How were you able to deal with rejection at that young age?

Rejection is a huge aspect to the industry and you've got to be able to take it. You can't take it personally because it's a business. It's not personal. If you've got black hair, it's not your fault. They're trying to do their job and you've just got to respect what they're doing. And if they're being condescending about it, don't worry about it. You don't know where they just came from — they might have had a tough day. Who cares? It's not your business. Just leave and say "thank you." It's still an opportunity.

Do you consider what you're doing acting even in front of a still camera?

I always try to put myself in character just to make it more fun. And even though it is superficial, you still try to put yourself into the shot as much as possible.

You mentioned shooting with Calvin French earlier. What was he like to work with?

I really enjoyed it. He's so precise — very professional.

So he told you exactly what he wanted?

Yes. He'd turn your head half an inch to the side, just so the light would hit it right. He's very, very talented.

Did you learn from him?

Yes. Even as a stage actor you always know where your light is and how important it is. But you learn that photographers have very different ways of shooting. Some photographers barely use Polaroids; for instance Bruce Weber rarely uses a Polaroid. Some just want to do a more free-spirited snapshot session, whereas others are very planned and precise. They're both art and they're both great, it just comes down to the personal style of the photographer.

So you have to learn how to be effective in all kinds of situations?

Yes, you definitely have to be comfortable.

Do you have a favorite image of yourself?

One that really stands out for me is the page in L'Uomo Vogue that Bruce Weber photographed. Bruce and his crew are all really down to earth and we were in Miami, so it was a lot of fun. The article was about up and coming actors, people like Colin Ferrell, James Franco and others, so it was really cool to be included. And I got to talk to all these actors about acting, which was great.

Was that the first time you worked with Bruce Weber?

No, I did another shoot with him for Pop Magazine, down on Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City last September. That was the first time I worked with him and he was amazing.

Were you intimidated?

No, because I'd met him once before at his studio downtown and we just ended up talking about boxing. He was so nice to talk to. I've worked with him a whole bunch of times since then and we've become good friends. And he's looking out for you, you know? He really cares about how you're doing and tries to help. He's a great guy.

What about the shoot for his book?

That was really fun too. We were out at the beach in Mantauk, Long Island in the middle of October.

God, you poor guy, the water must have been freezing!

There were three guys but it was so cold no one would jump in the water. Finally I said "fine, I'll do it," and went in with Bruce's dogs. I figured if they could do it so could I.