Meet Zoe Wiseman | Fine Art Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zoe Wiseman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zoe, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
My coffee habit, and habitually ignoring what is trendy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My main focus in my art is the nude. Throughout history men have defined what a woman is. Anytime women set out to redefine how women are creates a contemptuous attitude from some who have been conditioned in their thoughts and vision on seeing women in a lustful or submissive heir of being. When they see strength in a woman through a photograph, they either are relieved and elated, or they are threatened by it. Especially when that woman happens to be nude.

One of my favorite quotes about this conundrum is: “Society has a problem with female nudity when it is not packaged for the consumption of male entertainment.” Erykah Badu

The first time I read that quote by Badu I said, “YESSSSS,” bolder than my all caps yes could express. She expressed that on one short sentence better than some have been able to express that in huge essays.

My nudes are not packaged for sexual entertainment. I’m not going to reverse the thought process of an entire world, but maybe seeing a strong nude woman in all her confidence will cause women to pause and see themselves as strong too. Though, if the men who gate keep the avenues to show my work censor me, they will not. I am reliant upon those gate keepers in order to have my work seen. So that isn’t all that easy. It takes more resourcefulness in order to show my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My idea of a beautiful day always revolves around nature, food and good coffee. I live in Topanga so I have not far to go to find these treats.

I always take my friends who come for a visit for the first time to The Apple Pan. While it seems to have changed drastically in the last year, it has been an LA favorite since 1947. I miss the cash only vibe with the old cash registers and the long time staff members who remembered you when you walked in, but the food hasn’t changed.

Tra di Noi in Malibu. Also one of our favorites, along with Habana which is a stones throw from there. They are easy spots after a day of hiking or beaching.

For a long breakfast, when you can get in, I love Cafe 27, not only for the food but also for the incredible view of Topanga. If you like feeling as if you are dining in a tree house it’s a great spot.

One of the best hikes in LA County is walking the Backbone Trail. You can pick it up at many points in the Santa Monica Mountains and every access point is gorgeous.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I stand on a lot of shoulders and I have never taken that for granted.

First and foremost would be all the models that trust me to exhibit them in the strongest way I know how. Without their trust and collaboration in my work I would be no where.

Fabrik Projects for exhibiting my work throughout the world and here in Los Angeles and believing in my work.

bG Gallery for always opening their doors to me and also exhibiting my work and taking me along their journey where I fit in.

All of the many photographers who encouraged me when I began transitioning from model to photographer and finding my own vision. In particular, Bryce Lankard, Carlton Mickle, Michael Marlborough and Manuello Paganelli. They always had the answers. Still do.

Everything to me is symbiotic.

Website: http://www.zoewiseman.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zoewiseman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoe.wiseman

Youtube: https://vimeo.com/zoewiseman

Other: My book: http://www.sunkissed85.com My community for other artists who do what I do: http://www.communityzoe.com

Image Credits
Image of Zoe by Madame Bink All photographs by Zoe Wiseman