CT.
I’m not a traveling model. Actually, I’m not much of a traveler at all, which is sad on more levels than I care to discuss. Now, I understand that states in the northern part of the East Coast are geographically smaller and demographically condensed, and it is therefore not very difficult to go from state to state, but I’m easily impressed, so my first trip to Connecticut was fairly exciting. Simple joys…
Anyway, I went up there a a few weeks ago to work with a photographer based in Stamford. His art nude work can be seen here. The shoot itself was pretty straightforward: simple and clean art nudes. Though, if I think about it (and I do like to think), it’s not really that simple. I tend to define art modeling as not fitting into any other genre of people picture taking. Sometimes, it feels like a stripping away of external concepts and influences. In a studio shoot with minimal props, no clothing or scenery, it can be a little disorienting to think of what to do with yourself, because you are all there is. Or not do, I guess. Then again, I have a knack for being internally awkward while being outwardly composed. Judge for yourself:
This was also one of the most organized and professional shoots that I’ve had. All details were confirmed, all expectations laid out, communication was clear and consistent. We had a bit of a snafu over train times, which was easily resolved with a phone call. Everything else went smoothly because of the planning and intent of the photographer. As a model with my fair share of flakes and disappointments, this was pretty refreshing.
Plus, I got cookies. I love cookies.
there’s a story out there that brando screen tested with sidney lumet and internally “held back”, while externally he was going through all his practiced actor moves slickly. brando wanted to see if lumet could see through it…straight to brando’s heart.
Josh said this on November 9, 2011 at 11.19 am |
Before I can start intentionally holding back, I need to learn to consciously let go. That’s a work in progress….
immateria said this on November 9, 2011 at 12.01 pm |
true. or shoot in a way that works with that tension. seems like a lot of art nudes don’t work well with that tension, though. the emotions, like the clothes, are supposed to be far away, or tame or statue-fied
Josh said this on November 9, 2011 at 12.26 pm |
Speaking of tension… There is a lot of it in art modeling. This is particularly true in traditional art, but even with photography, a shoot that doesn’ t involve some massive discomfort is pretty rare. The last image, for example: it’ s a simple pose, but to get it to look photogenic meant holding it in a very uncomfortable way.
immateria said this on November 9, 2011 at 2.15 pm |
interesting
Josh said this on November 9, 2011 at 5.30 pm
though, as i say that, the first of these three pictures does work well with this quality of yours, to my eye anyway…the pose is pert, self-consciously so maybe…and so the hesitation in the chin/eyes/brow works well, creates a dialogue with the viewer
Josh said this on November 9, 2011 at 12.32 pm |