On model/photographer web-sites, it isn’t unusual to see someone include the phrase, “I only pose nude for Playboy or Southbound” in their profile comments.

But who is this mystery man who literally charms women out of their pants?

Southbound is a very talented American photographer named Don McDowell. He was chosen as the April recipient of the Savvy Editors’ Choice Award for his portfolio of sensual, stylish portraits of models. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he’s now kicking around Melbourne, Fla.

Savvy sought to unravel the nature of his mystique…

Savvy: Why do you go by Southbound?

McDowell: I wasn’t trying to hide my name or anything. I’ve travelled a lot and because of my southern accent, a lot of people refer to me by that nickname.

Savvy: How did you get into photography?

McDowell: I’ve always done some of it with my freelance engineering consultant work. I go to cities and do an analysis of the cable system and what it would take to upgrade that system with broadband capability and fiber optics. I took pictures of the existing equipment to show what we had to start from, as well as serial numbers. That takes a steady hand and lighting techniques. I always had a camera and photos were in my reports I submitted to clients.

Savvy: Since you’re an engineer, would you say you’re more of a technical shooter or an intuitive shooter?

McDowell: I’ve never had a photography class or Photoshop class. What I have learned, I’m probably doing wrong. (Laughs) There are guys who come to my workshops who studied at prestigious schools and are far superior to me in their technical knowledge, but they find themselves in a box. I don’t think about the technical side of it that much when I’m shooting. It’s second nature. I mainly concentrate on the model, the moves, the emotion, the lighting. Rather than eliminate shadows, I try to strategically use those shadows, especially in the fine-art nude work where you want to keep some things shaded.

Savvy: So you’re shooting photos of wires and… how did women enter the picture?

McDowell: About eight years ago, a buddy dared me to start photographing models because I would make observations about pictures in a magazine like, “That’s a good picture but if would have been better if they’d done this or that,” so one day he said, “If you’re so damn good, why don’t you shoot it?” I contacted good models and booked them, paid them, and started building a portfolio.

Savvy: Your work has a very erotic edge.

McDowell: It’s not a planned, scripted thing. Believe it or not, I actually do shoot fashion. (Laughs) What I try to shoot is sensuality as opposed to sexuality.

Savvy: Explain that statement.

McDowell: That’s subjective, so it means different things for different people. Sexual may have some sensuality mixed in but is more about body parts. Sensual is more about the emotions in the mind combined with the body language and a particular pose. Most models I shoot, I encourage them to free form and go with what they feel. I try to shoot trust and comfort. I don’t like depictions of pain, even with the bondage stuff. You won’t see anyone who looks as if they are in pain. That’s just my personal preference. I’m not sadistic. People see that the model is right where she wants to be. That trust in the eyes and body language is what I try to capture with my camera.

Savvy: We know what Hugh Hefner offers, but why do models approach you wanting to take their clothes off?

McDowell: The nudity aspect of it is just something that happened. I’ve never asked a model to pose nude, yet I have a large body of nude work. I think a lot of the time a model wants to see how she, no pun intended, ‘stacks up’ against other models I’ve worked with – if they can look as beautiful as those models. They come to me for nude work. I don’t require anyone to do nudes or bondage. That honestly just happened and evolved. It’s become a trademark, but it wasn’t intentional. I don’t even tell a model what outfits to wear for a shoot unless I’m shooting for a special client who dictates something specific.

Savvy: You said you capture that “the model is right where she wants to be.” How do you achieve that level of rapport?

McDowell: I start with respect for the model. If we get great work and we enjoy the work, we win. There have been some models that I’ve had to ask them to tone it down, which goes back to that difference between sexual and sensual. The line between pornography and art, for me, is where I stop at. I go where the picture takes me while I am shooting and editing.

Savvy: Sure, but how do you get the models so committed to the image?

McDowell: I’m interested in the rapport with the model, earning her trust to the level where you can collaborate on an equal level and create something beautiful and artistic. We have a great time and get great shots. Humor is extremely important. Often when I first meet a model, there’s anxiety and fear. Part of that is because of the popularity of the Southbound thing, but they learn real quick that I’m just Don from Alabama, nobody special. I’m on their side. Once a model realises that, she doesn’t hesitate to embrace what we’re trying to get.

Savvy: That makes sense.

McDowell: Reputation is important too. I shoot so many girls and they talk. I encourage them to talk. I’m not a predator. I do this for the collaboration with the models. Whether it’s testing or a paid shoot, I treat all models the same, as far as the personal relationship, the rapport, the trust… Some of the very first models I shot are still my dearest friends. I can’t get into naming them because there are too many. They all have their own special place in our hearts when we collaborate with them on such an intimate level. It’s a special thing.

Savvy: Besides possibly shooting Savvy’s contest finalists in Sydney, what are your future goals? Shooting for Playboy maybe?

McDowell: I’d love to shoot for Playboy -- not for the money or the recognition but to see how I stack up as a photographer against those great photographers they have on staff. I’m probably one of the laziest photographers out there as far as ringing someone on the phone to look at my work. Maybe it’s shyness, but I don’t go after clients that much. Most of the magazine work I’ve done, they’ve come to me, which is flattering.

Savvy: More workshops are ahead, I’m sure.

McDowell: I also do a lot of one-on-one mentoring. People hire me for a day, two days or a week. Sometimes I come up with the model. One of my very best friends, Angelina Rogue, does a lot of those with me.

Savvy: How did it feel to know the Savvy editors chose your work as among the best?

McDowell: It’s great. I’m not a competitive person. I don’t enter many competitions because I don’t enjoy that. If you want to compete, let’s get our cars on the street! (Laughs) I love loud, shiny, fast machines. Cars are another passion of mine. As for photography, one thing I like about workshops is the thrill when other photographers get a kick-ass shot that I set up for them, when they’re able to see what I see. It’s a vicarious thrill rather than being protective of my shot.

Savvy: Thanks, Mr. Southbound.

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Savvy: There’s been an interesting debate on the Savvy blogs this month concerning enhanced bust-lines. What’s your preference?

McDowell: For me, it isn’t how natural or augmented they are but how proportional their body is and how they carry themselves. Some people think that all these women get surgery for vanity, but some I’ve known have done it so their clothes would fit better.

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On the Web:

http://www.onemodelplace.com/member.cfm?P_ID=17776 (Warning: Some Nudity)