'My friend, Will Harrison does themed parties as a business and we were shooting at his house. Will has many different outfits, props and masks. it is a photographer's dream place to do a photo shoot at.'
In addition to the vibrant colors, the King cake, beads and parades, one of Mardi Gras' most well known traditions is the wearing of elaborate and sparkling masks. The masks origins date back to the 1700's when the original revelers went door to door singing and begging for offerings. The purpose of the masks to both hide and protect the identities of those behind them.
Although the original purpose isn't as relevant today, masks are still used to conceal the identity of the wearers, for a number of reasons. Some of the 'goings on' during the annual celebration may not be ones you want your neighbours to necessarily bear witness to and the masks, especially for more well known resident of The Big Easy, not to mention politicians or celebrities visiting the city to celebrate and party. It is still a law in the city that Krewe members on floats wear a mask!
Our sexy mask wearer today is Joe P, a model many FH might remember from a couple of pieces from 2017 in which he also first appeared in disguise. (Loaded For Bear | Bear Suit/Bare Suit) The features with Joe were some of the first pieces I did featuring the work of Jim from Studio1x and remain favorites.
'Joe had responded to an ad that I had posted about doing a photo shoot. We chatted a bit on line about the shoot and what to expect. He became very excited about doing one, so we set the date. He does not have a car, so I had to pick him up and we drove to a friends house that we were going to do the shoot at. My friend, Will Harrison does themed parties as a business (Visuwil Productions) and we were shooting at his house. Will has many different outfits, props and masks. it is a photographer's dream place to do a photo shoot at.'
Jim originally sent this set of images along with the images I used of Joe in and out of the bear suit back in 2017. I loved the masks and feathers and incredible colors in the props Will had on hand. I originally tucked this set away for Mardi Gras last year. I had never celebrated Fat Tuesday on FH before. (and you know how I love celebrating a holiday...) and these were perfect for the occasion. Last year's Mardi Gras occurred on February 13th, and my focus was on Valentines and missed the opportunity to feature the shoot. I wasn't about to let another year go by without celebrating Jim's erotically festive shots of Joe.
'Joe had recently moved to the United States from Costa Rica and was living with his uncle while attending college here is the USA. He started out quite quiet, I am sure that had to do with being a bit nervous about it being a nude shoot. Joe was a natural in front of the camera, the way he moved his body and his poses were all so natural. The lighting loved his body, the way it played off his muscular frame was amazing.'
'Joe really came to life when my friend Will brought out some of his costumes and masks to use. Will dressed, styled and assisted in posing of Joe while we spent the next hour shooting Joe in different outfits/masks. When a model puts on a mask, they now can become whoever they want to be, and really do come to life. It was one of those shoots that you wish would never come to an end.'
That purpose of the masks that Jim describes,is exactly why they so often prove such a magical element to lower inhibitions for both revellers in New Orleans, and for male models posing completely nude, With the mask, and in the case of Mardi Gras, often high volumes of alcohol, help people to shed the barriers that often hold them back, and tap into the wild and sensual and even sometimes dark sides of our personalities, a side that at least once a year... requires unleashing.
-See more of Joe and Jim's work on PAGE 2 HERE:-
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