'I may look sweet and innocent but I'm far from it!'
One of things that interests me about doing this blog, is the things I learn about myself, even when I'm not really looking. When I profile any photographer or model, one of the first things I try to do is put into words, what it is exactly I like about the images and work. With Southampton photographer Oakleigh, and his images of Marco, the reason was admittedly primal.
I think a stage of almost every one's sexual development and maturity is a flirtation with bad boys. There are hundreds of stories and movies documenting women and bad boys, but men are not immune from their allure either. Although we really can't ever change another person, even when we know it, we still often want to try. Many of us had relationships based on a guttural sexual attraction to someone who we knew was not right for us. Even so, many of us, dove in anyway. The funny thing about these relationships is that as hard as they can be, and as much as others try to warn us to stay away; they end up providing some of the best lessons, not to mention best memories, that we carry into future relationships.
One of the things that struck me about David's (Oakleigh) images of Marco, was the contrast in attitude between the images in which Marco was clothed, and when he was naked. It was almost as if the toughness disappeared along with the clothes. When shielded with a hat and clothes, the bad boy was every present. Without them, when naked, playing in the water pools in Brighton, he no longer needed to be anything but just himself.
Less than an hour from London by train, Brighton a popular destination for lovers of the beach and sun. The beach also has a nudist area which made it a great place for Marco to drop his drawers, and his tough guy exterior, and head into the water. Oakleigh says that most of his professional photographic work has been plants and gardens, but for fun, enjoys photographing the male form.
'The beach shoot was on the south coast, Brighton. After this shoot, we also did duo shoot with Marco and another model. It was a weekday so not really busy but just a few other guys around. Although bright, it was not such a warm day and Marco was brave to get into the water for the shoot. He is always great to work with, always fun and a natural. the lucky lad never works out this is his natural look and body!
Oakleigh
