I think knowing people by first names, not by what they do sexually, is really what it's about. Not being afraid. Fear is the enemy. I've always been comfortable with being gay.

I was an economics major, which I enjoyed because I had a good business sense.

I always enjoyed art history because, growing up in California, my exposure was limited, and it was a new experience. To learn the history of art opened up certain things to me, made me see. It intrigued me.

Each time I did assignments or editorials, I realized that I wanted to do something more. I saw that it wasn't just about the clothes.

And what excites me most is the type of public, the fact that the Parisian people have a broader cultural understanding than many Americans do.

Regardless of whether you speak the language or are familiar with a culture, the picture should hold up.

It's important to let your subjects be themselves.