun experience. In being in front of the camera, I get a chance to see what my subjects are going through when I'm photographing them, which helps me direct them better.
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Muzo: But undoubtedly even more exciting, you have been a MUZOPHILE MAN for quite sometime now. Aside from having to put out for Muzo to receive such a coveted accolade, how has Muzo affected your life? Hopefully the paparazzi isn't too annoying.
Marc: I now know what most of West Hollywood knows... Putting out for Muzo has made life worth living! HA! Just kidding... There have been a lot of great experiences that have come out of knowing you. Through seeing my work, I have gotten some great assignments with magazines I didn't necessarily have connections with before, and I've had the opportunity to meet some really great artists and friends.
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Muzo: When you shoot - photography, that is - what inspires you?
Marc: The look in someone's eyes and to see that they are telling a story. In taking a photograph, you are capturing a split second of thought forever. That's amazing to me. It's very intimate, and you learn a lot about a person while photographing them. Unlike you who shoots on someone and yet knows nothing about them.
(Muzo says: Oh-no-he-d'int!)
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Marc: Thank you! It really is the best feeling when someone responds favorably to a concept. Most of my ideas are an extension of me in some form. I will usually come up with an idea based on how I am feeling in the moment and then pull elements together that might portray the thoughts without being too literal. After the elements are all there, I like to be really organic with it - see where the mood leads my angles and subjects. My best photographs have come about when I stopped thinking about what I had planned for the shoot.
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Muzo: How did you decide to pursue a career in photography?
Marc: I saw a picture of you in a bathroom at some bar and thought... Wow, I want to shoot porn like that!
In reality, I was going to NYU studying Semantics and had to fulfill an art requirement. I had bought a camera years before that was just lying around and decided to go for it. My professor was a holocaust survivor, and her images and expression were so inspiring that I immediately fell in love with the art. At the time, I was also doing print and commercials. I had always liked the creative process that was going on behind the lens. In 2002, I was on the cover of 'Instinct Magazine' and befriended the photographer. It was then that I realized that my passion for photography could also be a career. I started to photograph friends who then showed people my work which brought instant clients. The rest is history.
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Muzo: You've shot a variety of celebs - from Penn Badgley to cast members of ABC's 'Heroes' and 'Desperate Housewives.' Who did you have to put out for to make that happen? And any good behind-the-scenes stories?
Marc: When I started shooting, I really didn't know much about the business. Ignorance was bliss in this case, because I started contacting people that you're normally told are too busy or would only go through agents, etc., and they liked my work. I had also previously photographed someone that was pretty big on a hit TV show at the time, and this got some attention. I think that people like to see ambition. If you walk into a situation, like you are supposed to be there, people tend to take notice and not question too heavily.
As for behind-the-scenes stories, it is really funny to sometimes hear the actors talk about each other and some of the drama that occurs on the shows that isn't released to the public.
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Muzo: Who's the biggest diva you shot?
Marc: Hands down... it was you. With your request for green M&M's and water cooled to 36 degrees it made the day hell! HA! Just kidding.
Everyone has been pretty great. I have been lucky. I really make my clients feel comfortable. I involve them in the image making process, so that they are getting shots that they feel represent themselves in a way that they are comfortable with. There is nothing worse than a set full of disgruntled people and I would rather hand a shoot off to another photographer than work with someone who isn't there to have fun or isn't having fun. Sure, many people are uncomfortable being photographed, but if you really pay attention to their needs at the time, everyone warms up. People always walk away from my shoots telling me how effortless, stress free and fun they are.
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Marc: I don't know!!!!! HA! I suppose this past year has been so full with work and traveling that I haven't really had the time to focus on dating. I am certainly looking though to get into a relationship. The holidays are coming up, and I want someone to roast chestnuts with by the open fire!
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Muzo: Describe your ideal date.
Marc: On my ideal first date, we would drive out to Malibu to have great conversation at a local cafe. After getting to know one another a little better, we both decide that we want to go to the beach for a picnic and grab some snacks from the store. After the sunset and a wonderful first date we head back to the city.
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Muzo: Aside from me, of course (David Archuleta has my heart), describe your perfect guy.
Marc: Jude Law... minus the extra marital affairs. HA! Someone that is conservatively styled with a bit of an edge, charismatic, intelligent, confident and strong-minded yet modest, grounded and debonair yet not "too cool" to be a dork if the mood fits, adventurous, creatively and culturally aware.
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Muzo: What are your thoughts on gay marriage? Will you ever marry?
Marc: Yes, I will certainly get hitched.
I was just having this conversation today. Whether or not we are granted the right to use the word "marriage" legally, there is no excuse or reason why gay men shouldn't have all of the same legal rights as a heterosexual couple.
There is some debate on whether the word "marriage" should be used. If heterosexuals would see whatever our union is called as an equal entity, than I say let them have the word. Problem is, I think that when you separate the terminology there will tend to be bias in some form. A possible solution? Not using the word "marriage" in legal documents for heterosexuals or homosexuals and rather calling it something universal, identifying the two individuals as Spouse #1 and Spouse #2.
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Muzo: Complete the sentence: 'When having sex, I like...'
Marc: Are you implying that I'm not a virgin?
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Muzo: Top 5 most played songs on your iPod?
Marc: Oasis "Champagne Supernova"
Mama Cass "One Way Ticket"
Natasha Bedingfield's "These Words (I love you, I love you)"
Mariah Carey "Side Effects"
Alanis Morissette "StraightJacket"
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Marc: PhotoShopping self portraits. I know it sounds narcissistic, but it's addicting! I even missed a friends birthday once, because I was trying to perfect one project. I know... there needs to be a PhotoShop support group. I am going to try and put together a coffee table book of my favorites, so that the whole world can share in my obsession! HA!
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Muzo: Least favorite personal vice?
Marc: Spending money like a rock star. I am a tech geek, and I love electronics. Anything that is shiny with lights and buttons makes me weak.
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Muzo: Top or bottom?
Marc: Are you implying AGAIN that I'm not a virgin?
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Muzo: Complete the sentence: 'When on a date, the guy should...'
Marc: Show some respect. Give lots of good eye contact (Some eye contact can look stalker-ish). Don't come at me with a bunch of sexual talk while surveying the room to see who else is there while we are speaking. It just tells me that I could be anyone with a warm body and an appendage between my legs sitting across the table. I like guys that show an interest in what makes me tick and are interested in having me know who they are. I like people and getting to know people. Intelligence and tact are a lot more sexy to me.
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Muzo: What's a guy gotta do to get naked with you?
Marc: Alright, you broke me in... I'm not a virgin! I think chemistry is key. I am not a fling kind of guy, so again, an interest in a future is a great start. If I get the sense that a guy is spreading his cookies all over town, that's the easiest way to get the boot.
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Muzo: What's next for you and the Marc Cartwright Photography Empire?
Marc: A little more travel is in the works for this year. I'm hoping to make it to Europe and possibly Asia before the year ends.
I am looking for a larger studio. My client level is definitely rising, and so I want a location that reflects that.
I photographed a few celebs that have projects coming out towards the end of this year / beginning of next, so I am looking forward to the syndication of those images once magazines start promoting the projects.
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Say hey to Marc! Visit his MySpace page or drop him a line at LosAngelesphoto@yahoo.com.

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