I had a shoot scheduled with my favorite model, Brandon. (Sunday, September 18, 2011) He called an hour before to say he had a conflict and couldn't make it, but he had a friend who wanted to sub for him. He had never posed before, but he really wanted the experience. Since I was already set up, I agreed.
The model, who I will call "David", because that is his name, showed up about a half-hour late - a sign of things to come. As I recall, it was March, and still a little chilly, but David was wearing a plaid flannel shirt, long-sleeved, buttoned to the wrist and the neck. Not a good sign.
I attempted to warm him up with a series of clothed head shots, and after a few of these I suggested that maybe he could unbutton the top two or three buttons of his shirt. He reluctantly complied, only to reveal another shirt - this time a long-sleeved rugby - underneath, also buttoned to the top button.
It took me about half an hour to get his clothes off, and even then I had to practically pry off his socks. (He was self-conscious about his feet.)
Things weren't going well. He was tall - a little under six feet - and well but not over muscled. A nice body. But his face, although attractive, was contorted in a mask of what can only be described as sheer terror.
I tried every trick I could think of to put him at his ease, but nothing worked.
Finally, after nearly an hour, I just gave up and turned him around. The result is this image, which is one of my favorites.
MORAL: Keep shooting.
I have worked with David now for four years, and it's still a struggle every time, but there will be other images of him. Some will be surprising.
Shot with digital with a one-light set-up, sepia toned.
Nice composition! -Josh
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