'I told Kedori that I wanted to do a shoot in a forest with a lot of ferns. He had the perfect place in mind...'
I love it when artists and models that I have profiled separately come together to create incredible, and in this case breathtaking imagery. I first profiled Kedori back in 2014 in a series of posts, (HERE:) highlighting some of my favorite shots of the Sydney Australia based physique model. I love Kedori's confidence and strength in front of the camera, not to mention his incredible body that he masterfully poses so well.
Last winter, I had the privilege of also introducing FH readers to the work of Mike from AANE Photography. I loved the Pennsylvania photographer's erotically raw edge and his incredible imagery produced along with his partner, and photo retoucher, THOM Graphophoton. FH was fortunate to join him virtually on his photographic travels, shooting models throughout various cities in the US, in South Africa and earlier this year got a sneak peak from his trip to Australia with is images of Simon.
Many of Mike's excursions were due to his work, but Australia would prove to be his penultimate trip with his job. The Australia shoot also proved a challenge for not only Mike, but Kedori as well. When I first saw the images I was over taken by the tranquillity and beauty of the Australian landscape, the water,forest and foliage. In many ways the images felt like a beautiful dream, our Eve-less Adam, Kedori, in his very own sensuous garden of Eden.
Turns out, that Eden wasn't exactly a picnic for model and photographer to get to. Mike was pushed physically to the limits getting to, and back from the location. Kedori was also challenged, maybe more mentally that physically. Although as you can see, still in incredible shape, personal circumstances had Kedori struggling to motivate himself to the gym on a regular basis.
'I had been following several models for a couple of years, and I emailed them on the off chance they might be available. I heard back from two and scheduled a shoot for that weekend. At the last minute I decided to also email Kedori. To my surprise, he was available, and willing to work with me.'
'I think the shoot, and this feature. might be the kick in the pants that I need to get me back on track and having the body back where I want it. Those elusive bottom abs gotta come back :)'
'We went to the Royal National Park south of Sydney. After getting a map and paying the entrance fee, we headed for a waterfall he had heard about before. We parked at the head of a trail, which indicated the waterfall was 1 km away. I figured, 1 km is nothing. So I eagerly jumped at the chance. It was a hot summer day down under, and it became clear rather soon that I had gotten in over my head. The 1 km trail was all down hill leading to a small river. Half way down, we stopped and took some shots around the trees and brush.'
Mike
'We continued to the bottom, but could not shoot at the waterfall, because it was very occupied. It was a shame, since the waterfall was beautiful. We walked up stream and found a somewhat secluded area where Kedori could get in the water. The angle of the sun and the clarify of the water gave me some amazing shots. It was beautiful and teasing. We shot a few more images among some tall grass, and then headed back up to the car, 1 km up hill.'
Mike
'It was a really fun shoot to be involved in. Though, being a physique model I love studio lights, as you can angle them just right to show of definition it was great to get outside and do a location shoot.'
Kedori
'Mike was great to work with. I am not sure if he mentioned to you that we had to do a bit of a hike to get where we ended up shooting.... the nice thing was it was all down hill to get there.... but of course uphill to get out. Plus, it was a beautiful sunny, and hot day. Poor Mike...'
Kedori
'At several points I thought I was not going to make it. I neglected to bring water, a hat, or even sun block. Kedori thankfully brought bug repellent. Australia has the worst black flies on earth. When we finally got to the top, I was exhausted, dehydrated, and apologizing profusely to Kedori for taking so long. I had him snap a picture of me as a reminder to always go to a shoot prepared. On the way back we stopped at a gas station and I purchased a 1 1/2 liter bottle of water, which I downed in nearly one long gulp.'
Mike
'I still chat with Kedori on Skype. He has plans to come to the East Coast this year, so I hope to work with him again. I don't know if I will ever get down under again. I have a new job, with no travel. I am adjusting to domestic life. But I will always think back fondly on my trips down under, and especially those where I shared special moments capturing beautiful images.'
Mike
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