Feature Story

The Art of Politics
Photographer Adam Bouska’s talents turn toward tolerance and marriage equality
By Mona de Crinis

Adam Bouska, a quickly rising phenom in the world of photography, has been a busy boy over the past year. 
In 2008, we checked in with the creative Wunderkind after discovering his stunning portfolio of deliciously provocative male models. At that time, Adam was beginning to expand his horizons beyond beefcake to include women, celebrities (he is noted for his work with some of America’s Next Top Models—Bre Scullark, Amanda Babin and Michelle Babin) and fashion. A  former model himself, he understands first-hand the delicate relationship between shooter and subject, which is part of what makes his work so compelling.
“Being able to view the setting from both perspectives I know what to expect on both ends,” he says. “I can relate to models more, I know tricks used from watching other photogs, and just being a part of it for so long I know what to expect.”
Adam’s work has appeared in such publications as DNA Magazine, reFRESH and, of course, The BottomLine and PULP magazines. The internet is awash with his seductive images, which have been featured on major websites, from amazon.com to tenpercent.com.
When considering models for a shoot, Adam says he looks for an overall sense of balance between face, body, skin, fitness and health. While he’s been known to find subjects on the street, as his reputation grows so does his commitment to consistency and excellence.
“The majority of the time, when I’m selecting models for a project, I use reliable models that I’ve worked with before,” he explains. “I’ve found models through other models, online, agencies, or simply out at a club. I see people and places all over and can’t help but throw concepts together in my head. I’ve scouted people at clubs, beaches, parties—you name it.”
More recently Adam’s been donating his considerable gifts to causes near and dear to his heart, such as the NO H8 Campaign, a silent protest created in response to the passage of Prop. 8, a discriminatory measure that forbids gays and lesbians to legally wed in California, and Paganne, a clothing designer/fashion campaign for the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, which includes Fiesta Cantina’s 2009 Calendar, a fundraiser for APLA.
“Charity work is such an amazing and easy way to get a group of people passionately involved in something,” Adam expounds. “There are many great resources out there and there’s always a need, and with what I do it seems like a perfect fit and a great way to give back to a community that has given me so much. Recently, my partner, Jeff Parshley, and I have created the NO H8 campaign... . The campaign features subjects with NO H8 written in paint on their cheeks  while symbolically ‘silenced’ with duct tape.”
Ever humble, Adam quietly admits that the campaign has received a great amount of national response and celebrity support. The project’s agenda includes a gallery show, a billboard on Santa Monica Blvd., and featured banners all over Los Angeles.
“Our goal is to keep it simple and raise mass awareness about Proposition 8 and its dangers,” he continues. “It’s great to be able to do what I love while supporting such a great message.”
Adam’s foray into photography was more a case of frustration spawning creativity than the realization of a life-long dream.
“I began in the industry in Chicago posing for other photographers,” he recalls. “I wasn’t always pleased with the result so I saved up and decided to give it a try.”
And try he does. Daily. Adam admits that the best advice he’s ever gotten was that experience is key. “I may be young, but I consistently shoot every day. I’m able to toy with lenses, lighting and retouching so often that it becomes second nature. The more you can learn about the set, the more control you have to be creative with it.”
About five months ago Adam purchased and set up his own studio in L.A., which has pushed his career even further into the stratosphere. “It’s helped out in many ways by allowing me to shoot larger projects and more complex concepts. I’ve learned a lot this past year and am always trying to push that and innovate my style.”
Adam’s style generally seems to involve beautiful, engaging people in a variety of poses and situations. While he is most well-known for his work with the male form, he’s been shooting more women as of late. We had to ask: What’s the major difference (other than the obvious) between men and women?
“Women require patience in all respects,” he says with a smile. “The focus with women tends to be curves and shape representing sensuality, while with men I like to use more intense and sharp angles in their poses to represent a more masculine side. Guys also tend to be cockier,” he teases. “But maybe that’s just the West Hollywood boys.”
Adam also likes to work disparity into his images, often through his choice of background. “As you can see from my work, background is something I switch up as often as I do models,” he explains. “It’s hard for me to select one, but I’m a huge fan of abandoned buildings. Lots of really cool architecture and character that can make a great contrast to a clean-cut model.”
One of Adam’s favorite subjects, he says, is model (and boyfriend of Reichen Lehmkuhl) Ryan Barry. “He’s a beautiful person both inside and out,” Adam says. “I think personality helps a ton when photographing a model. If you find the person attractive and like them as a person it makes portraying them as beautiful super easy. So all in all, Ryan made my job super easy.”
Some shoots, Adam notes with a laugh, are also fluid but not quite as easy. He recalls a shoot last year for a calendar he was creating to help benefit the APLA. “We photographed a girl underwater wrapped in grape vines. The photo shoot was sponsored by a wine company.”
As the young photographer’s portfolio grows, so does his versatility behind the lens. In addition to the NO H8 campaign, underwater grape vine shots and his trademark sizzling men, Adam’s even been asked by the Guinness World Records to shoot a photo set of the oldest woman in the world (at a reputed 115 years of age!).
The top pick on his wish list of subjects to shoot might be a little more challenging to arrange, however.
“Lately I’ve been thinking that it’d be great to take a ‘NO H8’ photo of Barack Obama,” he reveals with a smile. “A guy can dream right?”

To check out more of Adam Bouska’s work, visit adambouska.com. For more on his campaign, visit noh8campaign.com.