Friday, October 21, 2011

Distinctive: Dan by Jon Whitney

'Cause a face without freckles is like a sky without stars'
Natasha Bedingfield


Distinctive: Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others. Having a special quality, style, attractiveness



There is no better word to describe the work of Jon Whitney than distinctive. Over the past couple of years I have featured Jon's work whenever I get the chance. I think it is because I have an affinity and connection to what Jon sees through both his camera and his life lens. Jon describes himself as moody, complex and artistic all words which embody many of my favorite images.



Like Jon, I prefer cool over hot, dark over light, used over new. When choosing a place to be, a film to watch, a style to photograph, classic, even old usually wins out. When choosing how to photograph, frame and shoot a model Jon's aim is create something beautiful, sexy, classic and most of all distinctive.



"Dan always nails the perfect shot"
Jon Whitney



Distinctive also describes 23 year old Dan Metz from Colby Models. Colby, which opened it's doors in NYC last year is headed by CEO and former model Ryan Colby. Although Dan has an impressive portfolio and images shot by some of the best photographers in the business, some of my favorite shots are Jon's. While most who worked with Dan chose to photograph him looking, more 'generic' maybe even more hirable, by covering distinctive features like his beautiful freckles, Jon chose to spotlight them, creating a series of body shots and incredible portraits. I remember when Jon first posted some of these images they were met with a variety of reactions from hot to cold. I was certainly in the hot category. I think it is a testament to Jon's style that although Dan has many spectacular images in his portfolio that Jon's work garnered such a reaction.


Jon Whitney on Model Mayhem
Colby Models
Exclusive Interview with Dan at Colby Models Blog

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