Above:
Rock Four-mation by StudioMGphotography
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Check out my full coverage of this year's Lake Powell shoot, including many behind the scenes shots, over 15 posts over 3 pages of FH!
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Lake Powell 2018
Image from Gordon Nebeker
Next two images from Mike Tossy
It was back in 2013 that I had the opportunity to first visually join photographer Gordon Nebeker on his artistic expeditions to Utah. (Earthly Embrace) Chronicling the annual shoot has become a highlight for me, and for FH. Since that first post, I have been fortunate to feature the work of Gordon, Mike Tossy, Studiomgphotography and in the first few years, Tom Clark, not to mention the close to 20 different who joined them on their photographic journey.
The visual grandeur of the landscape and location is just the beginning of why covering the trip has become so special The shoot has become in a way, a mission statement for why I continue to explore my passion for photography of the male form and the stories behind their creation. Gordon, Mark and Mike not only have shared their images, but behind the scenes shots and stories of the how the process of bringing the shoot, and each of the participants, together.
StudioMGphotography
Every year, it is a challenge to figure out how best to present the images. I am always worried about posting too many shots at the same time, worried, the visual impact of each individual shot, will get lost with so many images for viewers to enjoy. In the end however, I usually end posting as many images as I can. In part, because it is difficult to exclude an image I love. Mostly however, because each image tells another piece, tells another story, and captures another extraordinary moment.
Gordon Nebeker
'This trip was a dream come true.'
Next two images from Mike Tossy
It was back in 2013 that I had the opportunity to first visually join photographer Gordon Nebeker on his artistic expeditions to Utah. (Earthly Embrace) Chronicling the annual shoot has become a highlight for me, and for FH. Since that first post, I have been fortunate to feature the work of Gordon, Mike Tossy, Studiomgphotography and in the first few years, Tom Clark, not to mention the close to 20 different who joined them on their photographic journey.
The visual grandeur of the landscape and location is just the beginning of why covering the trip has become so special The shoot has become in a way, a mission statement for why I continue to explore my passion for photography of the male form and the stories behind their creation. Gordon, Mark and Mike not only have shared their images, but behind the scenes shots and stories of the how the process of bringing the shoot, and each of the participants, together.
StudioMGphotography
Every year, it is a challenge to figure out how best to present the images. I am always worried about posting too many shots at the same time, worried, the visual impact of each individual shot, will get lost with so many images for viewers to enjoy. In the end however, I usually end posting as many images as I can. In part, because it is difficult to exclude an image I love. Mostly however, because each image tells another piece, tells another story, and captures another extraordinary moment.
Gordon Nebeker
studioMGphotography: The Best Parts
Benjamin by studioMGphotography
'Mark had an infectious energy. He was sharp and knew how to allow you to hit your mark and find your light, it was a joy to work worth him.'
'Mark is very focused and I love that. Typically when I do my own photos, it’s just me and I’m operating my camera as well. I haven’t had the opportunity to work with a ton of photographers so I very much desired instruction. Mark was great at giving me that instruction, helping me know what parts of my body to adjust to make the image just right. I’m so grateful for that!'
'Mark had an infectious energy. He was sharp and knew how to allow you to hit your mark and find your light, it was a joy to work worth him.'
'Mark is very focused and I love that. Typically when I do my own photos, it’s just me and I’m operating my camera as well. I haven’t had the opportunity to work with a ton of photographers so I very much desired instruction. Mark was great at giving me that instruction, helping me know what parts of my body to adjust to make the image just right. I’m so grateful for that!'
Utah 2018 Road Map
Images below by Mike Tossy
'Located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Several factors insured that it would not be the same as the previous two years had been. First, we selected four models to accompany us and previously we had just had two or three models with us. The next factor was that it was essentially a different lake than the year before. Due to an ongoing drought in the Intermountain states, Lake Powell was about 36 feet lower than it had been the year before and, while a first time visitor might not notice the difference, it changes just about everything from what we knew before. Not for the worse, necessarily, but just different. So it truly was a new adventure for all of us!'
'This was the first year we did our model search via social media - Instagram specifically. We created "model search" casting call posts and were floored by the response. Over 50 guys contacted us, interested in more information or joining the shoot! Some were totally serious, and some were really just saying it would be fun and didn't think they would be considered, but we still needed to reply to everyone (and it's hard to say no!) It was a real challenge getting the number down, especially as we all had to turn down a few guys we'd worked with before and who hoped to join this traveling shoot now. In the end we found three amazing guys who all lived in Utah, plus another stellar guy that Gordon had worked with previously on the east coast.'
'Two of the four models had met before and I had previously done photo shoots with two of them (separately) as well so there was some familiarity which helped to smooth the way but it none-the-less surprised and pleased us how quickly the group of models bonded with each other! '
'I'm really pleased with the results of running our own casting call. Over 50 guys applied and it would have been hard to imagine four guys who would have gotten along better or been better traveling companions. Part of the reason that they all clicked was the shared excitement of being out on the lake. If you haven't been on Lake Powell, and none of the models had, it is hard to imagine what an amazing huge place it is'
'Located on the border of Arizona and Utah. Several factors insured that it would not be the same as the previous two years had been. First, we selected four models to accompany us and previously we had just had two or three models with us. The next factor was that it was essentially a different lake than the year before. Due to an ongoing drought in the Intermountain states, Lake Powell was about 36 feet lower than it had been the year before and, while a first time visitor might not notice the difference, it changes just about everything from what we knew before. Not for the worse, necessarily, but just different. So it truly was a new adventure for all of us!'
'This was the first year we did our model search via social media - Instagram specifically. We created "model search" casting call posts and were floored by the response. Over 50 guys contacted us, interested in more information or joining the shoot! Some were totally serious, and some were really just saying it would be fun and didn't think they would be considered, but we still needed to reply to everyone (and it's hard to say no!) It was a real challenge getting the number down, especially as we all had to turn down a few guys we'd worked with before and who hoped to join this traveling shoot now. In the end we found three amazing guys who all lived in Utah, plus another stellar guy that Gordon had worked with previously on the east coast.'
'Two of the four models had met before and I had previously done photo shoots with two of them (separately) as well so there was some familiarity which helped to smooth the way but it none-the-less surprised and pleased us how quickly the group of models bonded with each other! '
'I'm really pleased with the results of running our own casting call. Over 50 guys applied and it would have been hard to imagine four guys who would have gotten along better or been better traveling companions. Part of the reason that they all clicked was the shared excitement of being out on the lake. If you haven't been on Lake Powell, and none of the models had, it is hard to imagine what an amazing huge place it is'
Quadrilateral
Mike Tossy
'Having four models with us affected our photography in a positive way. Of course we did some shoots with all four models involved but it was easier to break up the group of four into smaller groups which meant we were not all photographing the same guys in the same settings as much as we had on previous trips. I think the result is a much broader variety in our work.'
Gordon Nebeker
'One trick of having 3 photographers creating work is finding ways to be different - to create something different from the other guys. Sometimes that's pretty hard to do, like if the models are on shore but we're shooting from the speedboat just off shore. My trick for getting something different is trying for a different perspective - I tend to be out there climbing rocks or such to get a higher vantage point than Mike or Gordon might see. I'm also more of a hiker so occasionally off on a longer hike with someone.
With 4 guys modeling this year is was easier to enlist a model or two and go for a walk and see what backdrops or locations you find along the way - there was far less worry about monopolizing models when they outnumbered the photographers!'
801Fitnessfreak is natural leader and, as one of the older models in the group, he often led the way but not in a bossy manner. I think he is socially fearless and not afraid to do most anything which give others confidence when he is around. Always willing to do what it takes to get the photograph, he was easy to work with and always pleasant.
peaks_and_cheeks02 was always pleasant and always helpful. If something needed doing, he was usually the first to raise his hand. He has done quite a bit of photography of himself nude in nature so the concept was certainly familiar to him and he had many good ideas for poses and definitely felt in his element.
Quin Quire admitted proudly to me that he was “a nerd” when we first met. A devotee of comic con activities might make him think so but I found him to be keen observer of everything going on around him and a man of many projects. When there was spare time, he was always working on some social media related project or practicing his circus skills. Quite focused and I admired his energy!
Benjamin is the youngest in the model group yet amazingly sophisticated for his age and worldly-wise. He fit in well with everyone and was a real team player. Another one who would do all within reason to "get the shot”. He was an excellent model. He has a great sense of fun and kept us all in good spirits with his charm and wit.
StudioMGphotograhy
Gordon Nebeker
'Having four models with us affected our photography in a positive way. Of course we did some shoots with all four models involved but it was easier to break up the group of four into smaller groups which meant we were not all photographing the same guys in the same settings as much as we had on previous trips. I think the result is a much broader variety in our work.'
Gordon Nebeker
'One trick of having 3 photographers creating work is finding ways to be different - to create something different from the other guys. Sometimes that's pretty hard to do, like if the models are on shore but we're shooting from the speedboat just off shore. My trick for getting something different is trying for a different perspective - I tend to be out there climbing rocks or such to get a higher vantage point than Mike or Gordon might see. I'm also more of a hiker so occasionally off on a longer hike with someone.
With 4 guys modeling this year is was easier to enlist a model or two and go for a walk and see what backdrops or locations you find along the way - there was far less worry about monopolizing models when they outnumbered the photographers!'
801Fitnessfreak is natural leader and, as one of the older models in the group, he often led the way but not in a bossy manner. I think he is socially fearless and not afraid to do most anything which give others confidence when he is around. Always willing to do what it takes to get the photograph, he was easy to work with and always pleasant.
peaks_and_cheeks02 was always pleasant and always helpful. If something needed doing, he was usually the first to raise his hand. He has done quite a bit of photography of himself nude in nature so the concept was certainly familiar to him and he had many good ideas for poses and definitely felt in his element.
Quin Quire admitted proudly to me that he was “a nerd” when we first met. A devotee of comic con activities might make him think so but I found him to be keen observer of everything going on around him and a man of many projects. When there was spare time, he was always working on some social media related project or practicing his circus skills. Quite focused and I admired his energy!
Benjamin is the youngest in the model group yet amazingly sophisticated for his age and worldly-wise. He fit in well with everyone and was a real team player. Another one who would do all within reason to "get the shot”. He was an excellent model. He has a great sense of fun and kept us all in good spirits with his charm and wit.
StudioMGphotograhy
Gordon Nebeker
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