DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, Justin Monroe's first-ever photo-book, presents the artist's inimitable and vibrant style of sexy photography, and plunges art enthusiasts into a world of surreal fantasy, sinister humor and visual allegory. Click more for samples from the book and an interview with Justin!

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With your first book, DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE, where does your inspiration come from that makes you so different from other photographers out there?

I get my inspiration from everything, whether it's from a dream, to a movie or a song, people on the street, the model walking in to do a job, porn, the news...you name it. It's a collaboration of internal data. I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that I have an unending mental library of ideas and a wide range. When you see one of my images you can definitely tell that it's mine. But, I can go from dark, cold, gloomy, low-key and depressing to a bright, colorful, funny, high-key story. I can go from luxury to poverty or beautiful to grotesque, One day I can work on an assignment that requires me to shoot my subject very raw and grungy, and the next day I can be shooting a super polished and elegant diamond campaign. This is what turns me on. This is why I am a photographer.

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What do you want people to gain from your art? Are you trying to send an important message, or are you just simply being creative?

I hope people get a bit of enjoyment, and better yet, a laugh or a
hard-on, or both. I strive to breathe life into my work so that the viewer feels something. Thats why I sometimes push my models right over the edge of their own comfort level. In fact, I do not care if the viewer feels uncomfortable...I actually live for it.

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Some people say that Amanda Lepore is like a human palette, in that she can shape-shift her looks drastically. Did you find this to hold true?

Not only her looks, but her entire demeanor from one shot to the next. From glamour to daddy's little she-devil, Amanda is a true actress.

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If you could select three new celebrities to photograph next, who would you choose. And, why?

Uma Thurman. Love her look and she looks like she would go all out to get the shot! I have been in love with her since 'Kill Bill.' Brad Pitt, for all of the obvious reasons. I prefer him trashy, not classy. And, Amy Winehouse, since I'm sure it would be a crazy experience! You have some pretty surreal and sometimes creepy photos.

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When you go home at night and turn off all the lights, is it hard for you to separate the visions that you photograph from reality?

My photographs are my reality. I have very vivid dreams and I actually count on them for a lot of my content matter. It is my obsession. I could not separate them if I tried. They are what makes me, me.

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posted in Releases, Interviews, Photography on 23.09.2008