Traditionally Sunday has been known as the day of rest. A day set aside to do nothing. Or, to devote time to following passions and desires that a life, and full time employment, never seems to allow. For Mckenzie James, Sunday was the one day he could focus on artistic endeavours. With The Sunday Naked Project, Mckenzie, allows, or forces himself, to slow down and re-discover the simple beauty that can be found with just light, skin, subject, and photographer.
'While I would LOVE to reach a point where everyday I'd be able to shoot what I want without expectations and to just explore what I want to explore, I don't think it would be particularly realistic of me. Working for clients is still the only way I know of making a living, and sadly that pretty much means work on other peoples ideas/concepts/goals, while trying to make sure your message/aesthetic remains part of it. I think that at least I will reach a point where at least half the week is Sunday :)'
Mckenzie James
I wrote the above comments in my profile of photographer Mckenzie James, and the Naked Sunday Project for the Autumn 2012 issue of tMf Magazine. I am a long time fan of Mckenzie's work, especially the imagery he has created for TNSP. I have been wanting to feature more from the project for awhile now but as usual, patience ends up being a virtue resulting in my being able to feature Mckenzie's images of his recent work with Claudiu.
Claudiu has become one of my favorite models to cover on the blog since he first appeared on FH in an image for pic of the day by Chris Teel back in January 2010. Since then I have been fortunate to collaborate with Claudiu on several features showcasing his work with several different photographers. A full time student studying multiple degree's, modeling has been a great way to help pay for his education as well showcasing his incredible body. As good as he may look with his clothes off, Claudiu also has a great body and look to showcase fashion and is looking to increase his commercial work in the future.
I titled this feature Metamorphosis, as one of the most interesting and beautiful aspects in featuring the his images has been experiencing the changes and growth within his work. The changes in Claudiu go beyond the physical, although he has put a lot of energy into getting his body to the place it is at. The changes within his imagery also speak to the spiritual and emotional, as the degree of not only confidence but sense and self has shown through stronger and stronger with each shoot. Claudiu was always mature and serious about his goals and aspirations, but his desire and dedication has only deepened which is evident with each new shoot and image. Maybe especially with the incredible portrait shots from Mckenzie shown here.
