Behind the Lens 003 - A Few Good Men

Over the years, I have worked with some talented men who have modeled in front of my lens. You never really know how shallow people can be until they are critiquing your photography of male models or, in my case, guys or male friends who were kind enough to strike a pose for me. In my photography career, I have met the most scrutiny in my photography of male models, or models who happen to be male. Some of it, early on was due to my level of knowledge and ability as a beginning guy (or queen...LOL) with a camera. While I still have a lot to learn, I know better now, especially with my works earlier this year with my male models, German and Rob, that I have improved significantly. There are still some things I want to achieve, but when I get nasty comments on my various sites - it is usually because I just don't seem get it right with the fellas. Maybe that is because a lot of the people looking at my works with male models are looking for something more in line with a porn site, than an artsy fartsy sort such as myself. While I appreciate a good eye candy session now and again, that has its place and the photographers who shoot male nudes, whether artistic or not in nature, are usually well-versed in that type of photography. It is whole different ball game insofar as lighting, set up, even talent. I consider the sources, as usually the person posting such comments has no works of their own to showcase. I am proud of any of my models who have stepped in front of my camera. They were all professional in their demeanor, took direction well and showed up on time. What more could a photographer want? Now, as I was learning, sure not every shot was a magazine cover - but they weren't all 'snapshots' either.

Here are a few from my earlier works that I still look at with pride...

Bronzed Yungin' - Model: Jeuvel Milner

Jeuvel was one of my very first models. We were both learning at the same time. We both like this over the shoulder glance of his.

Wicked, Model: Jeuvel Milner

We had a little bit of fun for Halloween. I couldn't believe I demonized this poor guy. We had fun with it though. It's funny because he was one of the nicest guys to work with. I should have created some angel wings instead of those wicked eyes...lol.

Justin

Deliverance, Model: Daniel Silveira

I am so proud of how far Daniel has come in his modeling. Now, he works with some of the top photographers in the business. I probably couldn't afford him now...lol. Always gave me what I wanted artistically. Very determined to get the right shot for what I was looking for.

Daniel Silveira

Dreams; Model: Justin

Justin

Justin is a good friend of Diva Kingsley's and when he came into town a few years ago, he was kind enough to let me play with my camera. That's where it is at. A lot of my models and I have exchanged artistry and talent over the years. It keeps one humble and on your toes. That is because you are dealing with people's free time, which to me is more than money. Sure, we all like to get paid, BUT a 'freebie' really isn't a 'freebie.' Justin was just a cool, cool guy to work with and he became one of my sites early heart throbs - and nobody was more surprised than him.

Tattoo, Model: Adrian

I was looking for a bad boy type and my friend came into town with his new partner. Although he is a soft spoken, classical music loving chef...to look at him - I thought "GRAB MY CAMERA, STAT!" I need a thug! LOL. This one ended up being up for consideration in my Best Picture contest last year, for my Cassone Channel Honors. While it didn't make the final cut, I was pleased that my work with him got so much positive feedback from my website visitors.

Like a Rock Star, Model: Victor

Victor is a visual artist from Miami and his sinewy frame and awesome hair, helped me create this silhouette. It was something I had always wanted to do up to that point and he was a willing muse. I can hear the electric guitars every time I see this...lol.