THE TALENTMAN EXCLUSIVE | PETER WISE: BEHIND THE LENS (MAY 2018) /  by Michael Seifert

THIS SPRING 2018, EMERGING FASHION & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER PETER WISE TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT. WORKING IN AN EVER-CHANGING INDUSTRY, SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BECOME A VITAL COMPONENT IN SHAPING ANYONE'S CAREER. IN FACT, IT HAS THE POWER TO MAKE OR BREAK A MODEL, DESIGNER, COMPANY BRAND, OR PHOTOGRAPHER'S CAREER. A MAN WHO HAS WISELY UTILIZED THIS TOOL TO SHARE HIS TALENT AND WORK WITH THE WORLD, PETER WISE IS A PASSIONATE MAN WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH PHOTOGRAPHY. TODAY, WISE ACTIVELY WORKS WITH NEW YORK'S WELL-RESPECTED FRONTRUNNERS IN MODEL MANAGEMENT. TALENTMAN FOUNDER MICHAEL SEIFERT SITS DOWN WITH WISE FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, AS WE EMBARK ON A JOURNEY 'BEHIND THE LENS' AND DISCUSS "THE AMERICAN DREAM," PHOTOGRAPHY, AND STAYING TRUE TO YOUR ROOTS. 

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When did you get into photography and what fueled your desire to explore this field?
Started taking photography seriously around 2 years ago…just had a cheap camera and started by just shooting my friends. Was just something I wanted to try, ended up loving it, so kept pushing it.

Define your “American Dream”  
I think the American Dream means different things to different people, but to me, the typical American Dream scenario is a bit of a lie—go to school, get a job, buy a house, raise a family, retire—I don’t equate that with happiness. I just want to be successful through a passion, through something I actually enjoy; and to me success doesn’t mean money, it means freedom, freedom to enjoy life the way I want to.

How has social media contributed to your career as a photographer?
It’s a very direct way to get your work out to a lot of different eyes, so for me I think it has helped me just connect with new people and create opportunities within the industry.

Becoming a successful photographer is New York requires sacrifice. Share a life-changing/pivotal moment that has shaped your journey? 
That moment I chose to quit the cushy salary gig to step out and pursue photography—there will be more sacrifices to be made in the future. 

How would you describe your aesthetic as a photographer? 
Hmm perhaps clean, sometimes minimal, natural, revealing? I don’t like the idea of having an aesthetic that I think about so much, I feel you restrict yourself…so i just try to do what I feel.

What excites you about fashion photography
Simply, just something new every single time you shoot, so it never gets old.

Favorite photographer and why  
It changes daily, but right now probably Peter Lindbergh—his approach to it all.

Where do you see your career in 5 years  
Hopefully still doing this, and at an even higher level.

Words Peter Wise lives by
No words per se, but I try to just stay positive with everything.

How did you first link up with TALENTMAN? 
I ended up meeting Michael from TALENTMAN a couple years back when I was first getting started with photography. I ended up working with TALENTMAN a good amount, testing with a handful of models on the board. Have been a friend of Michael and TALENTMAN ever since.

What is the “ideal” model of today
I don’t think there is an end all be all “ideal” model—I think it’s important to keep that open ended, because everyone brings something to the table.

Final words/advice you can share with your followers & aspiring photographers
Not really haha, I’m still figuring it out myself, but I’ll keep you posted.

*FOLLOW PETER WISE (@PETERWISE_) FOR THE LATEST UPDATES*

MUNIRA ZULKA | INTRODUCING: THE RISE OF A 'RADIANT' WARRIOR (APRIL 2018) /  by Michael Seifert

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TALENTMAN is proud to introduce our newest warrior of Ghanaian descent - MUNIRA ZULKA, an activist, and writer. This statuesque beauty represents “beauty & brains” with her degree in Computer Science and a passion to advocate for change. With a recent signing in New York and a powerful book on its way, this 'radiant' beauty is on en route to stardom.

MARKUS PICHLMAYER | "MARKS US WITH HIS MYSTERY" APRIL 2018 /  by Michael Seifert

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Model(s): Markus Pichlmayer
Photographer: Tamara Muth King

What made you decide to get into modeling?
I see modeling as a great opportunity to travel and explore the world. In addition, I really enjoy being in front of the camera and shooting with talented creatives in the industry.

How has your life changed since pursuing modeling?
I definitely am traveling more than before. Modeling has allowed me to come to New York several times to shoot and further develop myself as a person altogether.

What is your life motto?
Do what you love.

What is one thing that you dislike about the industry?
I don’t agree with the industry promoting restricted body types in their ads. I feel it’s important to showcase that real beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

What makes you unique?
What makes me unique is the fact that I am willing to work very hard to achieve all my life goals.

If you had one last day on earth left, what would you do?
I would spend my last day on earth with the people I love.

Who are your current favorite models?
Lucky Blue Smith, because I feel like we are similar types of models.

What’s your favorite song?
1-800-273-8255 by Logic/Alessia Cara/Khalid

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself in multiple campaigns. I also love animals and see myself becoming a veterinarian one day. Establishing myself as a model and brand will help me raise more awareness around animal cruelty and the importance of animals in our lives.

What made you want to explore becoming a veterinarian? 
I’ve always loved animals. Growing up as a child, I would mainly read books about cheetahs among other species. I developed a curiosity to learn more about exotic animals. I don’t want to be just another veterinarian, but mainly focus on treating and caring for exotic animals. 

What is your message to aspiring models around the world?
Invest in your social media channels like Instagram. Like myself, many models today can get discovered online. Stay true to yourself and love what you do!