New York City proves to be the origin of the vast number of creative geniuses and artistic minds alike – Jimmy Fontaine being one of them. The city-based photographer has experimented with an array of subjects in his photographs, ranging from professional snowboarders to models in statement fashion spreads. Fontaine’s impressive clientele includes highly-esteemed publications among the likes of Nylon Magazine, Elle Magazine, Inked Magazine and the Village Voice. Jimmy has also worked with popular brands including Sony, Charlotte Ronson and Urban Outfitters. With his eclectic range, and the raw personal touch shown in his work, Jimmy proves that he has mastered the ability to create both a fantasy – yet at the end of the day still be able to capture reality.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What is sexy to you? What isn’t sexy?
Jimmy Fontaine: I guess sexiness in a person is when someone has their shit together, they’re confident and treat people well. That goes a long way and that combined with good looks is even better. What isn’t sexy, are people who try too hard to be something they aren’t, people who demean others or carry themselves with a sense of entitlement or arrogance.
Rachel Schwartzmann: Tell us a brief history of your artistic endeavors. How did you get into photography?
Jimmy Fontaine: I started shooting skateboarding, snowboarding, punk and hardcore shows in Southern California. That’s where I grew up and got my start creatively… just documenting youth culture in every aspect I guess. That led to shooting snowboarding professionally which brought me to Portland, Oregon and then eventually made a transition into portraiture and fashion which brought me to NY.
Rachel Schwartzmann: Is there a predominant theme or idea you want to emulate in your work? If so, what is it?
Jimmy Fontaine: Not really, I try my best to just capture natural emotion from people. I always try to get an intimate side out of every person I photograph. I approach most shoots with a sense of technical simplicity and don’t try and change the situation that’s in front of me. I guess my approach comes from the way I photographed people when I was first starting… very spontaneous.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What is one thing you haven’t done in photography but would like to try?
Jimmy Fontaine: There are always new things to try. That’s the great thing about photography. There’s always new and innovative ways to create images. But, I don’t know if there’s one thing in particular I’d like to try… Sometimes you stumble across new techniques and ways to approach a shoot which is always exciting.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What is a muse to you? Where do you draw inspiration?
Jimmy Fontaine: I draw inspiration from a lot of different arenas—definitely from certain eras of cinema. Ingmar Bergman is a huge influence to me, Fellini as well. I also try and surround myself with like minded individuals – people who are always pushing forward creatively are always inspiring. There’s been a couple people in my life who maybe I’ve considered muses. People I’ve just connected with in so many aspects. It’s great when you find someone like that.
Rachel Schwartzmann: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment thus far?
Jimmy Fontaine: Just the fact that I’m still progressing and moving forward. It’s great to look back a few years to see what I was doing to where I’m at now. Constantly advancing and forging forward, in my mind, is my biggest accomplishment.
Rachel Schwartzmann: If you had the chance to work with anyone, whether they be in fashion, photography or not, who would it be and why?
Jimmy Fontaine: I’d really like to photograph Blixa Bargeld from Einsturzende Neubauten one day, or Greg Dulli from the Afghan Whigs. Both of those guys have been huge influences to me for a long time.
Rachel Schwartzmann: Any upcoming projects?
Jimmy Fontaine: I’ve been working on an ongoing photo project of the hardcore and punk scenes in various cities for the past 12 years. I’ve been talking with the guys at CHAPTER about possibly doing a book or some kind of project with the images in the next year or two… It’s something I don’t want to rush though I definitely want it to be very thorough and strong.
Rachel Schwartzmann: On an end note what are your thoughts individually on sex, fashion and photography? Do they have a connection or do you believe they stand better on their own?
Jimmy Fontaine: I think there’s definitely a connection between the three. It’s very empowering when someone is sexually confident. It comes across very clear in a photograph. I think people are a lot more open and confident when it comes to sex nowadays and when you’re incorporating strong and appropriate fashion mixed with strong imagery you get a great final result.
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