UV: There is an element of play in this photograph. What inspired this? What is your relationship to this model?
TD: The image was rather spontaneous and was inspired by Bubbles' make-up and hairdo, which resembled that of a Japanese doll named Bubbles. Bubbles is a friend of mine who loves the camera and projects well in front of it. I have been photographing her since 1995 in shows and clubs around Waikiki, where Bubbles is famous as a drag icon.

UV: How did the medium you used effect this piece?
TD: The image was made in San Francisco using the 20 x 24 Polaroid camera, of which there are only six in the world. This image has been printed on Arches 300 wt. water color paper. I was attracted to the Polaroid transfer process because of the imperfections, irregularities, and uncertainties that sometimes appear in an image.

UV: What do you think of the argument that photographers like Diane Arbus exploit their subjects? Have you ever been the recipient of such criticism?
TD: I don't think Diane Arbus or others of that genre exploit their subjects. I think she in particular added another dimension to her subjects' lives and provided them with a certain dignity that her subjects may not have ever been exposed to. I photograph my subjects (Drag, Trans gender, Sadhu, and SM Fetish) with respect and without judgement, while reflecting captured moments of their world and portraying a glimpse of an extended reality for all of us. I always give back pictures to them, which they really enjoy getting and sharing with others. Many of them have become my friends. I don't recall that I have ever been criticized of exploiting people I photograph.

UV: What's next for Tony De Bone?
TD: Currently I am experimenting with multiple-image Polaroid transfers. However the next big thing for me is that I have been invited to be a juror in an International Photography Biennial (The Medalla Gaudi) in Reus, Spain next year. I have four images in the current Biennial in Spain and was invited as a result of my work in the exhibit.