Antithesis: Erjole by YogaBear Studio

The mission of photographer David Gray from YogaBear Studios is to shoot fine portrait and physique photography for men of all ages and body types. Given this motto, it might be argued that there really cannot be an antithesis when your subject range is so inclusive and expansive. Yet, when exploring David's recent work, there was something unique about his work with 30 year old model and actor Erjole.



I first profiled David's work last year with his work with Jacob Authier (Entirely For Fun). In that profile, I described David's focus on elemental, with both spirit and body.



'For David Gray, elemental simply means natural. Men who are not overly primped and chiseled, hair is a must both on the body and the face. What was fascinating to me in going through David's impressive portfolio is how different each man looks when shooting them as they naturally appear. Sometimes models today are so manscaped, with identical hair lengths and cuts they often look so similar with the special qualities that make them unique photoshopped away. When selecting models and artists to feature on FH I try to look for things unique and different.'



Erjole has an incredible sculpted physique and face and almost a retro look that I love. You can almost picture him modeling suits or coats on the cover of a back issue of GQ. Of course given it is YogaBear Studios, the suit and coats are left at the door.



It was interesting then, to find the chiseled jawline of Erjole within David's port. What I love so much about David's work is how he visually and emotionally connects to the sensual core with the models he shoots. No matter what their age or body type, David's knows this energy is always present within. He celebrates it with his camera, his artistry, even though so many choose to ignore it. It is a compliment then, when a model like Erjole, with what might be seen as having traditional 'handsome' features, ones which might get him on the cover of a magazine, or a Harlequin novel is an exception, the antithesis, and not the norm.



YogaBear Studios on ModelMayhem
YogaBear Studios Official Site
Erjole on ModelMayhem