Visual Variation: ReVisiting Tim by Mike Tossy

Most FH readers are aware of my love of gingers. I have featured many redheaded models and actors over the years and written in several pieces about why I am so drawn to ginger men. For starters there's simply visual variation. If you were an artist, only able to paint with hues of brown and black, having the odd tube of vibrant red added to your palette would be an incredibly welcomed gift.


In addition to the burst of color gingers add to visuals, they also add visual complexities with their skin tone and freckles. Being so rare, gingers are memorable, leaving a stronger impact on those around them. If you asked me to do a list of the blondes, brown or black haired models I have featured, I could name a few favorites, but would become overwhelmed with the countless choices. If you asked me to name the gingers I have featured, I could most likely list almost all of them without much effort.


One of the most memorable gingers that I have featured is undoubtedly Tim. Tim's first appearance on FH was back in 2010. (Seeing Red) I feel in love with Tim's images for many reasons including his ability to surprise. Tim had a great face, beautiful eyes and regardless of whether long or short, a great head of red hair. When dressed, Tim could appear clean cut, the boy next door. He looked a bit like the straight laced good student who sat next to you in geometry class. When Tim's clothes were off hwever, I felt an entirely different energy.


Tim seemed so open and free when naked, uninhibited and incredibly sexual. Under those clothes was a lean sexy body that seemed to move quicker and with more ease without the restrictions of clothing covering his skin. With Tim's support, I went on to feature more of his work, in and out of his clothes. First, later in 2010 in a series of shots from Desi from Zedneram Imagery. (HERE:) Then, in 2011, showcasing his work with one of my favorite photographers to feature, Mike Tossy.


I first featured Mike's work in 2009, but it was his work with Tim that had me asking about devoting a post to their work together. Mike's images captured everything I loved so much about Tim's work, including his athleticism and artistry. It was not surprising to learn Tim had also starting shooting his own images after seeing the beauty and flow Mike captured in their short time together.


Mike's shots of Tim, especially those of him scaling up the brick wall have become some of my all time favorite shots to feature. I have mentioned in previous pieces that Mike has an instinctive ability to encapsulate both personality and form within his images. Something some artists struggle to achieve, Mike is able to weave together with elegance and ease. The sexy shot above blends a hint of mystery while also creatively capturing Tim's beautiful body as well as a tiny peak at the soul behind Tim's captivating blue eyes.


When I checked in with Mike about revisiting his work with Tim he was fully supportive. A fellow ginger fan, Mike sent on a selection what he considered to be some of his best shots from their time together. I loved the shots, but had used many of them in the first the first piece. Mike kindly took the time to go back into his archives, and edited some shots that did not initially make his top tier to provide some new images for me to include. The images in this piece weave some of my favorites from both sets. Mike also answered a few of my questions about how his shoot with Tim all came together.


How did you first meet/see Tim and what had you wanting to connect for a shoot?

'As I recall we met through ModelMayem.com. Tim had done some modeling and he looked promising. Desi had made contact initially.'

Tim photographs as very open and physically flexible. Did you have a shot list prior to shooting, or did some of the locations and acrobatic occur spontaneously?

'I never work from a shot list. The process of photography for me is very much an exploration. Part of why Tim's shoot was successful was that he was willing to be part of the exploration.'


I know Desi was present, and Mark popped in during the shoot as well. How did this come together?

'Desi had made contact initially. We all agreed to a split of expenses and Tim's time between the photographers. Tim was living a fair distance away and it was less travel time for him. I was working on a series of photographing the photographer and model in action, so in the morning I primarily photographed Desi shooting Tim. Then in the afternoon I shot Tim myself. Marco briefly popped in that afternoon. Hard to believe all those images were from one very long day. Tim was a real trooper!'


From a photographers prospective, what draws you to gingers?

'Partially, they are very rare. Redheads are rare. Nude male models are rare. So when you get a hot redheaded guy who is willing to take off his clothes in front of the camera... you grab the opportunity! Tim was more than some hot ginger model, he was a very talented model -- full of energy and enthusiasm.'