'Some models come and go like a one night stand which is fine, but there’s nothing quite like working with someone with whom you’ve developed a bond. We inspire each other and the end result is never disappointing.'
Photographers and models frequently have to adapt to creating visual intimacy with strangers. The business demands that many collaborations consist of artist and model meeting for the first time on the day of the shoot. The model, usually then must immediately remove most, or all of their clothing. The photographer, then must quickly find a creative approach in capturing something beyond just the body posing in front of them.
Many skilled photographers, despite these circumstances, are able to create great images of incredible bodies. Many models, are able to deliver, regardless of who is behind the camera. Many of my favorite shoots though, tend to be from photographers and models who over time, have developed both a trust, and a creative nexus with one another. Photographers who not only know how best to shoot a particular model, but how to push limits, and bring out pieces of their personality that a stranger could not. Models, who are not only relaxed, but completely at ease with putting their trust in the creative impetus in the artist behind the lens.
One of the first times that I featured the work of Florida's David Vance, my focus was on his work with model and friend Nathan Wessel. (Collaboration) David and Nathan had shot together countless times and had worked together on various projects and creative enterprises. There was a layer of creativity in their work together, a visual depth that let me to contact David about featuring the images. I felt those same things while enjoying David's work with model and fitness specialist Kevin Selby.
Many of you are familiar with Kevin's work, his blue eyes, great smile and magnificent body have appeared in magazines and on-line features extensively over the past few years. David first began shooting with Kevin back in 2013 after they met on Facebook through photographer Joem Bayawa. David shares they have shot a couple of times each year since then and have developed a close personal friendship which David says makes shooting with Kevin even a greater pleasure. FH readers have seen, and read about my love for gingers over the years, (Red) but David reports he never really realized he had a soft spot for gingers, until he began working with Kevin.
'Kevin is truly one of a kind..a very beautiful human being with a generous, kind heart. He truly loves helping others and works really hard as a trainer as well as a model.'
