Last Autumn, photographer Jay Rickard (Lightweaver) introduced readers of FH to the incredible Chris Topel. One of the things I love so much about Jay's work is that he doesn't just photograph models, he creates characters and scenario's which highlight both their look and features, as well aspects of their personality, sometimes ones which they have never explored before. I featured Jay's images with Chris in two features, Baby Oil & Beefcake and The Man Who Walked. The two posts featured two different locations and two distinct themes.
It is always great to discover a model with distinct features and look in front of the lens. I was fascinated with the beauty of Chris's skin, his freckles and the beauty and contrast with the white behind them. In addition, Chris has a great physique with an impressive, and impossible not to notice butt. Chris's story made him even that much more interesting, and Jay blended all his best features together within his images.
Jay hadn't worked with Chris in awhile, but after the purchase of specific prop, felt Chris would be the best model to help him bring a new character to light. That shoot, I think I am going to save for posting next week as I want to begin with this part of the shoot that I equally taken with. A simple black backdrop and a wooden bar stool. Chris looks as great as ever, with his face and eyes reflecting his growth over the past year, I also love the new goatee which adds a new edge to his look and images. Jay magnificently captures Chris's body and physique, especially with the stunning silhouette images. The bar stool acts as a perfect stage to highlight one of Chris's most alluring body parts.
I am happy to feature Jay's work with Chris for many reason, first and foremost, I have been featuring his imagery for close to 5 years and he is always supportive and enthusiastic about sharing both images, and story from his shoots. Secondly, as 2014 winds down, there may be less opportunities see new work from Jay. Starting next year, Jay's focus is going to be film making as Jay and his partner venture into the world of Indie films. Jay has been shooting the male forum for awhile now, and although he has loved it, he feels it is time for something new. That is still a few months away however so until then, hopefully there will be more shoots, models, and characters to explore.
'My vaults are deep and right now I'm doing a lot of sharing from those vaults on my tumblr feed and will continue to keep that going until the internet evolves again and some other new improved thing comes along. I prefer tumblr right now because unlike Deviant Art and Model Mayhem and other sites, I don't have to think about my content before I put it out there. '
I can share whatever image I feel like sharing at the moment whether it's some beautifully poetic, soft and romantic nude or something more erotic in nature. It's all good out there in tumblr land. For an artist like me who shoots such a wide variety of content I really like not having to edit myself.'
