'Creative, calm and collected.'
Although all stories and all art is in some form autobiographical, like any storyteller, photographers of the male form must choose a perspective in which to focus their narrative. Some photographers choose or create a story, one they wish to tell using the model as the vehicle to propel the plot. Other photographers tell their own personal stories, whether they know it or not, using the model almost as a hand puppet, the persona out front, the Christian to their Cyrano behind the scenes.
Some of my favorite stories are the ones where photographers pass the storytelling on to the person in front of the camera. Instead of writing or directing the story, their interest and goal is that of observer and documentarian, motivating and provoking their subjects to reveal and expose not only their bodies, but who they are and the unique facets of their personalities. I love this storytelling perspective for a number of reasons, because of it's spontaneity, and because the climax and ending to the story can't always be predicted.
Nick from Nosferatu Photography is one of my favorite observers and documentarians. Nick has a great knack for choosing fascinating subjects to share their stories, giving them the freedom to express themselves as he captures each moment, no matter how big, or how small. It was easy to see why Nick wanted to tell Arthur's story, as soon as I saw his face, his eyes in an image in Nick's port, I to, wanted to learn more about him.
There was something about Arthur that intrigued me. Arthur has a great body, but it was his slightly devilish grin, and both a twinkle, and a knowing look in his beautiful brown eyes that had me heading to Nick's 'Arthur folder' on flickr to see more. I love mirror shots, and Nick and Arthur captured many. That mirror, along with Nick's camera, captured Arthur's kid in a candy store fun side, and as well, his older, and more intensely sensual vibe and look.
As comfortable as Arthur looks in front of the camera, he actually only began modeling earlier this year. He began as a life model, modeling twice for a life drawing class. Modeling completely nude though, was something brand new. Arthur describes always being fascinated by images of models he would see online and something was urging him to give it a go. His first shoot was in March. After a photographer found his Instagram and liked his look. Arthur usually posts mostly architectural photos but also throws in the occasional selfie. The shoot included partial nudity, but it wasn't until his shoot with Nick that he posed fully nude.
'The shoot with Nick was quite refreshing because he was the first photographer to have contacted me on ModelMayhem. Nick is so very professional and made sure that I was comfortable the entire time we were shooting. He gave rough directions but allowed me to take direction with the poses. Totally at ease shooting with Nick! I was definitely very nervous but I wanted to portray a whole part of my personality, where I’m normally cheeky, playful but often reserved and good-natured. I hope that came across in my shoot with Nick!'
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