John, your models are so beautiful that it is difficult to get to the technique. I've heard you say many time it's more about the model but it's just not that simple. I consider myself a fairly good photographer but sometime I find it difficult to see just how you pull the shot off.

Gary, I am very touched by your attention to my work, thank you, you are most generous and kind. I do not remember in what context I said that I believe this to be mostly about the models, but it’s not really what I think, this does remain for me essentially about photography.

 

Obviously, the models contribute strongly through their beauty, it’s what I try to capture, but their complicity is also vital to the result, and that is a challenge that equals that of all the other difficulties that a photographer faces. Too often one sees women objectified in this medium and my purpose is largely to highlight their elegance and charm in a manner that is flattering and not otherwise to themselves, all his while maintaining the norms which make any photo interesting per se. However, these do remain important, otherwise a photo of this kind is little more than what you find in any glossy magazine.