'When I was in the service, (Army) I saw a lot families and friends who either lost loved ones, or were not able to have a final goodbye. While I know that sounds a bit morbid, I can honestly say, that's what really sparked my interest to be able to capture something people could have forever.'
Of of the questions that I pretty much always ask photographers and models is about their beginnings. Maybe it's because of my own beginning, and ending with shooting, but I am always fascinated with how an artist's journey got started. Although there are some photographers who simply want to capture a naked body, most artists that I profile didn't necessarily begin with that focus. For most, it begins with saving, and savouring the moments that visually impact them. In addition to making families happy, Quinton says another thing that really inspired him was a movie called The Bang Bang Club. 'If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend it for all photographers to take a look at. I say that because it shows that not all photos and prize winners are full of glitz and glamour. The photos that tell a true story and capture the hearts and imaginations of others are the ones that I really like. To be honest, I'm not a fan of my work personally.'
There are a lot of thoughts, fantasies and also falsities surrounding nude shoots. We tend to sensationalize them in our minds, which I guess is part of the enjoyment of a great image. We often focus on the model, their feelings, their nerves, their thoughts before and during taking it all off for the camera. I am equally interested in that process for the artist, especially the first time. Although Mike was far from Quinton's first model shoot, it was in fact his first time doing a nude shoot.
Normally the Florida photographer shoots fitness, portraits, weddings and photojournalism themed work, but with with his shoot with Mike, he thought he'd give it a shot. Having worked with Mike in the past, a friendship had developed on their previous shoots, so when Quinton asked him if he would like to do nudes for his portfolio Mike responded with a simple 'sure'. Sometimes first's don't always end up the way we envision, and nor should they, firsts are about beginnings, not end and beginnings are based in learning, and risk. Quinton thinks many photographers end up being their own worst critique, putting tons of money, and far too many hours into creative idea's, only to feel 'meh' at then end of the day.
'That's kind of how I felt for this particular shoot. I got a motel room by the beach, brought all my lenses and lights, and spent at least 3 1/2 hours shooting. When it was over and I started looking at the files, I think there was maybe one that I really really liked. Even though that's how I felt, the model (Mike) really enjoyed the way they turned out.'
As my name alludes to, I'm a fan of the classics, and what can be more classic than doing nude photography...? Since the dawn of man, nudity has always been something that's either loved by all or too taboo to deal with, so what better way to embody and capture that kind of moment? I made sure Mike was comfortable at all times, and we never did a pose or anything he felt uncomfortable for. The moment a model doesn't feel right doing something, you have to stop and re-evaluate the situation. If you don't, the discomfort and awkwardness will show on the models face and it completely ruins the photo.
The fact that Mike really liked how things turned out ended up changing Quinton's 'meh' to a sense of satisfaction in the process and with the results.Mike wasn't the only one who enjoyed the results if their work together. The first image of Quinton's that I saw, was his shot of Mike in the shower that I used as pic of the day. Although Mike's body is more than worthy of capturing and enjoying, I am generally pretty perceptive about sensing when a photographer is capturing a body, or when an artist is capturing a moment, and a person within that moment. Hopefully's Quinton's work with Mike is the beginning of many future captured moments.
