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Adam Wilcox writes on www.xxxwasteland.wordpress.com – t would be accurate to state that Holly Randall was literally born into adult entertainment. The daughter of mainstream author and erotic film writer Humphry Knipe and legendary industry photographer Suze Randall, the 33-year-old grew up around the XXX world and a photo of a newborn Holly even ran in Hustler magazine shortly after her birth – a publication for which mother and daughter would both successfully ply their trade over an incredible span of four decades.

Holly began working for her parents at the age of 20 assisting in the day-to-day operation of the family-owned adult website, Suze.net. From there, the second-generation photographer proceeded to establish her own outstanding reputation in the porn community, with her work gracing the covers and pages of numerous prominent adult magazines.

Randall transitioned into directing XXX scenes in 2004 and today is one of the most respected and celebrated photographer/producers in the industry, with many of adult’s top models consistently clamoring to work with her.

Holly kindly granted XXX Wasteland a recent interview to discuss her family’s background in the adult business, growing up around the unique erotic industry, her own career behind the camera and more.

Visit Holly online at her official website, www.HollyRandall.com, where you can find scenes and photo sets featuring some of the most beautiful women in adult entertainment.

Randall also runs the fetish-themed www.ForeverVamp.com and www.HollyCore.com, a glamour hardcore page.

Additionally, Holly has opened a studio, which is available for rentals to those wishing to shoot adult content. For more information, please visit the studio’s Facebook page here. www.facebook.com/noveriastudios

(All photos courtesy of Holly Randall)

Q: Your family’s history in erotic entertainment is illustrious and well-documented. For those unacquainted, can you tell us about your parents’ decades-long involvement in the industry?

My mother is Suze Randall, who is considered one of the pioneers for women working behind the camera in the adult business. In her time, she was literally the only female erotic photographer in the business, a business definitely dominated by men. She started off as a fashion model who dabbled in nudes, and then one day she got a layout in Vogue magazine and decided to use the money to buy some camera equipment. I’m not sure why. She thought she was on her way to becoming a famous fashion model; I don’t think at the time she really thought of photography as a career.

Anyhow, she started shooting her model friends and ended up becoming a Page Three photographer for the Sun magazine in England, a distinction that is still fairly prestigious. Then she shot her roommate, Lillian Muller, and sent the photos to Playboy. Hefner fell in love with Lillian, but wanted to fly her out without Suze and have one of his staff photographers shoot her. Suze said no way and threatened to send the photos to Penthouse instead, so he flew them both out.

Suze shot Lillian, who became Playmate of the Year, and Suze became Playboy’s first female staff photographer. Suze also shot herself as a model for Playboy, but that’s a really cool layout that I just love. She worked there for a couple of years and then went onto work for Hustler, and then went freelance, which she’s been doing ever since.

Q: Do you feel growing up around the adult business made your childhood unique from most other kids’ upbringings?

Ha, ha! Um … yes, in a way. I was brought up without being instilled with a sense of shame about sex and nudity, which I think is a really good thing. I see these people who are so conflicted about their sexuality because they were taught from a young age that something which is very natural and, in fact, vital to the survival of the human race, is a sin. I find that to be such a shame.

I’ve also been taught to be a very tolerant individual and to respect others and the way they want to live their life – my parents are both pretty laid back in that sense. But they were also strict in other areas: good table manners and social conduct was strongly emphasized, good grades and a college education a must. It was a real pain, though, to have to try and avoid the question of what my parents did for a living, though I never had a problem with it. As a kid, it wasn’t appropriate to tell my friends or their parents because you just never know how people are going to react.

Q: Can you describe your own entry into the adult industry and was the decision to make your living in the field something you had always planned?

From a young age, no, of course I didn’t plan to enter the adult industry, but when you’re a kid, you know – you think you’re going to be a vet or a ballerina or something silly like that. From the age of 12 when I took my first photography class, though, that’s when I knew I wanted to be a photographer. There was just no question: I was hooked immediately. When I started working for my parents at 20 it was going to be temporary, but then of course, I found that I enjoyed the work and it was a good fit for me.

Q: You began directing for your mother’s company, Suze Randall Productions, in 2004. Do you have a preference between photography and producing films?

You know, I used to hate shooting video. I just did it because I had to. I think in my heart I will always be a photographer first, but I’ve come to really enjoy shooting video lately, especially when I started using the 5D. The cinematic look of the footage really inspired me and I very much enjoy shooting video now, and would actually like to do more of it. I’d like for people to start to know me for my video work as well, not just my photography.

Q: As a woman, do you feel you have a different or unique rapport with the female models you shoot?

I think some girls – especially new ones – definitely feel more comfortable working with me, but overall I think if you make people feel comfortable then it’s just a natural projection of your personality, whether or not you’re a male or female.

Q: Likewise, do you consider the comfort level your friendship provides much of the talent you shoot a key element in producing exceptional content?

I hope so! I never push girls beyond what they are comfortable with; I never want anyone to regret anything they’ve done on my set. I think there’s a certain amount of trust that automatically has to happen between an erotic photographer and her subject, and I never want to break that trust.

Q: You launched your official website, www.HollyRandall.com, in 2009. Can you tell us about the site and what those who purchase a membership can expect?

Yes! I produce high quality stills and video for my site, and I also have two other sites that you get for free with it: my fetish site, ForeverVamp.com, and my glamour hardcore site, HollyCore.com. I’m also part of the Brand Danger Network, so there are several other model sites that come for free with your subscription, like Lisa Ann and Kayden Kross’ sites. I love my website and I work very hard on it, and I hope that it shows!

Q: You have modeled for several semi-nude photoshoots. If I may ask, was your decision to participate in those projects a way to gain a personal perspective from the other side of the camera?

Part of the reason I did it was I wanted to experience what it was like to be on the other side of the camera – I figured it was only fair! It was a good insight into what I put my models through, and it definitely made me appreciate the hard work they do. Plus, let’s be honest: what girl doesn’t want pretty pictures of herself?

Q: Your work often takes you overseas to different countries and exotic locations. Do you have a favorite place to visit or shoot in?

Actually, I’ve only shot in two foreign places: Budapest and Prague. And Prague is by far my favorite! But I would love to travel to so many more places to shoot, mostly exotic beach spots.

Q: Do you have any professional aspirations left that you still wish to accomplish?

God, yes – as I mentioned earlier, my dream is to travel the world and become more of an international shooter. I want to shoot beautiful girls in every continent. I would love to be recognized more for my video work; people usually only know me as a photographer.

Q: Besides your parents, is there anyone else you admire professionally or consider a major influence on your career?

I love Ellen von Unwerth and I very much admire Andrew Blake’s videos.

Q: Is there one misconception about the adult industry that you wish you could dispel?

That it’s run only by men exploiting women. There are so many females working behind the scenes, and a lot of girls have made adult into a viable and enjoyable career.

Q: I read that you rode horses competitively for 13 years. Is equestrianism still a passion of yours?

Ha, ha, no – though my mother wishes it was!

Q: You have been open in the past about your battle with alcoholism several years ago. Is there any specific advice you would offer to someone who may be struggling with an addiction?

That you’re not alone. There are so many recovering addicts out there who want to help you. Getting sober is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it’s definitely worth it. And will probably save your life.

Q: Are there any current or upcoming projects in the works that you would like to mention?

I opened a studio, which is available for rentals! We’re working on a website, but for now you can check it out at Facebook.com/NoveriaStudios.

Q: In closing, is there anything you wish to say to readers?

I want to say thank you to my fans for all their support and check out my site, www.hollyrandall.com.