'I love the art of modeling and being able to experience new interaction with somebody I just met. It’s freeing in a way to be nude in front of somebody you just met. It’s one of the most revealing and anxious; nerve racking things you can do. It feels so exciting and relaxing to just be yourself and be able to show the world the real you.'
I've had my eye on
Spencer for awhile now. I first noticed the work of the Minneapolis based model last Autumn, and was fortunate to feature Spencer's work with HowRoar Imagery last month. (
Director's Cut) I loved Spencer's look, his beautifully distinctive face, great lips and piercing brown eyes, and his strong, athletic body. Spencer is an original, and his definitely images stood out.
One of the many things that initially stood out to me was the breadth of work and looks within Spencer's portfolio. In addition to fashion and fitness, and some great couple and group shots. As hot as Spencer looks with little (or any) clothing, he also fills out a suit and tux beautifully in shots for work in catalogs and ad campaigns.
I was about to get in touch with Spencer about doing a piece featuring some of his previous work when an e-mail arrived in my in-box from photographer
Steve Jerome. I had noticed some of Spencer's recent work seemed to be more erotic, and boundary pushing. Knowing and loving, not to mention having featured Steve's work in the past, I looked forward to seeing what he and Spencer had created.
Steve shares that he and Spencer connected via Model Mayhem. Spencer was going to be in Sand Diego on business, so Steve reached out about a shoot. The place Spencer was staying was actually a suburb of the city, which Steve shares proved to be an advantage as it gave them time to talk to and get to know each other as they wormed their way through rush hour traffic on their way back to Steve's studio.
Steve shares he and Spencer have a lot in common, including a love of graphic design and web development, which they shared their thoughts on during the drive. After Steve sent on his images, I got in touch with Spencer in the hopes that would be board for another piece, and participate with the
FH questionnaire I love to shoot to models I'm profiling. As you can see below, Spencer jumped on board.
Your first shoot was about 10 years ago with Jay Diers, how did you connect and what led to you being in front of his camera?
I believe we connected on Facebook. I’m not sure if was a friend of a friend or what but he asked if I would like to and I’ve always wanted to do one so. I did lol.
Had you wanted to model before this shoot?
Always was curious about it and wanted to try so yes, I wanted to.
What has been your favorite experience modeling thus far?
Meeting new people and being able to travel like I do. I’ve experienced a lot between being on runway shows in Chicago to being on red carpet events in LA and would have to thank the agencies
I am signed with, Crew Models International and Privileged Model Management for the experiences.
Any odd or strange stories from any shoots?
So I traveled to Chicago to be part of this Glam Live Event where they do body painting. I told them I’m an artist as well and showed them some of my work. They loved it. I went there to be painted but ended up learning how to paint which to this day was a great experience and learned a lot.
Have you had any what you might qualify as odd or strange offers or requests?
Yes, I’ve had people ask me if I would send them dirty used underwear that I’ve worn for the day. Which I thought was def weird.
What factors did you weigh before deciding to shoot nudes?
I’ve always been comfortable with my body and being able to shoot nude. .
On a scale from 1-10 how nervous were you? What was your biggest concern or worry?
I would say about a 4. I really didn’t know the guy and ended up shooting in his basement which sounds kinda creepy but he was very professional and everything turned out great.
Did the response from friends/family/girlfriend enter into your decision?
It always was there but it was something I really wanted to do and when I set my mind on something I usually do it.
Had you ever been naked in public before modeling? Nude beach, art class, streaking?
I have been at a party once or twice but also I’m an artist so the nude figure I’ve always looked at from an artist prospective.
What are your boundaries for a shoot? Have you ever said no to a concept or shot idea?
I would say I’m pretty open as far as shoots go. I think when the shoot starts to become more like a porno then I would have to say no.
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
I would say my favorite part would be my abs which usually draws in the most attention.
What stood out from you with your day shooting with Steve?
I would say all the cool kind of locations we could shoot at in his little yard. There was a lot of different cool backgrounds we could play with in a short little area.
Was there anything about your shoot with Steve, unique from any of your previous shoots?
Yes, the green screen background. I never really have worked with green screen stuff other then the acting side of things. So it was unique and different and enjoyed it.
Do you have a dream scenario for a shoot you'd love to do?
Not really, I love working with all new artists on new concepts. I’m always looking for something new and creative to shoot. Always up for trying new things. Would love to be featured in big magazines or for big clothing lines doing something different and unique.
Given your work and background as a graphic designer and illustrator, have you considered photographing yourself?
I’ve actually have shot myself. I found it kind of difficult but was definitely something that helped make it easier in finding poses that work for me. I find my art background helps me pick better photos of myself.
What one piece of advice would you give a young model who was considering starting a MM page and giving modeling a try?
I say "give it a go". Just be safe and let people know what your doing because there are a lot of creeps out there, but there are also a ton of wonderful photographers, creative people who can help build your portfolio. If you ever have a dream go for it. You never know unless you try. 😉