Q&A: Erotic Craftsman, Graham Collinson

For most of you, Graham Collinson, doesn't need an introduction. I was introduced to his work by a friend, long before I ever met the guy, and like most, was blown away by it. Flash forward to a wedding reception I was attending and there he was, in the flesh...so to speak. I was a bit leery about saying hi to someone of his stature, but he turned out to be rather charming and a bit humble. A few nights later, after a long discussion ranging from sl photography, to music and politics. we became friends. There's a lot to like about Graham, like his self effacing humor and his devotion to his sl partner, Maria, but I'll step aside and let him introduce himself.

Graham Collinson

 

So who is Graham Collinson and how did he become the photographer/artist we know today?
Graham: This is the kind of theme people write books about. :)
Well, my rl mother is an artist, and I spent all my teenage years and early years as an adult stepping away from it really. But deep deep down there was something that wouldn't let go and I started working with lights after being dumped by my first SL girlfriend. I think I spent 2 weeks at the Japan Tempura Island and it just took off.

 

Still haven't edited one picture I have taken in here. The search and wish to learn is what brought me here I guess.
In the beginning I mainly took portraits and landscapes, but I had this wish to do erotics, it took me years before I dared to. The wonderful Colleen Criss was the first girl I did those with, and I owe her a lot. I remember being really nervous about this. I think it was a Wednesday we scheduled and I had set up a tub. I took like 56 pictures and sent them to her and expected a total bitchslap, thankfully she was delighted.

 

Colleen Criss: Graham is one of the most awesome photographers I know and he is huge fun to work with! Plus he lets me swipe his away message !!

 

The next day it was on the Pornstar blog and several erotic models had already Im`ed me when I logged on. Since then I have done quite a few shoots with different girls. I am setting up a blog as we speak for my erotic work. Not much has been published:)

And for the record, I prefer being called a craftsman to artist :)

 





In your opinion, what sets your photography off from most others?
Graham: Well, the fact that I don't edit obviously and that my shoots often can be 40 to 50 pictures. My record is 160.

A lot of your adult photography contains high levels of artistic touch; How do you respond to people that simply dismiss it as SL pornography?
Graham: A lot of SL porn is very explicit and straight forward. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I wanted to show that you can do it "my" way too. I don't rate my stuff over or under what others do. If someone dismiss it as porn, I am quite pleased actually, because its more erotics to me.

Maria Collinson

 

I understand you are a big music fan, tell us about that side of you?
Graham: Yes, true, and always have been. I have been hooked since my grandfather put his headphones on me and put on Norwegian folk music. It started when I was around 4. I spent all the money I had from that age until I was like 20 on music, so I have a big collection of records. I like to play the guitar too, but I seem to be incapable of doing things the "right" way. :)

 

 

 

So what is the real football?
Soccer of course. I don't understand why you American took that name for your version of it. The first professional soccer team was founded in 1863. I am quite sure it was well before you got started.

 



Your work often has a romantic flair to it...do you consider yourself a romantic? What would a romantic evening be to you?
Graham: I guess I am, but too much mushyness doesn't work for me. I am very attentive though and love to hug and cuddle. A perfect night is a quiet night with music on and not too many words said.
Why do I have the feeling my porn image will be ruined after this interview? :p

I think you'll come out of this unscathed (laugh). Do you have a muse?
Graham: Yes I do. Her name is Bianca Xavorin and she kinda picked me up at a time when life was rough. She had followed my work for a long time and contacted me when she thought something was wrong. Since that day she has been my main inspiration. She is my closest friend in either life. I owe her so much. I should mention my Maria too. She always encourages me to work, even with erotics, which I haven't experienced on SL before.

So what do we have to look forward to from the mind of Graham Collinson?
Good question. I stopped and thought about this and couldn't figure anything useful to say. As long as it matters to some it doesn't matter what I do really. I can promise that I will continue to try to push the limits for whats possible inworld. I doubt you will ever see me edit. :)