Interview: Photographer Gabriel Dusil (Prague, Czech Republic)

Modellenland
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Can you tell us a little about you?

I’m somewhat of an unusual participant in the world of fine arts. I contemplated photography as a career in high school, but fate had other plans. I met a newspaper photographer at the tail end of my studies. He was covering a local beauty pageant where my girlfriend was participating. I approached and asked what it was like working as a photographer. I don’t remember his exact words, but he looked disheveled and his lackluster response made me shy away from photography. At that moment, I decided to pursue an engineering education specializing in physics. At the time, it seemed to be a financially safer option while still enjoying the benefits of photography as a hobby. In hindsight, it was a win-win decision. After 30 years of Information Technology, I’ve fully immersed myself in the world of art nude photography.

I come from an artistic family. My mother was a veterinarian - now retired - but also a prolific oil painter. My sister inherited our mother’s skills and dialed it to eleven! She’s very gifted and continues to be the inspirational cornerstone of my creative journey. I watch how she consistently creates beautiful art, sourced purely from her mind.

Throughout my photography journey, I realized how lucky I am to take amazing photos with beautiful models worldwide. Photographers are in a relentless pursuit of the perfect picture. Yes,... I know perfection isn’t achievable, but I try to get as close as possible. It’s the greatest feeling in the world photographing my models. Seeing a “wow” photo feels like all the planets have aligned for that split second. I used to feel that luck got me to that precise moment, but I now realize that hard work brought me there. From casting to session preparation, and every step between, my skills have culminated to that point in time. That moment is mine to capture and share with the world.

How and when did you get into photography?

My photography journey began at sixteen when I subscribed to Playboy. The visual content was certainly a motivation but led to relentless mockery from friends and family with comments like, “I guess you subscribe to Playboy for the articles?!” Anyone who’s bought Playboy has certainly heard that one. I can honestly say that I read every issue from cover to cover. Even today there’s a lot of truth to an otherwise sarcastic dig, especially considering that less than ten percent of the magazine has nude content. Regardless, I dreamt of being a Playboy photographer. In high school, I even convinced a few girlfriends to do a photoshoot with me and my humble Ricoh 35mm.

I bought my first Nikon F90 SLR in 1996. This kicked off a semi-serious journey into the creative arts. At the time, my girlfriend worked for Ogilvy & Mather. She invited me to participate as an ‘unofficial’ photographer at several events including Miss Czech Republic ‘97. At one Prague fashion show in November ‘97, I had a chance to photograph supermodel, Karen Mulder.

My focus on art nude photography began in 2019. While attending a video production of a product I designed (i.e. MyKoddi), I asked an actress if she'd be interested in a photoshoot. I remember being incredibly nervous to broach the question and was elated when she agreed! Although this was a fashion shoot, I still consider it my starting point for art nude. Initially, my photoshoots were glamour-focused schedules throughout the beautiful gardens of Prague, Czechia. But kept waiting for winter to finish, to begin scheduling my sessions. I eventually lost patience and decided to buy a few professional soft boxes and convert my apartment into a studio. This gave me the freedom to explore nude photography in the privacy of my atelier. It also evolved my artistic journey from glamour photography to art nude.

What does photography mean to you?

Art defines a culture, and culture defines art. Creativity drives passion. Every day that I’m creative is a good day. Whether pimping stuff, carpentry, blogging, graphic design, motion graphics, or photography – I realized that I consistently create something out of other things. For this reason, and posterity, I consider myself a ‘creativist’, not an artist.

I go through three main phases of post-editing, each with multiple steps. I don't like cutting corners. Editing is like raising a baby. I want to nurture her to the best of my abilities. I’m proud of my creations and I enjoy every minute. When I put my name on something it needs to be my best work. I’m in sync with every artist who’s invested their heart into tens of thousands of hours developing their craft. Each photo shoot takes 18-36 hours in post-production editing, so I chose my models carefully so that this investment is well spent. I have a very specific workflow that’s evolved over the years. It’s documented here: https://www.dusil.org/professional-workflow/. The last phase includes 4-8 hours (per spread) on my website, blog, and social media posts. I also prepare selected images for contests and publications. Since all of my post-production is non-destructive in Adobe Camera Raw, future edits allow me to revisit my initial approach. Most days I’m working till midnight on scouting, photoshoots, publications, social media posts, and my website. Every minute is a joy.

I create for an audience of one. As a creativist, I’m not trying to cater to an inclusive audience. It’s humbling when my images resonate with fellow professional photographers and publishers, but my goal is for top models to be excited to photograph with me because our styles align. This motivates me to reach the pinnacle of my capabilities and equal the talents of my idols.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

My subscription to Playboy and subsequent photographer influences through the years have somewhat indoctrinated my brain. Currently, my photoshoots focus on a “girl next door” style. I mainly chose models based on their potential to be featured on the cover of a fine arts magazine. I treat every photo shoot as an opportunity to create an award-winning image. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” And I’m acutely aware that my selection process is subjective.

My long-term goal is to travel the globe and photograph gorgeous women from all cultures, nationalities, and ethnic backgrounds. Over the years, I’ve amassed a sizable database of international models. When I notice a lot of model contacts congregating in a given city, I then begin to plan a shooting tour in their direction.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Much inspiration comes from the best fine art photographers in the world. When I review their portfolios I envision how scenes, poses, and lighting are prepared. Duplicating a great pose with a new model and different backdrop creates a brand-new opus.

Many photographers have influenced me throughout the years. My first ‘coffee table book’ was Herb Ritts, “Works”, Bulfinch Press, ©1989. His style still resonates with me. In the ‘90s I was greatly influenced by Sports Illustrated photographers, Russell James, Raphael Mazzucco, and Walter Iooss Jr. My favorite fine art nude photographers are Bruno Bisang, Andreas Bitsnich, and David Bellemere. But the best of the best at the moment is Alexander Mavrin, from St. Petersburg, Russia. I have far to go to reach the heights of these legends, but I plan to enjoy every minute of stepping forward.

My inspiration also comes from shapes. As with many photographs in this field, I create triangles in poses. This symbolizes an interwoven river flowing through her body. Sensual curves are alluring and provocative. My go-to letters that translate to poses are ‘J’ (e.g., arching her back), ‘S’ (e.g., popping hips), and ‘W’ curves (e.g. cleavage). Empathy, vulnerability, and confidence are very important themes in my photography. My emotion board consists of angel wings, nurturing mothers, leopards, owls, eagles, cats, leaves, roses, hearts, and the code of Bushido.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

Capturing my model’s soul requires me to overcome three obstacles: First and foremost, I need my model to relax in my company. I do this by establishing a genuine and personable connection; Secondly, I try to bring out her inner confidence. When she feels my confidence, it will help to reveal her own. Thirdly, and most importantly, I need to find a way for her to trust me. Getting through all these steps is a tall order, but in most of my sessions, I can get there within the first hour.

Capturing a model’s spirit requires overcoming three main obstacles: First and foremost I want her to relax; I then try to bring out her inner confidence; Third and most importantly, I want her to trust me. It's a tall order but when successful, we have the freedom to create magic. Synchronized emotions organically inspire my best work. I want all of my models to give themselves to me completely because I'm doing the same in return - no inhibitions, no distractions, and no insecurities. Purity from the depths of our souls. This is my path to capturing the best photos. Even if I get to this stage then I don’t stop there. My ultimate goal is to capture her visceral energy - her wild and feral emotions that are rarely seen by anyone. Getting to this level is extremely rare. If I succeed then our photos take on a spiritual meaning.

I gravitate to a select number of poses, but I also give my models the creative freedom to show me what they have to offer. I see photoshoots as flowing down a river with both of us taking turns steering. Suddenly paddling in the opposite direction will break our harmony. When I’ve succeeded in synchronizing our flow, the photos take on new meaning. Her physicality isn't as important as capturing her inner emotions.

To capture the beauty of the female form is a privilege. Exposing her vulnerability is an honor. Giving me her soul is the greatest gift.

Studio, on location or both?

I'm still finding my personal style. At the moment, I'm honing skills in spotlight photography. I've designed a series of Gobo filters that are showcased throughout my portfolio at https://dusil.org. Learning which filters work helps to design new ones, as my style evolves. I'm always looking to create layers upon layers in my images. The backdrop, lighting, model, lingerie, and emotion - together and separately - create a story.

At the moment I prefer on-location shoots. I also enjoy golden-hour photoshoots with backdrops that combine nature and man-made structures. Outdoor sessions are liberating but tend to invite spectators. It also runs the risk of getting in trouble with local authorities. I love modern architecture mixed with nature and industrial textures with lots of leading lines juxtaposed against the flow of an alluring model.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

My photography is a “professional hobby”. I have many projects and interests that keep me busy. I don't chase money. I don't collect material possessions that are functionally useless. I will only photograph what interests me. I work for passion - not monetary gain.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

There are so many memorable moments from my photoshoots. I make a concerted effort to understand the nuances of my model’s personality. I want to appreciate her as a vulnerable human being. I shun photoshoots that feel like sterile business transactions with a ‘this is business, not personal!’ vibe. I never want a model to pose in a virtual bubble and me at the other end of the room in a separate bubble. I try to avoid such photoshoots at all costs. I want every session to be an existential experience. I want us to become friends and for both sides to respect each other’s sensibilities.

Sessions where I immediately connect with the model are always my favorite. It’s as if we’ve known each other for years and we’re getting together for just another photoshoot. These sessions bring a deep sense of joy.

I’m always looking for a muse to take my photography to the next level. She would be someone whom I trust completely. We would open our souls to each other, and she would gift me her wild side. We’ll intertwine through our photoshoots like water flowing down a river. Each interaction is so profound it would make me cry.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

During the 35mm era, I used to own a couple of Nikon cameras - the F90 and then the F100. Once I sold them I decided to transition to Canon. I prefer their build quality, and I love their lens. Currently, my favorite lens for art nude is the Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM portrait lens.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

When a musician recites notes from a page they demonstrate a proficiency baseline. Improvisation is achieved when music is expressed through subconscious intuition. Likewise, actors don’t just memorize their lines, they bring emotion to the performance. A great artist pours their soul onto the canvas. Photography is no different. When a photographer and model are emotionally synchronized, their collaboration takes on a transcendental experience.

Renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, “Your first 10,000 photos are your worst”. Photographers need to pass this threshold to begin their journey to greatness. In the days of film cameras, it was an expensive endeavor to take risks. The digital era allows for cost-effective experimentation. As I reviewed the RAW image of my first photoshoot, it occurred to me that I had passed my 10,000 mark many times over.

The best guitarists always have a guitar in their hand. The best writers are always writing. The best artists are always creating. Likewise, photographers need to be constantly shooting. The ultimate goal is to transcend technology and enter the art of improvisation.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

A common phrase in the artistic community goes like this: “Never tell an artist that you want a painting in blue”. I photograph images that I find alluring and provocative. I mainly cater to an audience of one. If it doesn’t spark an emotion then I delete it. But my true audience is models who see my portfolio and can’t wait to shoot with me. That's my greatest reward.

Life sterilizes our emotions as we age. Some get to the point where they can no longer define happiness because they haven’t felt true joy for so long. Their journey over decades has suppressed their spirit - becoming a shell of themselves without even realizing it. I can honestly say that I'm enjoying life to the fullest. Being creative every day fills my soul with happiness. Feeling visceral joy during my photoshoots is worth repeating.

I believe that empathy is the cornerstone of art nude photography. ‘Feeling’ my model helps to guide me through each session. Having a natural ability to see my photoshoots in the third person brings a transcendental perspective. When I have compassion for my model and she feels empathy towards me, then we’ve succeeded in creating a boundless infinity loop.

Here we are - this is the advice I would give to my younger self:

“Find your compassion and nourish your empathy as soon as possible. Disregard gender stereotypes. Shun peer pressure. Learn who you are and find your confidence. Once you get there, then no one can deter you.”