BananaGuide: If someone were to ask one of your fans "who is Justin Monroe?" what do you hope they would answer?

Justin Monroe: A storyteller with a scintillating imagination, sparkling black humor, and a seemingly bizarre erotic vision.

 

What lead you to become a photographer?

The sense of instant gratification lead me into the world of photography. I have always been a creative-type and this was the quickest, most satisfying way to see my imagination come to life. I have always been a big fan of photographers that speak their minds through their imagery. I wanted to become one of them.

 

When did you know you could be successful in the industry?

I think the realization for me, other than the obvious (getting a pay check), was getting so many supportive and encouraging comments from people that enjoy my work. In fact, it actually came as a big surprise that anyone even cared. I did it because I simply felt the need to create these pictures. It was never for fame.

 

 

Do you remember the first time you photographed a naked man? What was going through your mind?

I wanted to FUCK his brains out! I was like “Holy Shit! This is the best job in the world! Now I just have to learn to concentrate.”

 

Do you ever get aroused from your work?

Completely. If I am not shooting with a boner, then it is not working.

 

 

You have a new book coming out called Rock Bottom ...  what's it about?

It is a collection of big-beautiful-boy-butts, big dicks, hot faces, and muscular young bodies: all the things my Monroe-land followers might want for Christmas. You will see images of my latest work with some of my new hot boys in very naughty situations.

 

If you had to describe the new book in one word, what would it be?

Bootylicious! Mmm….

 

 

To promote the book you will be doing a small tour with 'themed parties' - what can people expect from these events?

It is top secret! If I were to tell you, I would have to kill all of you. Just know that there are going to be naughty live performances, jack off shows, naughty boys wearing Rock Bottom underwear, and my BIG ASS. It is a REAL scratch-and-sniff event.

 

Your first book was the fabulously creative Down the Rabit Hole. How does it differ from Rock Bottom?

Rock Bottom is more in-your-face gratuitous sex still shot in the Justin Monroe style. I wanted to create a book for all the young perverts out there. Rock Bottom is priced right for even the college boy on a budget. It is still dark, sexy, and alluring: just a little gutsier.  

 

 

What are the three things you absolutely must have in a male model?

Extreme physical attributes, a do-or-die mentality, and a dirty mind.

 

How has photography changed since you started? How has your work been affected?

Do you really want me to answer this? It seems that every monkey with a SLR thinks that they are a photographer. I feel as if there is less appreciation for the hard work that goes into each and every image. It is almost like it has been dumbed down. That brings me to a different subject. Why buy a coffee table book when you can find the images online? For one, it is tangible, you own it, and it is always there for you to enjoy and share with your friends. Two, it keeps the artist producing the images that you admire. Finally, it physically looks better in print than it does on the web. Photographers and connoisseurs alike have the responsibility to keep the art of photography alive.

 

 

Favorite models?

Oooooohhhh…I can’t answer that. I’m going to get my ass kicked. Have you seen my models? I have a secret crush on each and every one of them.

 

If you could photograph any person in any way, who would it be and what would it look like?

I would love to photograph Cher. Sorry, I know that you were expecting me to say a boy. To shoot her as Cleopatra sitting on her throne in a palace with a hawk on her shoulder beautiful young slaves all around her would be ideal.

 

Now this is not easy, we know, but if you had to pick one of your favorite images, or series, which would it be and why?

I think I would have to say “Circus of Sinners.” It features five black clowns sodomizing a small town boy with a big ass…this actually happened to me.

 

 

What do you hope people take from your work?

I hope that people have a good time, they enjoy its visual qualities, and it tickles their crotch and their sense of humor.

 

There is also word that you will be starting a new online store. What will it be featuring?

My new store is called Monroe-land Toy store. It is scheduled to launch October 15, 2012. There you will be able to purchase books, calendars, prints, underwear, harnesses, sex toys, and elaborate rhinestone incrusted gas masks: all the things that you would see in one of my photos and ask “where can I get that?” The answer is at www.monroe-landtoystore.com where Boys R’ Us!

 

What's next for Justin Monroe?

I recently started directing short films. I call them dream sequences. I am developing a production company for commercials, music videos, and art films. I am also working on my new 2013 calendar titled “Masculinity” and my new Rock Bottom underwear line, which leaves nothing to the imagination.