We first encountered the beautiful photography of Alex Rimorin while working with a couple of our favorite, local burlesque stars Fannie Spankings and Midnite Martini. His images are riveting and full of verve, they truly do justice to the energy of the burlesque dancers that he captures. We had to learn more about the man behind the lens. Here's what we found out:

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I am Alex Rimorin, a Denver based artist/photographer.  I am also the founder and prinicipal photographer of www.ColoradoBurlesque.com.

2. How did you get involved in burlesque photography?

A couple years back I created a series for a magazine, the concept was to interpret theme i.e. "assignments" for the upcoming issue.  The given theme for this issue was "After Hours" and artists were given the opportunity to interpret the theme as they chose.   I felt "after hours"  had a risque connotation but I wanted my series to reflect a very particular sensuality and the female form.  Live action burlesque proved to be the most conducive (and challenging) subject to photograph.  I was hooked after the first shoot, partially due to the challenge of shooting in such poor conditions (high action, low light) but overwhelmingly by the multi faceted artistry that each performer brings to the table. 

3. What's your favorite thing about the work you are doing? 

What began as an assignment for a magazine has turned into a discovery of my own passion for the burlesque artform.  There are two specific things that I love about what I do.  

First, I enjoy having the opportunity to showcase and publicize the burlesque artform through an artistic meduim of my own.  I was surprised at the amount of misconception and lack of understanding of what burlesque really is. I found myself explaining the concept to people and chose to define myself as a "burlesque" photographer.  If I can create a reflection of the performer's passion and artistry and literally freeze that moment in time through my chosen medium, it continues to fuel my passion for the art.   Putting out the 2011 Colorado Burlesque Calendar and having the launch partry/gallery show; seeing the turnout and support was simply astounding.

The second thing I love about this work is the friends and acquaintences I have made in the industry, they're the polar opposite of who I meet during my day job, and it gives me a fun Jekyll & Hyde effect.   

4. What (or who) inspires you to do this work? 

What: The troupes and performers that make up the Colorado Burlesque scene.  Between Denver and Colorado Springs there are a minimum of 3-4 shows a week, if not more.   It's a testament to the performers, fans and fellow artist that burlesque is supported and able to sustain a fanbase week after week. 

Who: I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few specific people who have been so supportive of me as I have started ths venture.  Fannie Spankings, Midnite Martini and all of the Lannie's Clocktower Clockette's and staff for letting me into their burlesque family, they are the first troupe I had met when first getting into the burlesque scene (this is all thier fault).  Lola Spitfire and all of Peaks & Pasties from Colorado Springs, your support is overwhelming.  Lynda (Peggy) and Rachel (Veronica) at The Ten10 Gallery for hosting the launch party/gallery show.  Sam McDermott for facilitating numerous intros in the beginning and continuing to give be opportunities to showcase my work.  At a young age my Grandmother taught me to to be dedicated and passionate in anything I do, I can't thank her enough for instilling those traits in me.

5. What's your favorite decadent treat?

I am a red wine fanatic, I stock a home cellar and I'm rather obsessed with Argentine and Spanish wines.  I also find it impossible to turn down flan or tiramisu.

6. Do you have a favorite sex icon? If so, who?

From recent memory; Michelle L'amour she headlined this years Colorado Burlesque Festival, and her closing number had a percision and classic feel that captivated the audience.  I'm a big fan of curves and classic style burlesque and she delivers like few others can.  

7. What has been your biggest challenge in your sexy endeavors?

Early on it was getting established and credibility, I had to establish myself as an artist and not just a guy with a camera taking pictures of beautiful women.  Oddly enough I came from specializing in landscape and nature photography.  Re-creating a protfilio that caters to the work I chose to specialize in was definitely a challenge.  Also choosing to shoot in a live action enviroment, it is my belief that the best way to capture burlesque and create the images that are consistent stylistically are best captured during the performance.  I choose to incorporate elements of contre jour and chiarscuro for the majority of my images. There is a specific moment in every performance that is a unique balace of sensuality, exhibitionism and vulnerabiity; my challenge is capturing the image at these moments.  It's my hope that my art reflects that.  My latest endeavor is titled "Rimorin: The Vintage Series," it's an homage to the classic burlesque.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would love for www.ColoradoBurlesque.com to become its own beast and continue to be an aggregation point for the Colorado Burlesque scene.  We are expanding our merchandise offering and working agressively to partner with burlesque related entities.  On a personal level I want to expand into covering the major festivals throughout the US: New York, New Orleans, Dallas, Chicago, of course Miss Exotic World in Vegas.  I am in the process of shooting and writing a "coffee table" book with the images I am compiling and five years shold give me a pretty decent runway. I'd also like to begin showcasing artwork in galleries outside of Denver.

For more information:

You can follow Alex Rimorin on Facebook facebook.com/RimorinPhotography and become a fan of Colorado Burlesque at http://www.facebook.com/ColoradoBurlesque

Colorado Burlesque is a proud co-sponsor for The Colorado Burlesque Festival Fundraiser featuring the Original Fire Queen Satan's Angel at the Summit Music Hall, Denver, November 12, 2010.  Tickets available here.

See Alex Rimorin's current series featuring the Clocktower Clockette's at Colorado Heights University (3001 S. Federal Blvd.  Denver, CO). Attend a special evening for the CHU fundrasier on November 16th. The show runs through February 2011.