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| This wonderful gentleman that I'm blessed to call friend, has achieved so much with the camera. In his bio it states that he is best known for his portraits and publicity photos. He's able to capture the essence of his client's inner beauty. His roster of celebrity clients is amazing. He's worked with Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, Freda Payne, Jessica Simpson, Julie Newmar, Stefanie Powers, Giles Marini, Priscilla Presley, Marlena Shaw, Jane Lynch, Sean William Scott, Roseanne Barr, Ricky Martin, Mario Lopez, Pamela Anderson, Linda Gray, Linda Clifford and Thelma Houston to name a few.
His photos have appeared in magazines: People, Playboy, Billboard, Essence and the list goes on and on. Many of the CD and DVD covers for entertainers are his work, just look at his work for legends, Smokey Robinson and Etta James, you will understand why he's in demand. And we are blessed to have him associated with "Chit Chat" magazine. With excitement it was decided that Mr. Alan Mercer would grace our cover.
The Los Angeles based Photographer found time to let me ask him a few questions. I found him to be extremely grounded, enlightening and honest. Trust me, you will too.
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| THE INTERVIEW |
John: Where were you born?
Alan: In Ardmore, Oklahoma, but I never lived there. I grew up in Nebraska and Texas.
John: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Alan: I have one of each. I am the oldest.
John: At what age were you when you realized that being behind the lens would be your profession?
Alan: By the time I was 19 I knew I wanted to do this but I got sidetracked with art for a while.
John: You are the photographer to the "Stars", it's seems that every photo of a celebrity that I like, I discover that it's your work. What makes your work different from your contemporaries? What's makes your photos stand out?
Alan: Perhaps the fact that I am so designed to do what I do. I work from my heart and I have my own vision so that makes the work stand out I think.
John: You have worked with Ms. Freda Payne, Ms. Thelma Houston, Ms. Dee Dee Sharp, and recently Ms. Marlena Shaw, among many others, what makes you stay grounded, remain normal?
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Alan: I just work and it is hard at times so even though I work with these luminaries I am not them. I am naturally a grounded person to begin with.
John: What celebrity would you love to work with?
Alan: There are so many that it's hard to name just one but how about Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, just to name three!!!
John: Who was the first celebrity client? How did it come about?
Alan: Character actor Danny Trejo was my first celebrity client. It happened because I called his agent when I lived in Texas and asked if he would pose for me and he said yes.
John: Do you get nervous before a celebrity shoot?
Alan: Yes I do. I have a good reputation to produce striking images so I want every photo to be what the client wants.
John: How do you prepare for an assignment?
Alan: I just make sure the batteries are charged and that I have everything I need. I also learn as much as I can about the subject. |
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Alan with actress Linda Gray
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John: You seem to always be working, how do you relax?
Alan: My work and my hobby are the same so I can relax by taking photos and working in photo shop for fun! I also listen to music and meditate.
John: Can you cook? And so, what's your favorite dish to prepare?
Alan: I can cook and I like to make many things but Italian food is the most fun.
John: Are you gay?
Alan: Out and proud!
John: Are you involved, romantically?
Alan: As much as possible!
John: Do you have or want children?
Alan: No, not in my destiny this life time. I have two nephews and a niece that I adore.
John: Do you lend your celebrity to any causes or benefits?
Alan: If asked I sure do.
John: What would your fans be surprised to learn about you?
Alan: Maybe that I am quiet and reserved more than I am out going. Also I know very little about photography.
John: What's your favorite color?
Alan: Some shade of blue purple.
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John: What word do you hate?
Alan: Poverty.
John: You are more than a photographer, you are an artist, what would you like to be remembered for?
Alan: For being a good guy who was kind to people and could occasionally take a good picture!
John: When working, do you have assistants?
Alan: Sometimes I have no one and sometimes I have two or three, but most of the time I work with Eric Venturo as my creative partner.
John: You have such beautiful work, you are able to capture the essence of whomever you're photographing, will you publish a collection, a book of your work?
Alan: Within ten years I believe I will. I want to do some more work first.
John: I don't want to give the impression that you only with entertainers, you work with the general public as well, how would one make an appointment with you?
Alan: Anyone can hire me of course. I do many actor head shots for up and comers and newbies. I also shoot family portraits and more. I am very open to earning a living with a camera.
John: What's your favorite word?
Alan: Love.
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| I would like to take this time to thank Mr. Alan Mercer for all that he has done with "Chit Chat" magazine and for allowing us to peek inside of his world. To check out his beautiful work and/or to contact him, go to his website. |
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