Charles Lowthian is an Australian photographer best known for his immediately recognizable images of the world’s greatest built men and women. Based in Melbourne, Charles’ image are known worldwide and are routinely featured in Flex Magazine and other internationally distributed AMI publications. He considers himself a story teller and I would very much have to agree. But if you were to ask me to describe him, I’d first tell you that he’s an incredibly nice guy. Then I’d say that he’s a damn good photographer! For proof, visit www.charleslowthian.com

Evan Centopani: I’m plugging away working on gathering content for the website I’m working on so that I can launch it! One of the things I plan to make a regular feature is “A Conversation with”. Basically, it will consist of me more or less having a conversation with a person and asking them some questions. The main idea is to allow the reader the chance to get to know someone such as yourself who I think they will find interesting. Basically, I think you’re interesting. Would you be up for this? If not, I respect your desire for privacy. You would be the first person for this particular feature. Yes, I thought of you first!

Charles Lowthian: Mate I’d be honored and happy to help out if I can! Plus, yay, Evan thought of me first! Let me know what you need. I’ll try and live up to this expectation of being interesting – your iphone probably auto corrected “hilarious, or crazy” …

Evan: (Laughter) Fantastic. I think interesting is far more flattering than hilarious or crazy. 

Charles: Evan knows just what to say to a malnourished guy that owns a camera.

Evan: (Laughter) I wouldn’t say malnourished. Let’s call it svelte and chalk it up to you dedicating your time and energy to another endeavor; art. Namely, photography. At least, that is what I have come to know you for. And chances are, most people out there who know your name immediately associate you with the bodybuilding/fitness industry. Before we go any further, is photography the sole medium you work with? 

Charles: I freelance in both photography and film (cinematography). Primarily shooting people based images. Technically speaking, I like working with physique based subjects; it allows me to work a lot with lighting in order to show them in their best form. For bodybuilders that can mean emphasizing condition and size. For females, oftentimes the aim is to showcase their beauty as well as their hard work. The lighting can change to directly reflect the mood or attitude of the subject.

On the topic of my svelte physique, perhaps it’s best we don’t talk about the fast food I have usually after shoots. Even if it’s to get any source of nutrients in after going long days with little food, it’s probably not the best look for someone who photographs fitness/bodybuilding with the goal of inspiring others! On a side note and similar topic, after the Australian Pro this year, I think you said you ended up having a burger or two from McDonalds. What things do you get them to take out or put in to make it as clean as possible? Just like to I know in case I ever find myself at the ordering line of this place I know, ahem, not much about (laughter).

Evan: If we’re going to be totally fair, you being someone who photographs the best physiques in the world is no reason to feel guilty about eating fast food. Even the most recognized physique athletes have some crap now and then. And yes, I did have some McDonalds when I was in Melbourne back in March. The sad reality is that McDonald’s apple pies are no longer deep fried here in the USA. We now have a lackluster baked version. Wah waaahhhhh. And if I remember correctly, they were 2 for a dollar. How could I pass them up? How to make McDonald’s clean? Stay basic. Burger, lettuce, tomato, ketchup along with unsalted fries. No cheese, no “special sauces”, no stupid parfaits or anything like that. Have a burger with lettuce and tomato and be on your way. While we’re talking about “clean”/ good, what do you feel makes for “clean”/good photography? 

Charles: Oh I don’t feel guilty at all. Just yesterday I had two triple cheeseburgers in two separate settings…duly noted about ordering without the cheese in the future…but let’s take this fast food journey one step at a time. Oh and for the record I also had pasta and beef meals during this day, and trained in the morning….it wasn’t all bad.

I suppose my interpretation of the words “good” and “clean” have two separate meanings. Clean feels more like a “standard” less “deep” image ie: not much subtext or theme. But that’s subjective to what the image is as that’s more my meaning if I were to use it to describe an image that I felt had this affect when viewing. Not sure if that answered or dodged your question? 

Evan: Lots of beef; check. Clean images have no soul; check. So then what are good images? 

Charles: (Laughing) I wouldn’t say “no soul”. Clean images have a purpose and target audience. Much like the more commercial films that aim for mass audience appeal. A clean image can be good. Really it’s whatever the intended purpose of the image is and if the goal was achieved. That’s what keeps the entire process interesting; the challenge to deliver. Which is why I can enjoy working in creating many different types of imagery; be it for a commercial client, a fine art project, a couple in love, etc… If the client wants images with meaning and impact then awesome! 

Evan: But tell me what makes an image GOOD/GREAT, in your estimation!

Charles: Having Evan Centopani as the image’s subject. ?  Did I pass? (Laughter)

Evan: Ha! You know just what to say to a guy with body dysmorphia!

Your work has become very easy to spot. That is to say, I can immediately tell if a photo is one of yours. Explain to me why that is.

Charles: You mean, aside from all the watermarks and my name stamped over the images? (Chuckles) There are two technical parts to a photograph: the exposure/capture (lighting and composition); and the development (post processing). Then there is the interaction between the person(s) being photographed and the photographer, or within the scene that is captured. 

To address the technical first: Sometimes people comment on the post processing (aka “photoshop”) that I apparently do. However the consistency that I see in my work is evident in many different types of photographs: be it natural light exterior location shooting, or highly lit studio/gym/interior setups. Same with the editing: often I don’t even do much post processing on some images, yet going off people’s comments: they seem to think that’s what it is – even when there isn’t. I sometimes laugh at this, but keep my mouth shut from entering into it (“keyboard wars” lol); and just think to myself “no, he actually looked like that”.  So technically there is not really always a consistency. Therefore I think the consistency or “look” that my work has is to do with the subjects in the images. The expressions, relationship and interaction with the camera and/or scene. A few friends have told me something that sticks in my mind about their thoughts on my work: “Some photograph the body, you photograph the person”. Which is really fulfilling feedback, as that is my intention and approach to all types of photography and filming that I do involving people. And if it’s more dramatic/acting based image making it’s the same thing: conveying a character through the expression of emotions and capturing this. Just when you are photographing the body as a subject as well: the aim is to also show the person at their best, physically; at the same time. Which makes it extra fun! You’re not just capturing a face or garments. You’re capturing everything: shredded, full, lean, energetic, beauty, beast, etc… As well as facial and postural expressions that suits the intention and visions for the shoot. Lots of options. 

Evan: I love it. If you could photograph one person living or dead, who would it be? And why?

Charles: I’m going to pretend you said two people. In bodybuilding: Ronnie Coleman. Why? Truly one of a kind. And that’s no disrespect to any other athlete as I don’t think anyone would dispute that what he brought to the contest stage might not ever be seen again. Incredibly beyond ridiculous (and then some) development and structure in every muscle belly. Also Flex Wheeler – the “Sultan of Symmetry”; crazy fullness and depth with tiny joints. I don’t want to have to pick just one (laughter). The other dream and next goal is to photograph Rihanna. She’s amazing. Her voice, music, looks, and particularly her style! So much to bring to a collaboration.  And or to photograph for VS!

Evan: Is anything you want people reading this to know…anything at all! You have the floor.

Charles: How come I don’t get the couch? It’s more comfy than the floor. What’s this you say about some film in the making with the Evan Centopani? 

Evan: I see what you did there. Pretty slick. I’m going to wrap this up by asking you who the greatest rock band of all time is.

Charles: I’m trying to think of something clever to say as a witty answer to that question. Truth be told, I cannot think of something funny to say – and according to my own self-evaluation I’m meant to be hilarious. A little awkward. Speaking of rock, and bodybuilding: did you hear Kevin Levrone’s band Fulblown? He was the first pro I got to see and meet (years ago now) when he competed in the Australian Pro Grand Prix back in 2002, I think. Incredible bodybuilder and awesome tracks on their album. See how I semi dodged your actual question there? 

Evan: Zepelin is the greatest rock band of all time. Stick to photography.

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