One can only admire an artist who can turn a passion not only into a career, but also into lifestyle. Celebrated photographer Christine Kessler has achieved just that. A self-described “well-rounded pervert”, Kessler captures erotica with an intimacy and familiarity as though she is in front of the lens as opposed to behind it. With a second book in the works and a regular written article and photo spread in Bizarre Magazine (along with several other projects in motion) Kessler continues to be one of the most respected fetish photographers in the world.

Tell us how you first discovered photography.

My father was a photographer and i was fortunate enough to be exposed to it at an early age. Once I got to high school, I took a photography class and haven’t looked back since.

Can you recall your first erotic photograph? Please take us back to that moment.

When I graduated from high school, my best friend at the time was, among other things, an exhibitionist. I remember sunlight coming through the blinds in her bedroom, and her laying naked on the bed. We were just barely eighteen.

You’re an active participant in the fetish community. Did you find your passion and participation within the community an easier foray into fetish photography?

Being involved in the fetish community definitely informs my work. I have always photographed friends, in addition to models, and it just so happens that my friends are pretty kinky. Back in the early 90s, I shot a lot of gay men in the leather scene, they were my closest friends at the time.

You work with some of the world’s top fetish models from A to Z. As mentioned, many of the ladies are personal friends of yours as well. How does your personal relationship with your models influence your photography?

I do tend to befriend a lot of my models. I think it really benefits my work because as we collaborate more often, we become in tune with each other. We are also more open to exploring limits and pushing boundaries. Models with whom I’ve become very close, like Darenzia, are so great to work with because after so many years, so many shoots, we’re like a married couple who complete each other’s sentences. When we shoot, we are completely in sync. She knows what I like, I know where she’s going, and it’s like clockwork.

You’ve shot the beautiful Stoya several times. Tell us why you love working with her and describe the unique qualities she poseses as a model.

I shot Stoya before she became a porn superstar. She and I hit it off immediately. Her personality is so engaging, and she’s terribly funny, so I was an immediate convert. It also doesn’t hurt that she’s unbelievably gorgeous. I can’t wait to shoot her again! In the meantime, until her contract is up, it looks like I’ll have to be satisfied with iPhone photos taken when we hang out.

How does a new model get on Christine Kessler’s radar and what qualities do you look for in new models?

There are more models out there every day. Frankly, way too many for me to even keep up with. Though I do get a lot of inquiries on Model Mayhem and via email, it takes something special for me to really take notice. I just don’t have time to do test shoots with everyone who contacts me. I get a lot of my new models through referrals from my other photographer friends. As for what qualities I’m looking for, a pretty face and hot body are always a plus, but they’re not everything. I look for someone who is in tune with her body, who knows how to pose, how to take direction, and who has a unique point of view. It’s hard to put into words, and even harder to find, but when I get to shoot someone spectacular, I keep coming back for more!

Do you find it flattering or straight fuckery when other photographers try to emulate one of your photographs?

I’m flattered when I hear that my images have influence another photographer. I’ve been influenced by other people’s work too. We all have. I’ve had models come to me in the past with another photographer’s photo in hand asking me to recreate it with them. I tell them that I’m happy to look at it, to see what sort of look they’re going for, but I’m not about to plagiarize. I feel that if a model wants an image that looks like photographer “a” shot it, she should book a shoot with photographer “a”. I hope that other people react the same way.

Do you have your eye on any other fetish or erotic movements that you’d like to capture?

I like to say that I’m “a well-rounded pervert”. There are so many different themes that move me, personally and visually, and I love to branch out and keep things fresh. I go through phases, too. Right now, I seem to be shooting mostly latex, but I still love nudes, stockings, high heels, corsets, heavy rubber, bondage, etc. etc. etc.

What’s next for you and where we can see more of your work.

I’ve been penning the monthly fetish column for Bizarre Magazine for the past few months. It’s really exciting and challenging, but I’m thrilled at having two pages of writing and photographs available to the masses each month. I have two photography exhibits scheduled for later this year in San Francisco. More details can be found at www.ChristineKessler.com I’ve also completed my second solo book with Goliath Publishing. My first book, Pervy Girls, is now out of print, and the new one is due out this fall. I’m so honored that they chose to publish another collection of my work. Autographed copies will be available via my portfolio site, www.ChristineKessler.com The best way to keep up with me is via my blog. www.myfetishdiaryblog.com I update it regularly with samples from each of my shoots, and news about shows, contests, etc. My membership site, www.myfetishdiary.com, has the largest collection of my photographs and videos and is updated several times a week. And, lastly, I shoot the monthly “Calendar Girl” feature for www.fetishbyanna.com.