Richard Kent excels at looking through a lens. As a longtime photographer for South Florida regional industry mag Xcitement Magazine, Kent has shot scores of gorgeous women, ranging from clubs in his backyard to star-studded events like the Gentlemen’s Club EXPOs to Exotic Dancer Invitationals and Miss Nude World.
It should be no surprise then as the Gentlemen’s Club EXPO 2021 arrives in Miami May 23-26, that Kent is eager to share his slice of heaven with attendees—some of who will be seeing Miami for the first time.
“The 305 is special,” says Kent. “I wish there was more time. We have fantastic beaches and many great clubs.”
ED Magazine spoke with Kent, courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic.com to ask him about his start as an industry photographer, the biggest change in the industry he’s witnessed and some of the gems he’s gotten the chance to shoot. And don’t miss his personalized Spotify playlist courtesy of Bob Chiappardi and StripJointsMusic.com!
ED: Talk about your history with Xcitement Magazine?
KENT: I didn’t apply for my job at Xcitement. Xcitement was also publishing an entertainment magazine called Pulp. Due to internal issues, it was cancelled. I was basically out of a job, but they kept me on and I spent more time delivering magazines than taking photos.
ED: What’s it been like to witness the industry change and grow over nearly three decades?
KENT: This is the 30th year of Xcitement. We have seen a lot of changes in the industry and I could probably write a book on it. When we started, the industry was dominated by neighborhood bars. Michael Peter and Thee Dollhouse concept changed the industry. The original owners of Xcitement saw the potential of the industry and hence began the magazine.
The turn of the century was the most exciting time for me. The industry was booming, luxurious new clubs were opening—stripping was gaining mainstream acceptance. At one time, Xcitement was over 200 pages thick and we couldn’t grow any larger.
At one time the industry was about promoting the fantasy and rather laid-back. There was even a hit song, “No Sex (in the Champagne Room)”. The biggest change in the industry is how sophisticated the operation of clubs has become. Another change is how pole dancing dominates stage time. It seems every dancer is an expert.
ED: What’s your most memorable issue and why?
KENT: We never did anniversary issues or special editions. We were never controversial, so no one issue stands out. I would have to say my favorite was my first cover when I photographed Exotica whose career was just breaking out. She won Miss Nude Galaxy at Nudes-A-Poppin’ immediately after our photo shoot. I can’t count the number of covers since then.
ED: What brought you to this industry initially?
KENT: I was the day manager of the largest rock club in the southeast, the Button South. When the owner abruptly shut it down I was unemployed. My friend who was managing a strip club asked if I wanted to pick up a few shifts as a relief manager. I jumped on the opportunity. It was an easy job as there were no friction booths nor VIP rooms back then.
ED: How have your feelings toward the industry evolved over the years?
KENT: I really got to appreciate the industry and made so many friends. It gave me a tremendous opportunity to travel and photograph industry events. I have photographed pageants in clubs all across the USA.
When I first went to EXPO I looked up to everyone. Now I am older than most all and a new generation has taken over.
ED: What’s been your most favorite industry event to shoot?
KENT: Obviously EXPO because of the diversity of events. The AVN show is right behind it. I love a good pageant such as Miss Nude World and the EDIs.
We had monthly feature called “The Girls Eat Out” where we would take two or more showgirls to a friendly restaurant where they would go topless and usually make a mess of themselves while we did an irrelevant interview. It was often hysterical.
We had an Xcitement radio show on AM where we brought feature entertainers into the studio and they got naked for their interview. It was always fun to photograph. A Christian company bought out the station and changed the format—no more radio show.
ED: What about an entertainer that’s been the most photogenic—or maybe their show/costume lends itself in particular to being shot?
KENT: Any showgirl wearing a costume by Jacquie and who is a master of the art of stripping.
ED: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
KENT: Taking photographs of beautiful women.
We had monthly feature called ‘The Girls Eat Out’ where we would take two or more showgirls to a friendly restaurant where they would go topless and usually make a mess of themselves while we did an irrelevant interview. It was often hysterical. — Richard Kent
ED: What are the biggest challenges you typically face?
KENT: Smart phone cameras and their filters have eliminated the need for photographers in the eyes of today’s dancers. Also convincing clubs of the benefits of advertising
ED: The Expo is coming to your backyard again, so what are you most looking forward to having the Expo in Miami?
KENT: Having everyone see my city. The 305 is special. I wish there was more time. We have fantastic beaches and many great clubs.
ED: We do these articles in conjunction with Bob and StripJointsMusic.com, and that involves creating your own playlist. What are your favorite artists to hear in a club?
KENT: I believe the clubs, especially on the day shift, should play something for everyone, hence I don’t have any favorites. I worked for and owned a music magazine before Xcitement so I am preferential to the music of the ‘80s and prior. EDM when done right is great for a mega club but it’s a bit ridiculous for a neighborhood bar. I think a club should play feel-good, familiar, upbeat music. I don’t think people go to the club to hear the latest in pop music. Most customers outside of the big cities are not trendy. Do you think the guy who works on an oil rig or the one who spent the day on the golf course wants to hear the latest from Megan Thee Stallion? The dancers might, but they aren’t the ones spending the money. As a club manager the song I like best is the one that convinces the customer to stay for one more drink.
ED: What do you listen to personally when you’re not in the club?
KENT: Jazz, blues, modern rock, even top 40 to keep current.
ED: If you could see any concert with any artist (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
KENT: I was a concert photographer for years, I wouldn’t attempt to count the concerts I have been to. Even as a high schooler I went to shows. Bob Marley with the original Wailers. I’ve seen Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer as solo artists but somehow I missed Marley. Interesting fact: Bunny Wailer used one of my concert photos for the box cover of a concert video. I think I own every album the three of them recorded and Marley is my most listened to artist.
