Non of our books of the last half year sold as many copies as Suburban Pleasures by Mark Henderson. Read more about his amazing work in our interview.

MARK, your new photo book Suburban Pleasures is the most successful title of our publishing program for the first half of 2010. What does this mean to you?

Of course, I'm delighted to hear that news.  I'm sincerely honored and grateful.  When I finished the book earlier this year, I hoped it would be well-received, but I had no idea it would prove as popular as it has become in such a short time.  I guess that indicates I'm on the right track!

Have you received feedback from friends, family and fans? What was it like?

The response from friends and colleagues has been very positive, but what is even more exciting are the favorable reviews from many of the models who appear in Suburban Pleasures - they are usually a tough group to please and I'm gratified and honored that several of them have even purchased the book for themselves!

You had quite a huge success with your first book, as well - Household Idols. What made you turn away from traditional interiors to a more modern, coolish air?

More than anything I wanted more space (literally more square footage) to shoot and I had completely outgrown my tiny bungalow in Los Angeles, where most of Household Idols was shot.  In my newer work I wanted to open up my compositions to create a more dramatic sense of atmosphere and depth.  The new house, with its more contemporary lines and walls of white and glass, gave me the opportunity to experiment with light and space as never before.

You photographed all these immaculate men in your private home. This requires a really good and trustful connection between model and photographer, doesn't it?

Indeed, in this line of work, creating a comfortable and professional atmosphere for the model is incredibly important, no matter what the location may be.  The model must feel safe and at ease, which is one of the many reasons that shooting in a private home offers distinct advantages over other, often more public, locations.

While Household Idols had clearly visible influences of baroque and renaissance art, Suburban Pleasures is really modern, a little Bauhaus even. What other periods of art history are you interested in? What could inspire your next project?

I'm glad you noticed those connections!  As an art historian, I'm fascinated by a wide range of artistic periods and cultures, but to be honest, with perhaps a couple of exceptions, I don't knowingly attempt to mimic any particular style or period from art history, but as you point out, I have clear, albeit somewhat unconscious influences.  Recently I've been working on several series of images - ideas that I began to develop toward the end of my work on Suburban Pleasures ... so stay tuned!

The settings of your photos - whether opulent or not - are always arranged very thoughtfully and carefully. How do your pictures develop in your head? Is there first the idea for a setting or do you see a man and then start thinking about the right background for him?

Before a shoot I always make notes about where and how I want to photograph a model, along with wardrobe, accessory, and styling ideas.  However, when the model arrives I often change or modify my initial concepts to suit the model's strongest physical attributes, or his skin tone, or even his personality. In this business (or in most businesses for that matter), having a well-considered plan in place is always good but being able to adapt or change at a moment's notice is equally important.

Is there something left you'd like to say to your fans out there?

The models I photograph certainly have legions of followers and I'm delighted to be able to create new images for their fans to enjoy.  But I find it somewhat astonishing that my work might actually have a fan following - that's thrilling to consider.  If you're out there, please know how honored I am that you appreciate my work and how truly grateful I am that you've made Suburban Pleasures such a success.

Interview: Peter Peschke

posted in General, Interviews, Photography, Announcements on 10.06.2010