Soldiered On: Richard Roman by Lights On Studio

'I see their shadows on the snow, hear the crack of leathern wings, feel their hot breath'

Aemon Targaryen

When I first viewed Tom Nakielski's (Lights On Studio) images of model Richard Roman, I instantly thought of Aemon Targaryen from Game of Thrones.  In part it was the costumes, in part it was the wisdom, strength and vitality Richard expresses within his work. Aemon  has served as a maester to the Night's Watch at Castle Black for so long that the rest of the Seven Kingdoms has forgotten about his Targaryen blood.

Some of the most interesting characters on Game of Thrones are over 60.  Given during the time the show is set in, most men didn't usually  live much past 30, you can only imagine the strength, stamina and fortitude it took to make it to sixty or seventy.  Modeling also takes a lot of strength, stamina and fortitude, especially when you're not 19 years old.  At a little over 19, 75 to be exact, Richard has heard 'You're not the age I generally work with,' more times than he can remember.

Tom as well acknowledged that Richard is not the typical model he usually works with, but at 75, Tom describes the Detroit model as a hunk in his own right.  A retired teacher, Richard has been modeling for awhile, primarily as a life drawing model for art classes.  Tom says the shoot was a last minute decision.  He had found an abandoned factory a year ago, but it was boarded up and he couldn't get in.  A few weeks ago when Tom was back in Detroit dropping off prints for a gallery display, he again checked out the building.  This time, he found an opening to get in.

'The only day that I thought would be warm enough to do nudes was the upcoming Monday.  (t was only 48 degrees and much colder in the building. Richard brought the black outfit and the Greek warrior outfit. I was glad he came more than prepared. We did a lot of walking to find various spot to photograph. I wore my winter jacket the whole time and was still cold. Richard never complained that he was cold but I could see he was shivering. What a trooper. I have had much younger models wimp out when it was cold. Even with little or nothing to cover up, he soldiered on.'

Tom Nakielski

'I worked with Tom twice; this being the third session.  Weather was the only glitch. It was sunny but cool, making it difficult to dwell on any one pose.  Tom is a real professional, directions are easy to follow and I really enjoyed the session.   He always seeks the best combination of location and lighting. Input is welcomed and used in the poses.' 

Richard Roman

Lights On Studio

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