The Stopping Power of Simon 'Hotsnapz' Barnes | Part 1

The Stopping Power of Simon 'Hotsnapz' Barnes | Part 1


IF THERE IS SOMETHING SIMON BARNES IS NOT, IT IS A LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER. KNOWING HIS LIMITATIONS IN THAT AREA, SIMON HAS FOCUSED AND SPECIALIZED ON A WHOLE DIFFERENT KIND OF LANDSCAPE. THE CURVED LINES OF THE MALE BODY. CREATING EYE CATCHING IMAGES IS WHAT SIMON DOES BEST, UNDER THE ICONIC NAME HOTSNAPZ. HOTSNAPZ: A PHOTOGRAPHER WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF STOPPING POWER.

Simon ‘Hotsnapz’ Barnes was born in the north of London, has moved around in the UK during his life and is now back in the capital city, where he does his magic. We first met Simon through a mutual friend, Zach Burns. And we got immediately hooked on his work. That is what stopping power means.
Simon, let’s start with an intriguing question…your artists name: Hotsnapz..why are you using it and where does it come from?
Hotsnapz: Oh dear it’s a fairly awful name but I’m stuck with it! At the time I wanted something short and snappy. Hence HOTSNAPZ. Its too late to re-brand myself now, but at least people remember it, And on the plus side it translates well. LOL Luckily people are also familiar with Simon Barnes, but as there are TWO of us in the UK its still Simon Barnes: Hotsnapz!

Did you always wanted to be a photographer?
Hotsnapz: I’ve always been interested in photography, but for many years I’ve been involved with the theater, first as an actor and then as a director..I think thats why my style is often flamboyant and theatrical. I started work in a photographic studio, hand retouching prints. This was pre-digital and pre-computer, all we had was a black pencil and a scalpel!! The lure of the cameras in the room next door was too much, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What makes for you a great photograph?
Hotsnapz: Oh if I really knew this I’d take a lot more of them! Its something indefinable, it can be an expression, the way the light falls, so many things. But I think we all instinctively know a great image when we see it. It says Stop! Think! Look at me!

You are doing a lot of portrait and art photography. What is it that attracts you in this type of work?
Hotsnapz: I love people! To me the fun in taking the image is nearly as good as looking at the end product... I have a bad sense of humor, which often gets me into trouble though. Jokingly I suggested to a model I use my hair clippers and go for a Mohican look! He wasn’t amused... I can’t get many laughs from a building or a packet of soap powder, so give me people anyday!

Who are you inspired by, who do you admire, and why?
Hotsnapz: So many good photographers inspire me, but quite often its a single image. If I give a list I’m bound to forget someone who I regret later.
Besides photography, what other passions do you have?
Hotsnapz: Theater, Friends and Food in that order! Lol -B-
Continue reading the BeautifulMag / Hotsnapz interview next week Thursday, May 8.
Featured models: Antonio | Dominic | Ed | James | Jean | Matt | Nick | Phil | Scott.
Interview by Rob Evers | BeautifulMag/BeautifulMedia 2008 .