texasmonthly.com: How did you get involved in photography?

Jeff Lipsky: Old Life magazines.

texasmonthly.com: Do you think photographs can really capture the essence of a person?

JL: If the photographer and the subject have an understanding of each other, then yes.

texasmonthly.com: Do you like to be photographed?

JL: I don’t mind at all as long as it’s fun.

texasmonthly.com: What’s the best way to make a person look flattering?

JL: To each his own.

texasmonthly.com: How can the person being photographed make your job easier?

JL: By enjoying the process.

texasmonthly.com: I hear the phrase “you’re a natural” used to describe people who are easy to photograph. What does that mean?

JL: It’s when a subject gives off energy that shows in the photograph.

texasmonthly.com: How did you get into the business of photographing celebrities?

JL: I started my photography career in L.A.—when in Rome…

texasmonthly.com: I’ve seen some of your work, including photographs of Lindsay Lohan and Brittany Murphy. What is it like working with celebrities?

JL: Great.

texasmonthly.com: What was it like photographing Kelly Clarkson for the cover image of the May 2005 issue of Texas Monthly?

JL: A pleasure.

texasmonthly.com: Did she ham it up for the camera?

Yes, she was herself.

texasmonthly.com: How long do photo shoots usually take?

JL: Twenty minutes to eternity.