In 1991 I was living in a ‘model hotel’ called the Hotel Orion in Athens Greece. I struggled and starved and traded photo sessions with models to survive. We were all trying to ‘make it’ to be ‘seen’ by the local fashion community of magazines, agencies and clients. I would often take a young beauty to the supermarket and buy her a giant container of yogurt and she would buy me a roll of film. We would go back to the hotel, dress him or her up and take photos for their portfolio. Sometimes we would take to the streets, prowl the bars, take over restaurants to get dynamic shots. We worked fast and furious and made some pretty cool art. We all got noticed but one boy in particular got MORE noticed. Justin Chambers, famous for his role on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Alex Karev… In 1991, we were living at the Orion and one day he bought me a roll of film. Ilford XP1.
I got some eye liner out and the rest is here…
Justin Chambers by Kyle Zimmerman, 1991
Hi Kyle! I’m not sure if you’ll see my reply to your comment at Justin Chambers Online so I’ll comment here too. I really love the Justin photo and your story. Thanks so much for sharing! I’m looking forward any other Justin photos you can dig up. I also looked at the other photos on your site and I really enjoy the warmth and natural beauty of your photos.
Best wishes,
Diana
Hi Diana!
Yes, I saw your comment and post on your site! I am so happy!!!!!!
Thanks for looking around at my site, looks like your site is humming along nicely, good job!
I will send you a note if I find and upload more…
How did you decide to start your site?
The site is run by me and another fan, Fay. She was actually the one that started the site so she’s the one that could answer that. But early on she asked if anyone would be interested in helping her out with updating and adding content to the site. I was a Justin fan and I offered to help and I’ve been there ever since.
Have you always wanted to be a professional photographer? You clearly have the talent and eye for photography but sometimes people find their passion in unexpected ways and their life changes direction. Don’t answer if it’s too personal. I just find people’s career decisions interesting – those that have always known what they wanted to be and those who start off doing one thing and then completely change to something else.
Thanks again for the photos and story.
That’s cool, your passion for JC turned into a moderator gig!
I knew he was special when I met him but so many young people in model world are spectacular beauties…
I do remember he wasn’t there for long. And I think he thought I was crazy to want to do the eyeliner thing, but hey, I think I see some ‘dark, vampire-y’ possibilities here for him, no?
I started shooting seriously when I was about 30, I’m 56 now. I was living in San Francisco at the time and I had a good friend, Martin Ryter, who became my mentor by shoving a camera in my one hand and 100 bucks in the other. He said “SHOOT!” and I was off. I started with model portfolio’s and band shots, (Psychic TV, Skinny Puppy, Diamanda Galas) but within a year I went to Europe, starting in Italy, to begin the process of becoming a fashion photographer.
I’ll be telling that story here on the blog with short episodes, so keep your eyes peeled!
And thanks for asking!
Where are you based??
Oops, I didn’t click the reply button on your post. My comment to this post is below. Sorry.
It must be a really small fraction of aspiring models that actually make it in the business and it’s a career that, for the most part, has a pretty short life span. I guess you have to have something special and perhaps a bit of luck in your corner to make it.
Ha! He may have thought you were crazy but I think the eyeliner was a nice touch. It gives his stare a greater intensity which only makes it sexier.
Well, a big thanks must go out to Martin Ryter for pushing you to become a photographer!
You must have some fascinating stories to tell. I’ll definitely check back to read about your experiences in the fashion photography world.
I/We are based in the UK (London).