Frankinsella Erotic Photographer Interview and Showcase
Fetish photographer Francis Kinsella chats to us about the intricacies of their craft…
What made you want to work in the world of fetish?
My journey into photography came via my involvement in the Goth scene, in two parts. I always used to be the person in my social group who had a compact camera with them all the time and took photos of our social circle at gigs and festivals. Once at Whitby Goth Weekend I put my camera down on a table and someone spilled a whole pint of Snakebite and Black over it, which didn’t do it any good. As I was taking a lot of photos I wondered whether I should get just a replacement compact or a better camera, so I ended up buying an entry level DSLR.
I experimented for a few years trying all sorts of photography, doing a ‘photo a day’ challenge for a while and doing a big project photographing butterflies (lots of people got a butterfly calendar from me for Christmas one year). Later, a couple of female friends from the Goth scene started modelling, and I looked at what they were doing with studios and lighting and realised I had no clue how to shoot things like that, so I decided to have a go and see if I could learn a thing or two. It took me a while to get started, but after the first shoot with a local model shooting with ‘stripy light’ using a computer projector, things took off in a big way and my experiment flourished from there.
My friends wear Latex Clothing, PVC, Fishnet Stockings, Clubwear etc. to festivals and club nights, so that aesthetic was something I was very used to and a completely natural fit for me to work with.
Do you have an age range you like to work with?
I work with a wide age range, from Goth/Alt models in their early-to-mid 20s, to people into their 50s and beyond. Working with a lot of Dominatrixes means I work with a wider range of ages too.
Is most of your work private commissions from individuals or commissions from fetish stores or clubs?
Mostly I work with individuals, but I was disappointed recently that my plans fell through to run a pop-up photo booth at a London club that myself and my friends go to. It’s something that I think would have been really fun. Still, I have shot for various latex and lingerie brands who I’ve really enjoyed working with.
Do you set the scene, or do the people you shoot contribute and suggest ideas?
To me, every shoot is a creative collaboration, and the best shoots are when everyone involved is contributing creatively.
What companies have you worked for previously to showcase your creative work?
I’ve shot lots of different latex brands, such as Pandora Deluxe, Amentium and Libidex, and designer lingerie brands such as lingeriebtvelveteenaleigh and sexstitchpaintlingerie.
How do you find and choose your locations?
The Internet is definitely your friend here. I mostly shoot in studios - I am fortunate to have some really good local places like the spectacular Sanctum Southampton and Murder Mile in London. Models also often contribute location ideas.
What’s the most annoying question you ever get asked?
At the moment the most frustrating question I get is ‘what dates can you do?’ - there are so many shoots I want to fit in but I have a full time day job that I have to fit shooting around, so it can sometimes be difficult to plan and find dates for shoots and also find time for editing.
What are your most memorable moments?
One of my most memorable moments shooting was having the run of an amazing hotel that was deserted except for us. It was incredibly spooky and lots of fun.
Do always shoot solo models, do you ever shoot real-life partners?
Most of my work involves solo models, though I have shot some couples too, lots of duos and groups of friends.
What are the most out-there scenes you have photographed?
An amazing scene I shot recently was with Ada Zanditon and Ada La Venom for an editorial which was featured in Haus magazine under the tagline ‘Violent Femmes’: it was shot in a soft, pink boudoir environment but playing with contrasting themes of shibari/bondage and dominance and submission, it was a really interesting shoot.
Have you become friends with any of your models over the years?
Yep, there are quite a few models I have worked with that I would count as friends. Some people I have worked with lots and lots of times and you get to know each other pretty well. Quite often I run into people I have shot at clubs in London and events like Le Boutique Bazaar.
Covid-19 has had a big impact on the creative industry this year. What challenges did you face when preparing shoots and locations?
Lockdown was a real challenge for photography with studios closed, but the photographic community adapted really well with the idea of remote shooting, where photographers control a camera at a remote location via the internet. This took off massively during lockdown and the results were absolutely incredible. Remote shooting is actually still going strong, as it enables photographers to work with people in other countries or who are otherwise too far away to work with. I also made the most of shooting outdoor locations when that was possible, whilst shooting indoors wasn’t allowed.
Do any of the models get shy?
Yes, this is totally normal, especially if they’re new to modelling. One of the key things when shooting is to build rapport and help build confidence through the shoot. If you scan through the images from a shoot you can normally see the point where you both got into the flow of shooting reflected in the images.
What can we expect from you in the future, are there any exciting projects coming up that you can tell us about?
I want to continue to try and grow and develop as a photographer and work with awesome new people, as well as shoot in new places farther afield. I’m starting to plan out shoot ideas and themes for next year, so watch this space!
https://www.instagram.com/frankinsella
