[Fingers Crossed] - Dirk Mai Interview.

Dirk Mai is a photographer from the West Coast, and although you may not know him by name, you’ll probably know him better as [fingers crossed]. He’s done photos for people like Jeffree Star, Hanna Beth Merjos, Isaiah Garnica and Sara Mohr. He’s been doing photography since high school and he says that he’s always wanted to do it for a living for as long as he can remember.


How did you get your start in photography?
my uncle is a photographer and ever since i was little ive always looked up to him. He was my first inspiration and then my father gave me my first camera-- an old Nikon FG when i was in High school (the one i now have tattooed on my chest). My first days of shooting were just under and over exposed shots of nature because i had no clue what i was doing.


How old were you when you first realized that you wanted to do photography for a living?
Ive known ever since i can remember. It's always been a know thing to me.


Who's been your favorite person to take pictures of?
Isaiah Garnica and Sara Mohr. they are the perfect androgynous pair. I love them.


What's been the best thing about being a photographer?
The lifestyle. Im living my fucking dream. It's one big party-- Literally and metaphorically.


What do you think about other people using your photos?
I dont mind at all when admirers post them online with credit. It's flattering. Just keep crediting them and everything is fine.


Do your artistic abilities attract the ladies?
Well, that and my dashing good looks ;)


Where did the name [fingers crossed] come from?
When i first joined myspace It was just to stay in touch with my friends. I didn't have any of my photography on it or really have any intentions to put any of it on it even at that point. My myspace name was [fingers crossed] because Im a little bit obsessed with the band Architecture in Helsinki and the album [fingers crossed] is probably the most influential album of my life so thats why i had it as my myspace name. Eventually i started doing shoots for my friends and they would credit to photos to [fingers crossed] in order to link the credit back to my myspace. The name ended up sticking...


What do you think about the Orphan Works Act, which basically states that you have to register every image or video you put on the internet, however, someone else could take it, register it as their own and take credit for that image?
I think you can probably guess how i feel about it... or how any photographer feels about it for that matter. Who wants other people taking credit for their work? Sure as hell not me.


Who would you love to photograph some day?
I get asked that one a lot. I've actually wanted to photograph Macauly Culkin for a long time now. some one set that up for me? K thanks.


Do you seek out people or do they look for you?
It goes both ways.


Is there anything else you want to get out of life besides high photographic ranks?
Oh of course. Im not in this for the ranks. Im in this because It's my passion. the ranks just happen to be a perk.


Do you feel that you're one of the best or the best in the business?
Hell no. Im not the best by any means. I think Ive got something to offer and have a unique quality about what i do but by no means am i the best. I have so many photographers that i idolize. Im new to this still, Ive got a lot to learn yet and a lot to improve on. Ive only just begun.


Have you done any work with film and/or polaroids and how do you feel about them being a dying breed?
yeah, i started on film and used to spend hours upon hours in the dark room. I loved it and never thought i would change to digital but then I used a digital camera for the first time and never looked back haha. but i do still enjoy film every once and a while and im always shooting polaroids. Obviously im very sad about that whole situation...


Andy Warhol and Woody Allen have had them, who's your muse, if you have one?
Ive had a few that I would call my muses but Id say sara and Isaiah are my solids.


What's it like to live with model, Isaiah Garnica?
haha well He's my best friend and muse and we fucking live it up. It's good living in a situation where there is always creative energy flowing.


What's the craziest rumor you've heard about yourself?
Well I don't lurk that much so there's probably a few i haven't heard but there's always speculation about my orientation. (and yes Im straight by the way)


What do you think photography is about?
It's about what you make it. For me it's pure passion and love. It's a lifestyle for me. Every single day Im doing something that incorporates photography. EVERY day. It will be like that till the day i die too.


What makes photography something more than a picture?
It's more than a picture when you see something in what you are photographing and capture it with your vision. Anyone can take a snapshot but if you can capture your vision in it, thats what its all about.


Any advice for those starting out in photography or thinking about it?
If you have passion for it things will work out the way they are supposed to. Just shoot as much as you can and make it a lifestyle. saturate your life in photography. When you do it everyday you will quickly figure out if It's meant to be or not.


What can everyone expect in the near future for you?
expect the unexpected. Im a mystery. I don't like to pigeon hole myself in one thing. Im always expanding and trying new things.


To book a photoshoot with Dirk Mai [fingers crossed] photography, please contact him at dirkinhelsinki@gmail.com

Dirk’s myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thebearsandi


-Sara