Joel

I recently had the great opportunity of photographing Joel Hicks. It gave me the chance to stretch my abilities and try out new things. And what a wonderful experience it turned out to be.

I tried out new lighting set ups. I got some practice in working on the male nude. And we tried out a sort of multiple exposure thing that Joel suggested which worked a treat. I shall definitely be trying this one again, particularly since my new camera (currently sitting under the Christmas tree waiting to be opened) actually has a mulitple exposure feature. How exciting.

This session was also used to help me prepare for a masterclass I am presenting at the Societies Convention in London in January. I'll be speaking on the subject of the male nude and I'm really looking forward to seeing the turnout. I've been attending this event for years but I've never seen any talks on photographing men. I'm curious to see how this will turn out. Will it be well received or not? Click here for further details.

The lighting and pose in the above image is something I truly love. Time and time again I keep coming back to it and it never lets me down. I love the curves, the tones and just the whole feel of it.

I really enjoyed this session and I think its about time I properly begin marketing this area of my business. Woman have been enjoying boudoir photography and similar for years so why can't men? If they are going to spend that kind of time and effort taking care of their bodies then maybe they would like a memento of this time in their life so they can look back on it in years to come. I wish I had photos taken of myself when I was young and fit and I actually plan on having some done this year myself before I again regret missing another opportunity.

I would love to get one more of these shoots in preparation for my masterclass in January. I am willing to offer this session for free. If posing for such a session appeals to yourself or anyone you know please get in touch. The session needs to take place the first week in January and I will require permission to use the images in my blog as you see here and my slideshow during the masterclass in London. 2 complimentary prints of your choice will be given in exchange.

Our First Official Client

It was at this client session when I realised this is what I want to do.  I was at my most relaxed (apart from the naked man in the room, but I can get used to that).  It just felt right.  Normally I spend much of my sessions and the build up to those sessions, worrying about whether or not I will get 'the shot', the one that makes me think, 'yeah, now that is special, definitely good enough to be a sample in the studio'.  

But during this shoot, it was more like, which one will be a sample for the studio.  Hence the reason I actually have 10 images in this post, more than I have ever included because I am so picky with what I want to show as my best work. 

With all of these sessions I like to start with my clients fully clothed (after a chat over a cappucino or tea that is), so we can get used to each other.  Then we work our way down.  A man in jeans is a beautiful thing too so I think its a great way to get started.  It gives me a chance to get the lighting just right and my client a chance to see how its going which hopefully gets them a little more relaxed and comfortable. 

 

Its also useful for those clients that want to show off their images without having to show the ones that reveal all.  This way there is a variety of shots for a variety of audiences.   In fact, if nude is going a little too far for some there is no reason why a session can't be booked with just topless jean shots in mind.  I have to say I love the images in jeans as much as the fully nude anyway. 

 

For anyone considering such a session I would like to assure you that I make it as comfortable as possible.  At no point am I in a position to see more than my clients want me to see.  I announce my every move, in the event that lights need adjusting, so clients have the chance to turn away when appropriate. 

I have found male nude photography to be just beautiful.  And having searched the internet for inspiration I found not many are doing it as elegantly or artistically as this.  On the whole, the images I came across are not the sort I'd be happy to hang on a wall or show the family.  In fact much of it looks a little like cheesy porn.  So I am hoping I have found a niche to specialise in which will provide something not currently available. 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed photographing Tom.  For someone who was quite shy to begin with he did very well.  Amazingly, he enjoyed himself so much he wants to come back again for another session.  His portraits, which he loves, have inspired him to work harder at the gym so he plans to come back after another few months of working out, not that I can see anything that needs improving.  Still though I am very much looking forward to his return.  We'll have to take the opportunity to try something new. 

If you or someone you know would be interested in such a session please get in touch.  I'd love to hear from you and you are welcome to come in for a free consultation before making up your mind.

And so it Begins

For many years now I have wanted to photograph the male form.  It all started with my husband when I noticed he had a wonderfully interesting back and bottom with beautiful curves. I just knew I wanted to photograph it and told him so at the time.  But at the time I wasn't a professional photographer, I had no lighting, and really didn't know where to even begin. 

8 years later and I finally produced the images that were developing in my head over the years.  My husband kindly agreed to be my test subject. 

At this point I still didn't really know what I wanted to produce.  All I knew was that I wanted nude photos that could never be confused for something pornographic.  An image that would have people wanting to study it rather than turn away in embarrassment.  An image that someone may even want to frame and hang on a wall. 

I was thrilled with the images my first session produced.  Since then I've had volunteers for practise.  And very recently started to receive interest from the general public.  So it is now, that I am ready to build this as a business and start taking this more seriously. 

For now I am showing just a few images from my two volunteers.  But my next post will contain images from my first client shoot.  I didn't want to detract from his amazing images by including them here in this introduction.  He most definitely deserves a post all on his own.  So stay tuned if you want to see more.  I'll be posting again shortly.