To start of my featured artists', its got to be buddy James Lyons a.k.a. Cl3tus. After his recent work for his art-group, Slashthree, I just had to have him as the first feature.



Some of my favourite works of his:



James is not only constricted to photography, he is also talented in abstract works, for example:



James has an obvious talent for photography, and has a very solid grasp of colours, composition, and of course, ability to follow themes. He always finds great subjects to photograph, and executes them to a very high standard.

First off, is there a reason behind your alias - cl3tus?

Yes actually but its really awful haha. I first used the name "GhOsT Of CletuS" when I was around 11/12 years old on a starcraft clan, which was also a clan in real life ( we are all friends) and we still call each other by our alais'. You wouldn't understand how many people actually call me cletuS which is pretty cool. the name stuck from there when someone suggested i used a 3 instead of the e, but now I probably prefer the 'e'.

What inspires your photography?

Well a lot of thing inspire me really, predominantly landscape photography. I feel this is by far the best type of photography you can get into despite it being the hardest. Music and life in general also help inspire my work along with films such as film noir type stuff etc
How and when did you start photography?

How and when did you get into photography?

A few years ago when the days of tagging were at its peak I was part of the tagging group "Evolutionary Arts". Amongst these members was firebug and he really inspired me and made me want to do photography. He still is one of my biggest inspirations today and always helps me when I'm in need.

Most people know that you are a member of the art-group SlashTHREE, but how did you feel when you first joined and then became a member of the staff?

Well, I applied about 5 times before I was accepted which is probably right considering the level I was at. but when i heard the news that i had a flawless vote count (everyone said yes) I was over the moon, really appreciated the opportunity to be part of something so great. after a time in the artists I was approached by the staff members street and napalm offering me a moderator status due to my activity in the forums and willingness to help. this was another great achievement for me and i still spend 5/6 hours on slashTHREE a day at least and always contribute at least 4 entries to every pack since I've joined.

Do you feel that your photography reflects your own life? And were there any particularily tough points in your photography career so far?

Hmm that's a hard one, I wouldn't say they all reflect my life generally. There are photos which do have meaning behind them for example "Roses For The Dead". This photo was during a flower show for cancer research which was held at my house and those roses were especially made for the family members which I had lost last year to cancer. The toughest point in my photography career so far has been landscape photography. It's incredibly difficult to capture the right exposures for the foreground and a sunset, I often waste time with this and mess up the shots of a regular basis. The hardest is yet to come though when I do a wedding in July.

Well I wish you luck for that. What are your plans for the future?<b/>

I plan to continue my course at university studying design for digital media but to also become involved in portrait and wedding photography. its all coming together now.

I know you have already mentioned the well-captured 'Roses for the Dead', but what is you favourite photograph that you have taken? Why?

Hmm tough one I'd probably say "A World Exhibition" or "Onlook". What can I say, I love landscapes.
# Persevere, get to know your camera and how it works.
# Practise, eagerness to learn helps you to develop your skills.
# For landscapes, scout out compositions before taking the shots in the golden hours (sunset,sunrise)
# Composition, always consider different rules of composition in your photos to give them the wow factor when looked upon.
# Be original, and be yourself!

Anything to say to your fans before we leave?

Thanks for the endless support i get from you guys, give me a great boost of inspiration to see that im inspiring others. Also join slashTHREE [link] You Wont Be Disappointed!
And a big thanks to you Ally for this opportunity

You are very welcome. Well thank you for the interview and make sure to spread the word.

Well, there you have it, the first interview by myself, of the great James Lyons, is complete. Makes sure to tell your friends, and comment or subscribe to my rss feed. Make sure to check out our featured artist - James Lyons.

Another featured artist will be appearing in a fortnight, until then, enjoy what you do!