Mystique is not something you can really plan to capture within an image. It is not physical nor is it tangible. Mystique is more a feeling, an aura, something in the air around a particular person or thing.
Masculinity, much like Mystique, can also be difficult to exactly pinpoint. Although some define one's masculinity with factors such as body type, degree of muscle or by levels of testosterone or stereotypical characteristics of what a man is, none of these actually can totally capture it. I have watched many photographers throw sports gear, rugby pads or a football helmet on a model in an effort to produce a masculine looking image. Problem is, masculinity, much like mystique, is not really about what you wear, but more who you are under the gear. You sort of either have it or you don't. The helmet may create brief illusions, but look a little closer and usually you can see there is something unauthentic about the shot.
Like most of you, I have strongly felt it around many an athlete. I have also however felt it around skinny guys, short guys, computer geeks, young guys and especially in men over the age of 25. Innate masculinity usually develops along with maturity, and often it is men in their late 20's, 30's and older who have learned how to skillfully moderate the aura that surrounds them. The aura is always there, but can be controlled and someone who understand it's power can regulate how much they exude depending on the situation.
Masculinity is most certainly real and powerful, contrived shots of masculinity however can come across feeling odd and unnatural. A skilled photographer would not put boxing gloves on a model who could not pull them off, when they do, the model often comes off looking more like a kid playing dress up. Louis Grosemont from takeurpicture knows this better than most. When Louis uses props or clothes in his shoots, they are to enhance and compliment the masculine mystique, not an attempt to create it.
Louis did not set out to capture Fearless masculinity, his original plan was to become a journalist. Although he obtained a Masters in Communications, while attending Philadelphia's Temple University Louis was asked by a professor and mentor to attend graduate school and teach photography labs to his lecture class. It was during this time photography became a passion. When it comes to his style, Louis says he simply wants to take photos that he himself would want to see, by taking a models best features and accenting them both visually and artistically.
Logan undoubtedly has many features worthy of accenting, from his great face and infectious grin and every inch, shooting stars included, of his incredible body. Louis met Logan though a model online casting. Louis says Logan sent him a sample of photos all taken with a camera phone. Louis initially worried the shots might be fake as so many online responses have ended up in disappointment, sometimes the images supplied having been shot years earlier. It seemed odd that someone as great looking as Logan would not have had some professional shots to send on.
'Logan ended up being true to his photos and a great model to work with. He is easy and takes direction well and many times supplied his own input into the shoot. But his smile is amazing. You heard that expression, a smile that can light up a room. I never understood that phrase but when I look at his smile, it is a 1,000 mega watts....What is great about him is that his smile makes you fall for him, because it displays an innocent, childlike presence.... and you melt, but his serious look is so strong and powerful and sensual...which is great...his facial expressions change the photos completely. He is perfection to work with!'
Louis Grosemont
1 comment:
VERY SEXY AND GREAT WORK TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER
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