It's hard to know what to expect if you've only seen someone's work. I've been warned he's a rather private indivdual - a quirky artistic type who's able to be engaging and carry a conversation while his concentration is off in another direction. I'm thinking there may be two of us with that facial expression if this interview is filled with the usual superficial bullshit. "I know I'm late and again I apoligize but I have a shoot in 45 minutes" he stated. "Why don't we continue this on the way there?"

Caught off guard, I agree. While in the car over I review my notes and steal moments to study the man. He's attractive, the salt & pepper in his goate gives the illusion he's older than he is. I get the impression he's not comfortable being driven around - probably not a lot of call for it in Springfield, Missouri. On the way over we engange in some small talk, nothing of any consequence. The closer we get to the studio, the more talkative he becomes. Now it all makes sense. The grimace. The apprehension. The chandelier setting of the executive suite was pretentious and truth be told we both wanted out of there.

We arrive and I opt to stay in the car giving the thin excuse I want to catch up on some notes. In reality it was avoiding watching for the gazillionth time another photographer prepare a set. A mistake. For when I walked in during the first shoot I saw something unusual - the model was giggling.

The innocent, not rehearsed, it's my first time type of giggle. Her gaze, fixated on him and his body language seeking his approval in everything she did. A quick glance over the set and I see all the assistants are smiling as well. What the hell did I miss? I wiggle over to one of the assistants (obviously needing to save my ass) and asked how many others he was shooting today. She responded, "he has three more today." I was lucky.

The next three were a mirror image of the first. Jaded, I've done this a hundred times this week can we hurry and get this over with models were transformed into giggling seeking approval first timers.

During one set he stopped, went over and sat next to the model and shared a candy bar. She was reluctant to take the sweets, but as he snacked and chatted with her she put her head on his shoulder. At that moment he looked at me with a smirk, I then understood why his uses the phrase, "Art provokes a response." His art, begins before the shutter clicks.

After the sets were done all four models were still around seeking after shoots, he passed out his cell number to each where he received big cheesy grins as thanks. As he sat down getting ready for our interview I reflected with him casually on how the day flew by and how impressed I was watching it unfold. I mentioned how I watched the models hang around to approach him after words and how it struck me that any other person would be standing there acting like a Rock Star with groupies begging for a back stage pass. "I'm just passionate about what I do, sometimes it's contagious." he said with shrug.

Q: Every Photographer has a favorite walk around with lens - what's yours?

For a long time my favorite was my 70-300 lens. I enjoy it's versatility and ability to isolate what I'm shooting. However recently I've found myself walking around more with my 28-135. I'm not sure if it's the lens or a combination of upgrading to a 7D.

Q: How did you get into Photography?

Photography has always been something I've dabbled in. It wasn't until the last 5 years where I picked it seriously. Of course there's a long story behind what got me to take that step but lets just say it falls along the lines of what this site is about.

Q: What's the back story? What was it that made you pick up Photography seriously?

You're not going to let me get away with that? Well, long story short - I basically saw how this industry is when it comes to the talent in front of the camera and felt I could do it a little different. I don't feel people need to be taken advantage of to be successful.

Q: You're reluctant to talk about the freelance work you do for magazines and services, why is that?

Those are for paying the bills. What more needs to be said?

Q: Others in the industry use it as part of their credentials - a way to validate their work if you will.

That's really not important to me. Now if I published a book with the art I shoot - then I'd list that. I usually say I'm too busy making art to supply you with a resume. In other words, I'd much rather perfer the art speak for itself.

Q: In our discussions prior to sitting down and doing this interview - you used words like, "edgy and provocative" when describing your style. How do you define "edgy and provocative"?

I guess when I say edgy it's a term I use directed towards the potential talent. I want to ensure they understand my style before standing in front of me. In other words, clothes get in the way. You'd think it would be pretty obvious given my body of work but I still get asked, "Will I be nude"? As far as edgy and provocative as a style - I guess I'd have to say they go hand in hand with me. If I've captured an image of someone topless or nude and the image has the person looking at it leaning one way or another trying to see whats just out of sight - it invoked a reaction and thats what I call art.

Q: Seriously, you get asked that a lot?

I'm not kidding, I really get asked that a lot. Of course it's not as bad as the ones that approach me wanting a shoot but ask if I will change my style just for their shoot. I used to get frustrated or insulted when asked but like most things you learn to expect certain things or reactions and move on.

Q: One more question along these lines and I'll move on. I agree with edgy. Provocative, I'd use to describe the concepts behind your art. However one thing stands - obviously there's nude talent in front of you but let's face it there's a serious lack of nudity portrayed in your work.

You're absolutely right and it goes back to me waiting to invoke a reaction with the image. I sometimes describe it as the "art of showing nothing". Of course it all depends on the vision behind the concept but most times whether it be by angles or shadows, I try and show what you'd see if they were wearing a bikini. So yes, nude but most times no nudity.

Q: What is your opinion on post-processing, especially enhancing pictures?

In my opinion, digital has elevated photography to new level and digital post-processing is an essential part of today’s photography. I know photographers argue that digital enhancements have narrowed the gap between what's called Digital Art and the Art of Photography, but I personally am from the thought that digital work-flow has done a lot of good. Digital has allowed todays photographers to mimic old darkroom techniques with a few clicks of a mouse. I personally embrace the software and I am always looking to learn new techniques.

I can't tell you what stops becoming "photography" and starts to become "digital art". To me they both rely on eachother - what makes one makes the other. I know it may sound wishy-washy but I see it all as art.

Q: After studying your work that answer makes a lot of sense. You seem to bounce back and forth on that fine line.

Absolutely. But again, I really don't know where the line is. Every image takes on a life of it's on for me. Sure, there are those you pump out - the pretty ones that make the models happy. Then there's that one that jumps out as you're looking though what you've shot and you just don't know what it'll end up being. Those images are why I do what I do.

Q: What's the first photograph you remember that made an impression on you?

That would have to be Eddie Adams image of General Nguyen Ngoc Loan executing a Viet Cong officer with a single shot to the head.

Q: Why that photograph?

There's nothing technically great about the shot but it's real life and anyone that views it has a reaction to it. With one snap of the shutter he was able to tell a poyant story. If anything it grounds us and reminds us that war isn't glorious.

Q: What's next? Do you have anything special you're working on now or planned?

I have a couple things in the works. There's a new start up online magazine I'll be shooting for and I'll be giving more details on that as they develop. I'm thinking about opening up a gallery/studio but that's as far as I've gone on it - thinking. Being in the area I'm in I'm not sure how well something like that would be received or be profitable - last thing I want to do is have to shoot weddings to support it.

Q: Last question. What advice would you give to Models?

I know it's a boring answer but my advice would be to practice, practice, practice - get in front of a mirror and practice. Every photograph starts at the face, the expression and moves on from there. I know it's boring to stand in front of a mirror making faces at yourself but it's even more boring for the photographer to fumble through hundreds of pictures trying to find a decent expression..... not to mention frustrating. Learn your expressions and then work hard on your posing. Those two things will be what separates you from the others.

Thanks so much Bud for stopping in and taking a few moments with us. I looked at your website www.thebcandy.com before sitting down. Anything you'd like to add?

You're welcome and thank you for having me. This wasn't as painful as I thought it would be! As far as my website, I have a list of things I want to accomplish with it. All I can say is check back often to see where I'm at with it.

Again, thanks for your time. It was a true pleasure to watch you and talk with you today!