UNB Photographer Profile featuring Boulon Studio
Underwear News Briefs had the privilege of talking with well known photographer Paul Boulon. Paul has made a name for himself in front of and behind the camera which was a great opportunity to see both worlds first hand. He shares aspects of his vision, some past shoots, and his upcoming dream team of models.
UNBKyle: Thank you for sharing your work with us. You have shot some of the most popular models as well as having some iconic photos of their work that have been floating around on social media for a while. What was your first photo shoot and how did you come to get it?
Paul: My first photo shoot was actually of myself. I purchased a camera, wanting to pursue photography. I set a timer and went to town. Now, the first photo shoot I had that paid was a headshot session for a few of my friends.
Kyle: I love how you threw yourself into photography and with such a great object as yourself. But I know we can be our worst critic so that could have been the easiest and toughest way to start. What made you want to pursue photography?
Paul: I don’t call myself a model. I usually tell photographers “I just like pictures of myself”. Ha! But it’s true, I have a nice face and body and while I’m not going to walk into agencies hoping to be a Calvin Klein model, I enjoy pictures of myself. That won’t last forever, being in front of the camera. With knowing how things were done, I thought why not try behind the camera.
Kyle: I am sure there is value added by having knowledge of both sides of the camera. It reminds me of Hollywood when actors become producers and directors. Which shoot do you consider your breakthrough in your career?
Paul: There are two different scenarios for myself in this situation. I’d say photographing Steven Dehler, Colby Melvin, or any of those other underwear models because of the exposure I received. But, though the photos haven’t gone anywhere, photographing Melanie B or James Maslow would have to be my breakthrough. Celebrities are always a break through in your career.
Kyle: That is a shame that those photos have not surfaced. Would be great to see them! Which shoot has been your favorite? Why?
Paul: My favorite shoot has been Chris Salvatore. I photographed him twice, but the first time was when we started getting to know each other as well and he’s such a genuine and nice person. The photos came out amazing and we both had a great time.
Kyle: Chris Salvatore is a great guy! I am a fan of his and he seems very sweet and genuine. Which shoot has 
been your most challenging? Why?
Paul: Other than headshots, I think every shoot is challenging. You have an idea you want but sometimes it doesn’t come out how you want or don’t have the right lights, etc. Every time I photograph it’s a challenge but that’s why I like photographing so much.
Kyle: Going from mind to matter can be an amazing or devastating transition because you have set expectations for yourself and your vision. You have some big names already under your belt but are there any brands or models you would like to work with that you have not worked with yet?
Paul: I want to photograph with every brand out there. And as for models:
Top 5:
Charlie Mathews
Alexis Ren
Vince Sant
Joseph Boyd
Hugo Mayhew
Kyle: Do you hear that guys? Paul Boulon is ready for you! How do you prepare creatively and determine your environment for the shoot? Is it determined by you, the brand, or a collaboration?
Paul: It depends on who I’m shooting for and what they want. If it’s my decision to go out and shoot a certain idea, I put a mood board together and looks, etc.
Kyle: What are some tips you give models in order to be comfortable in front of the camera whether as a new model or for more intimate/revealing shoots?
Paul: I haven’t given many tips for models. I’m just a really normal chill guy when I’m shooting. And for more revealing photos is all up to the model.
Kyle: Sounds like the normal, chill attitude helps the model be comfortable and relax. It also helps that you have experience on that side too. What about on the photography side? Any tips for people wanting to get into photography?
Paul: Tips on wanting to get into photography, just pick up a camera and photograph. Shoot anything and everything. A photo can be anything but it’s all about the composition that makes it interesting.
Kyle: Good point. Thinking about it too much in the beginning could be a big barrier. What are your interests away from the camera?
Paul: My interests away from the camera are dancing. I grew up dancing all my life with ballet, jazz, hip hop, etc. I love it that I made a career out of it but have diverted as of moving to LA and wanting a change.
Kyle: Such great versatility with dancing. So many genres. Apart from photography as we briefly discusses, you have done some work in front of the camera too? Tell me about how that part of your career started.
Paul: I started modeling when i turned 18 years old. My first photo shoot was a photographer in Dallas and it was an experience. As a model, I shoot everything from commercial to nude. The photographer said I had a great face and wanted to photograph me. I was such a baby then haha
Kyle: Haha. We will have to dive into details of that modeling career soon. In the end, do you have a preference on whether you are in front or behind the camera? What are the best parts and worst parts of both sides?
Paul: I like both sides of the camera. I tend to go through spurts mostly. For a few months I’m behind the camera and then I get bored and want more attention so I model in front of the camera. It’s random but I get it all out of my system before I’m too old I guess.
Check out more of Paul and Boulon Studio below
Interested in having your photographer profile featured on Underwear News Briefs? Email me at kyle@underwearnewsbriefs.com
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1 Comment
What a great collection of shots! You are a very talented photographer Paul! You obviously know the male physique well–the lights and shadows are incredible!