A few years ago, viewers across the world were given a first hand look into the world of modeling with the consistent hit America's Next Top Model. While many would likely point to Tyra Banks fully for this success, I'd also point to the man behind the camera Mike Rosenthal. Mr. Rosenthal has always been an artist. Before serving 8 consecutive seasons as a photographer and even at times a judging panelist on ANTM, he served as an apprentice to Russell Carpenter who won the Academy Award for Cinematography for Titanic. Since then he has been around the world taking shots of some of the most amazing places and people on the planet. His work ethic and passion behind the lense has led to some of the most inspiring and authentic photography to date.

Recently, Mr. Rosenthal was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions about photography inspiration, traveling essentials, and what women really want.

1) Starting off working with cinematography, what drew you to transition to photography?
I always did still photography as a hobby, but it turned into work by accident.  I got a few random jobs and realized that I could apply cinema techniques without having the extreme shoot schedules of a film.  It was a lot of fun, and each job was short and brought something new and cool.

2) You've photographed everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Katherine Heigl, is there an individual that you'd love to photograph in the future? And why?
I'd love to work with Ed Norton, Robert Downey, Christopher Walken..  ..great actors, who's work I really admire.

3) From my viewing of America's Next Top Model, where you've not only been a photographer but also a judging panelist, it appears that things can get hectic on set- how do you maintain focus with your work?
Things always get hectic on sets, but you just have to roll with it.  Things will go wrong, personalities will clash, difficulties pop up, but you just can't stress over any of it.  Work with what you have and move on.

4) Each one of your photographs tells a story, what inspires you to keep things so fresh and invigorating? 
I try to draw inspiration from everything - travel, fine art, film.  I just spent a month in Paris, traveling around, going to galleries, just sitting and watching people.  It's all inspiring.

5) The life of a photographer must always lead to a lot of traveling, what are three items that men should always travel with?
Lots of traveling, and that's one of the best parts of the business.  3 essentials for me are a Blackberry, camera, and business cards.

6) From photographing so many beautiful women I feel as though you must be an expert by now, what is the one thing that all women want from men?
I can't claim to be an expert, but I'd have to say that most girls like a sense of humor and confidence.  Style and decent grooming don't hurt either.

7) The Half Pint Gentleman recently made his first trip to LA and I'm in love, what are a few places I should check out on my next trip?
There's so much and it's all spread out, but here are a few faves:  For shopping you should stop at Fred Segal on the west side, Confederacy on the east.  For simple authentic Mexican food, Tito's Tacos is a staple.  Urth Caffe is a popular spot for good food and people watching.  Alpha on Melrose is a store dedicated to gentlemen's products - clothing, gifts, travel.