'I'm a creator, rooted (or attempted to be) in love. I am a soul, experiencing one perspective of life in a human body'
Although FH is rooted in the visual, curiosity quenching is an essential piece of my process. When I'm drawn to an image, of a specific model or from an particular artist, questions are triggered. Questions that motivate my desire to learn more about the image and it's creation. I am especially interested in the creative process, and finding out about the artist, and who the model is beyond the surface of their body, and the physical manifestation captured.
Great artists, are able to share hints of a a model's essence, as well as pieces of their own, within their images. This is one of the reasons I continually drawn back to the work of Michal Boothe from msbimages. Sometimes these hints can be unintentional, in some cases however, as with Michal's work, the lens becomes a truth teller, making it difficult to pretend or hide.
I understand not everyone's interested in learning more, the surface of naked body on-line is enough. Michal's photos don't make it quite so easy however, his images encourage the viewer to look closer, and feel a hint of the emotional vulnerability expressed by the models he captures. After visually absorbing and enjoying Michal's recent work with Josh, (also known as Yeshua in some circles) I had questions, or maybe more specifically, I thought I had answers.
I described Josh's look as 'elegant hippie', his look, his eyes, already gave more than a hint of who he was. Michal describes Josh as straight out of central casting for a movie about Woodstock, and contacted him because of his wonderful curly hair (the only one in his family he claims) and his piercing eyes. Josh shares that his shoot with Michal was only his second time modeling for someone outside of his partner and friends, and his first official 'gig' from Model Mayhem.
'Josh described himself to me as a free and open individual. He is originally from Texas but has been traveling around the US as the mood strikes him. We met for lunch prior to the shoot and the conversation flowed freely and easily between the two of us. He conceded to my request to part with the beard so that I could see more of his facial structure which turned out to be great. My favorite image of him is his profile and his strong jaw line. He is a delightfully intelligent and articulate young man with a wide range of interests, adventures and talents. He is an accomplished musician and stayed after the shoot to play the mandolin and sing a Beatles' song.'
Michal shares that Josh is planning to hit the road again in December, but is hoping to get the opportunity to work together with him again before leaves. In the meantime, now that you checked out Michal's images of Josh, have you made a few guesses, some assumptions about who he is? Compare them to Josh's own comments about self below. Some of the questions, I threw at Josh last week. Most of Josh's thoughts however, stem from a questionnaire Michal asked Josh to complete at the time of their shoot.
Impressions:
The first impression people have of you is...?
'That I'm a hippie, indubitably. Also that I am kind, free-spirited giving and foot-loose. Oh! and bad with time... strange stuff, time....'
How You see's himself?
'Often-times, in a very critical manner. I am rarely good enough for my self, or my mind. I recognize my talent, but am always striving to grow or to be better. Sometimes I box myself in (musician, cook, worker, etc) but generally speaking I see myself as a multi-faceted and imperfect human.'
Modeling:
'Modeling was never something I saw myself doing to be candid. What got me started was my partner. She models as well as shoots and edits, and we occasionally do fun impromptu shoots together. Its somethings she has always been into, that we've taken and made into our own expressive play. Finally - at her consistent suggestion - I joined the MM community, displaying mostly photos from our shoots together.
How has being looked at or photographed by others changed you, or has it?
'I like seeing myself from someone else's perspective, in a new light. Mirrors change, light alters, everything can a change a body's shape. I also enjoy seeing these perspectives.
Being as I am, so new to modeling, it is minimal. However, I notice that the 'validation' of being photographed has the power to help me feel better about my physical self... strange. It is also making me more comfortable with cameras.'
Working with Michal:
'It was wonderful! We met up before the shoot, just to see if we meshed. Prior to that meeting we messaged back and forth a bit, and I could tell already that we would get along, but it's always nice to get that initial meeting over with before trying to dive into a shoot; It removes any awkwardness or anxiety. I very much liked the questionnaire he supplied also!! Such good questions. We both seem to be quite open individuals, and as such we had good conversation, good chemistry, and a good time. I even stuck around a bit and played him a song on my mandolin after the shoot lol.
I will say: one thing that I found difficult - maybe even the word awkward could be used - was attempting to shoot with an erection. It's not easy to acquire or maintain with a camera looking back at you. Also, on a deeper level, I'm not sure I personally understand the reason for an erection shot. I recognize the perspective of 'this is my manhood' or 'look at me in my power's but I suppose I just don't vibe with it. I'm a gentle soul, and it was an odd thing for me to do. That said, I'm almost always down to step out of my comfort zone and try something new or shift my perspective.
Looking at the shots after, there are some really good ones. Funny how some of the ones I personally think are just ok, are some individuals favorites! I suppose good IS just a perspective ;) I certainly learned a lot from Michal during the shoot. It was nice to work with someone experienced who knew what he was looking for, but also knew how to collaborate and how to allow me to find my own flow'
Body Image & Nudity
Are you secure with your physical image?
'Most days yes, primarily because I don't think about my physical image much. The saying 'it is what is is' comes to mind.'
Favorite part of his body?
'My lips (created by accident as a boy), my hair, or my metabolism. I also love all my organs for keeping me alive and healthy.'
Being seen nude makes you think of feel....?
'It depends on the situation. When modeling, it can be awkward at first; all the focus is on 'clothes off.' On the other hand, I lived for a time in a community where nudity was acceptable/normal; in that situation, I never ever felt anything less than comfortable.'
Why do you think you feel comfortable nude?
'Due it part to the experience mentioned above, but also because nudity is who we are! We are born-we die-naked, cloth less. What other creature clothes itself? I find that clothes create mystique, attention, almost like a mating ritual. But nudity is open, free, vulnerable, natural. Normalize nudity!'
'As for my decision to do nude modeling, it was never really a question for me. I'm of the opinion that re-normalizing the human body is important; The culture here in America is still very far removed from that ideal. Don't get me wrong, I like clothes. They keep you warm, accentuate personality, create sensuality/sexuality and mystique, but I enjoy being free of clothes just as much. As I said, I lived in a community where nudity was of no consequence. No one looked at you funny when you walked up with no clothes on, you weren't fined or arrested...that's nice! I wouldn't say I'm trying to raise awareness to that by modeling nude though. It's more about expression of self and of freedom. And maybe while being creative and communing and having fun with another artist, something beautiful can be created.'
Josh
Josh on ModelMayhem | Instagram
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