Friday, November 29, 2019

Lake Powell 2019: The Models

Image by Mike Tossy

'Mark, Mike, and I just finished selecting the four models we would like to work with on this year’s trip to Lake Powell. It was not easy to pair the list down to just four guys!'
Aaron by Mike Tossy

One of the best parts of the holidays is tradition.  Preparing a stuff recipe created by an aunt or grandmother decades earlier.  Pulling an ornament out of the box that's been on your tree for as long as you can remember.  I try to incorporate tradition into FH whenever I can.  There's something comforting and familiar about certain songs, sounds and visual, especially around the holidays.

There's also something exciting. The challenge of reliving something, while at the same time, trying to find new and creative way to experience it.  Over the last six years, it has become tradition at FH to join (virtually at least) Gordon Nebeker, Mike Tossy and StudioMGphotograhy on their annual trips to Lake Powell in Utah.

James by Gordon Nebeker

Although I usually post the series around time of US Thanksgiving, the shoot, and the planning, start much earlier.  It was back in July, that Mike, Mark and Gordon began planning their trip, beginning the with the search for just the right models to join them.  This year, the three photographers had over 50 models who applied for a spot.  Choosing the right model can get complicated.  Great looks of course are an important factor, but being able to fit the mulit-day trip and shoot into their schedule is also a must.

The three artists behind the camera also all have to agree.  Ultimately, they're looking for models who are have their own unique look, yet also visually compliment each other in group shots.  There also the need to have models who are at ease shooting with three other models, all who are strangers until the first day of shooting.  Add on to that, living with each other, and Mark, Mike and Gordon on a crowed houseboat over the course of the shoot.

Steven by StudioMGphotography

'It is never easy to come up with just four names but eventually we get there and notify the models we’ve selected.  The first time we all meet up together is at the dock as we set out on the lake. I am leaving out a lot of the necessary preparations but suffice it to say that it is a lot like a duck: calm and efficient on the surface while paddling like hell underneath to make it all work.'

'Every year I am humbled, and floored, by the response to our casting calls. We get so many attractive men wanting to join us these days that the decisions about who to bring along get harder each year. I hate saying no, and especially to a handsome man!'

Mo by StudioMGphotography

Although narrowing down their choice to just four wasn't easy, as you can see, Mark and Gordon clearly rose to the challenge. With the dates set, travel plans made, and Aaron, James, Mo and Steven on board, Lake Powell 2019 was officially a go!

Thanks again to Gordon, Mark and Mike for sharing the incredible visuals from this years trip.  Be sure not to miss PAGE 2 (HERE:) for my FaVorite FiVE shots from each artist, and of course one of my part of each year's adventure, those behind the scenes pics!

James, Steven, Mo & Aaron by StudioMGphotography

No comments: