CONVERSATION WITH FRED GOUDON - PHOTOGRAPHER OF DIEUX DU STADE CALENDAR 2006

^{Photo of Body Gallery by Fred Goudon}

I have met Fred Goudon in his Parisian apartment in the north of Paris. It was amazing to get into the world of this renowned photographer, and listen about his beginning in 90's 80's ;-) (damn he looks so young that I hardly can believe it), his inspirations (Bruce Weber & Herb Ritts), new projects, and those that everyone is talking about.

His work makes you feel like a voyeur (but in a tender way), and he is always up for showing you more. The director's approach is what characterize all his work.

This is just the first in series of posts about Fred, and it is about his experience in making 2006 Dieux de Stade Calendar.

^{Photo from Bed Time Stories by fred Goudon}

When you saw the Calendar for the first time, what was on your mind?
FG: I wanted to be a part of it, thinking that the way I see male models could bring something new to it.

What was your favorite photo?
FG: The one taken by Matthias Vriens 2003 calendar. Very provocative. And of course the François Rousseau 2004 edition

Which part of shooting do you find the most exciting?
FG: Everything is possible in order to make the best photo, and it is all based on trust. Good models know how to play with the camera and that makes my work really exciting.

How do you make your models feel comfortable?
FG: I do tend to do everything by myself... makeup, hair, .... and those are the moments where two souls connect in search for that perfect image. It is very important that we both understand where we should go within a given setting, the "story" and the logic sense of the image.

Is the era of the hair back?
FG: Hair was always around, it just needs to be trimmed well, so it looks good. More natural the look, better the photo.

What was your motivation & inspiration to do this calendar?
FG: I wanted to make it more masculine and virile but still keep it sexy. But the things did not really go the way I have imagined.I was introduced to 2 Italian art directors Susanna Cucco ad Macs Iotti who took over the artistic value of the calendar. It was a great shock but it made work even more interesting as I was seeing things with 6 eyes now. So I see this calendar as a collaboration effort more than my vision of what it should have been.

Were the "models" (sportsmen) shy?
FG: Not at all. They all feel really comfortable with their nudity, it is not their first time either. The guests were more reluctant than the "permanent members".

Did any of them get excited during the shooting?
FG: Unfortunately NO ! ... lol Even though we had a really sexy female make up artist and very sexy photographer ;-) Given the setting (with all the team around) it was easy for them to keep it down.

Who is your favorite model?
FG: The two British guest models, but you will have to see the calendar and decide for yourself. I was disappointed to see that this year Michalack was not a part of it.

I can not help but notice that you have a great eye to capture a movement. Did you get the chance to use that in this calendar?
FG: Not realy ! Even though my idea was to bring them all outdoors, take the photos of them in action, and catch the fraternity spirit and virile movements; that was not the idea artistic directors had. So, I had to settle for studio static shots. What I did get the possibility to impose is this 80's look, and that really worked well in studio environment.

What would be your wildest dream come through ?
FG: Well I did almost everything I have ever dreamt about. I would love if books I publish were bringing enough money for models to get payed. The only problem a photographer can face is the financial limitation that put boundaries to imagination... It would be great not to have that burden to worry about it in my artistic work.

^{Photo from Aqua by Fred Goudon}

Comments

[Vic]

Is Gregory Mahe in this one? ;-)

[Adam]

No Mahe, no Michalak. :·(
This year's calendar isn't as good as Vrien's or Rousseau's. I think the artistic directors were wrong to use Mr. Goudon's talents to realize their own fetish. Having seen his other work, I think he would have captured the "fraternity spirit and virile movements" brilliantly. And I can't imagine that the players are too proud of these sterile, sexless studio photos.

[Vic]

No Mahe?? :-((( I was so looking forward to him. He is 10/10 perfect. Heck, he should get his own calendar, that's an idea. I luv you Frenchies x

[A Faithful Female Reader]

No Michalak?? No way...he was the best thing in the calendar. I am bummed. Those men are ugly!

[Alex Sommers]

I understand the anguish over missing players. Some of my favorites haven't appeared since the 2002 calendar!

However, there are many good looking men in the calendar, and I like the additions of Tony Marsh and Serge Betsen to capture the more rugged aspect of the game. Not all ruggers are pretty boys, and the calendar should reflect that.

My biggest regrest is that only a few members of the Stade Francais pro team participate. There are some of who I guess are juniors (associated with the team, but not on the team). However, I'd rather see the real players -- even if they don't show their willies as the juniors do.

Next year, I really would like to see the calendar looking more like the ones from 2001 and 2004 -- where it was obvious the guys are rugby athletes and not gay models.

[Charles Miracle]

I love this sit. Just found it today and will tell all my friends about it.