Interview: Mark Liddell, Exposed

SB: When did you first decide to make this book and how long did it take to put together?

The book has taken a year to put together. I had been wanting to publish a book for some time but needed a unique concept. Most photographers have books that all look the same and are really boring. They mostly look like ego-projects, which is exactly what I didn’t want. Publishers told me sales are terrible for photography books–so I really wanted to break the mold and do something different. I didn’t want a stuffy, glossy coffee-table book. I wanted a book that was accessible to the masses; one which people would actually want to look at and relate to. The book is like a backstage pass to the private world of celebrity photo shoots. It’s very intimate and makes you feel as though you were there with me on each shoot.

SB: Judging by the image of you with the word “EXPOSED” emblazoned on your chest, the book also reveals secrets about you. Is that true?

You got it spot on. The title “Exposed” can be interpreted in so many ways, but the book is not just a photography book. It exposes, in words, my journey to where I am now. It exposes social issues relevant to our society. It exposes thoughts and feelings from many of the celebrities in the book. And it exposes the two causes that the book is helping. The victims of domestic abuse and suicide prevention for LGBT youth.

SB: There is an innate trust photographers and their subject form, do you think this is why you have been allowed the access you have?

Trust is the key to success in the celebrity business. Without trust, Iwould not get asked to shoot Britney Spears and Jessica Alba’s baby photos. Without trust, people like Annie Lennox and Halle Berry would not have allowed me to interview them for the book. Without trust, you can’t get honesty in the eyes of who you are photographing. Without trust, your photograph is a fake.

SB: As a photographer, you’re an integral part of building a celebrity’s brand image, especially if you are their “go-to” guy. What’s the collaboration like?

I have been so honored to shoot Britney Spears for the last 10 years and work so closely with Avril Lavigne, Paris Hilton, Meg Ryan and Halle Berry on so many of their campaigns. It is about respecting who the celebrity is, understanding their brand, and doing your best to create memorable images that satisfy the brief. I stand up for the celebrity and try to make sure nothing is asked of them that would compromise who they are or their image.

SB: Who was your most ultimate favorite subject to shoot from the book and why?

I treat every shoot as my favorite shoot, but the stand outs to me are the shoots that are helping a cause. Shoots that have meaning and shoots that will affect peoples lives. Shooting Sharon Stone for amfAR was incredible, as was Jessica Alba for ” Declare Yourself” to encourage the youth to vote during the last election. Shooting Halle Berry for the Women’s Cancer Initiative or Annie Lennox to promote awareness for HIV+, are all favorite shoots of mine. Working for PETA was yet another highlight, as you are able to create art with a cause and that, for me, is pure magic.

Many times celebrities ask me to do personal and private shoots that the world will never see. These also are a highlight for me, because I’m working one on one with the celebrity. Photographing someone is a very intimate experience; it is not a show. So many people come to photo shoots expecting a show. If you want an incredible photograph, it will only come if the photographer and the celebrity can connect and develop their own relationship.

SB: Geographically, how far and wide did this book project take you?

As you know, I am a Jamaican, who lived in the UK and Australia, and can’t stay in one place for too long. I love living in LA. It’s home, but it is vital for my creativity that I travel, see different cultures and keep my finger on the pulse as to what is happening on an international scale in the world of fashion. Fashion is a huge component to my work. There needs to be an edge–a cool factor. That is often lost on the photographers who stay based in one place. The book covers my first 10 years in Hollywood and wherever else I had to go to get each shot during those years.

SB: Are you now in LA to stay or can the next Nicole Kidman woo you into
moving across the world again?

Oh no, I am here to stay. I owe Nicole Kidman so much for telling me to come to LA. My home and my partner are here, and I love my lifestyle and am really blessed. Los Angeles is a great place. You can make it what you want. I’m very private as a person and don’t play the game. I’m not interested at being seen in the “hot” places. I go to my favorite Thai restaurant in a strip mall and love it! I travel enough to Europe and New York during the year to make life interesting for me and most of my clients are international. I hope that is one of the factors that separates my work from the crowd.

SB: Who would you “trust” to shoot your portrait?

Myself! Hey, I’m just being honest!

SB: Where can people see the short film?

My first short film makes the book come to life. It is a mix of photography, music, dance and interviews. It is gut wrenching in its pure honesty and beauty. I always want to keep pushing myself and staying ahead. The day you get too comfy is the day your career dies.

We are premiering the film at the LA launch and then at the NYC launch. After that, it will be shown at Art Basel in Miami in December. We are also planning a launch in Europe in the new year. It is a companion piece for the book, but I will eventually put it up on my website and on YouTube.

SB: What’s next for you?

Probably some botox! [Laughs] I feel I have aged 10 years doing this book! Thankfully, my very English sense of humor is still in tact. I am working on Leighton Meester’s new album and also Avril Lavigne’s, and have an editorial with Brooke Shields in the next few weeks, but for now I’m busy promoting the book doing tons of interviews. The more I do, the more my charities benefit as we are helping The Jenesse Center and The Trevor Project.

Get your hands on a copy of Liddell’s gorgeous new book and check out his website for more information.