1. First off, tell us a little about yourself.
My name is James Perdue aka ValveHouse. I'm from San Francisco California but I grew up in central CA near Monterey. My background is actually in music not art. In college I was a music major with an emphasis on electronic music production. I didn't graduate though; I dropped out before my final semester because I was offered an internship at a bay area recording studio - I couldn't pass it up. Working in the music industry, I was always surrounded by creative, artistic people so, when I decided to make the change from being a "recording artist" to a visual artist the transition was a very natural one.

2. Have you gone to school for photography?
I didn't study formally. I'm mostly self-taught. Growing up, both my older brother and my father were pretty serious photographic hobbyists, we had a darkroom in our house! There were always lots of photography books and magazines around so, you might say I was raised in it. Having said all that, I would also add that my photographic chops probably aren't quite up to the level of say, a pro photographer. [laughs] I'm still learning so bear with me!

3. Where do you think to start when you begin composing an image?
If I'm doing a studio shoot I'm usually working with props like dolls or mannequins so I probably have a basic idea of the composition before I start but I always try to shoot the subject in a variety of ways and look at things from a lot of different angles.

4. When you shoot on-location, what is your workflow like?
If I'm on location or just out-and-about I might see something that catches my attention in a quirky way so I just start snapping shots. Some of the best images are the unplanned ones!

5. Do you use any wild techniques in the (digital) darkroom?
For me, it's all about post production. As I said before, my photography skills aren't quite up to snuff so I tend to really rework my images after the fact. I usually open a raw shot in Photo Shop; if I'm going for a black and white look I'll do the conversion with the channel mixer. Next, I use the unsharp mask in a series of passes to add some grain to the image and give it more of a film feel.

After that the real work starts. I use a technique that was taught to me by my friend Jeff Alu. It involves a lot of selective dodging and burning; getting the blacks as black as possible and the highlights as bright as possible.

Finally, I add selective blurring using a plug-in called 'Simulated DOF' it's really great for simulating a shallow DOF and directing the viewer's eye to a certain part of the photo. But I use it mainly to add a level of visual distortion or to throw things off-kilter visually.

6. For you, what constitutes a "good" photograph?
That's a tough question![laughs] What makes a photograph "good" or "bad" for that matter? It's really very subjective. There's the textbook answer about composition, lighting etc. but it's more than that, isn't it? I'm always trying to present my subjects in interesting or thought provoking ways so, for me, the bottom line is feeling. I have to get a vibe (good or bad) off of a picture. It has to make me "feel" something.

7. Do you use primarily digital cameras or film? Which do you prefer? Tell us a little bit about your equipment.
I use digital cameras exclusively. I do love the look of film and I really admire artists who use it. My current setup is really simple; I use a Nikon D40 with the stock 18-55 kit lens. I have a cheap Bogen tripod for when I need one. I don't use an external flash or light rig. I shoot almost everything with available light. I have a couple of homemade reflectors made from white foam core and aluminum foil. That's about it.

8. Your photographs have this seemingly infinite depth, like looking at a movie poster. How do you go about achieving that feel?
I grew up in the era of rock album cover art. Artists like; Roger Dean and the Hipgnosis design group were a huge influence on me... especially Hugh Syme and the work he did with the band RUSH - He's just incredible! I'm also a big sci-fi fan. I loved the old Twilight Zone and Outer Limits TV series and I think that they had a profound influence on my art.

Achieving that "movie poster" feel in my own work isn't something that I intentionally set out to do. I think it's just a result of the sum my influences.

I have had a lot of people comment that my images look like they could be a CD or DVD covers. That's a great compliment.

9. How do you think an amateur can add impact and emotion to his/her photography?
Well, if you're doing conceptual pieces like I'm doing, try to think of your picture as a one-frame movie - by that I mean; have a clear idea of the story that you are trying to tell. It should have a beginning, middle and end. The story or concept doesn't even have to be all that rigid. If you just provide the viewer with the pieces of the story; a situation, and the characters, they (the viewer) will connect the dots and create the story in their own mind.

10. What is in the future for your Web site, Valvehouse, and your photography?
Regarding the website; Other than periodically adding my new work to the site, valvehouse.com probably won't see any major changes for a while.

On a personal level, obviously, I'd like to continue to grow as an artist. I would love to do some gallery shows this year and to continue meeting and networking with artists from around the world.

I have some exciting things looming on the horizon. I'm currently working with my friend and fellow artist Colin Marx; we're planning a series of shows. These will showcase up-and-coming underground artists. Most of the artists involved are acquaintances and friends that we've met online or at art shows. So, I guess the real idea behind the show is friends getting together and supporting each other in doing what we love; creating art! The first of these, tentatively titled "Outsider: The Real Underground" will probably drop in November… I'll keep you posted.

11. What brought you to Phirebrush and what drives you to come back and submit again?
I guess I first heard about Phirbrush from my myspace friend Rev.EIRIK when he was featured in issue #45. I keep coming back because of all the great stuff you offer! Right now, it's a great time to be an artist because people are hungry for great art of all kinds - and Phirebrush certainly provides it.

I love the format and the way you mix it up with art, music, photography and writing. It's a real honor for me to be included among so many amazing artists. Thanks for providing such a wonderful venue.