'Everybody's life has these moments, where one thing leads to another. Some are big and obvious and some are small and seemingly insignificant.'
Peter Jackson
In addition to having their work seen, one of the main reasons models and artists share their work on-line, including with FH is to build connections. Both models and photographers often choose to work with based on what they've seen. I rarely feature an artist based on something I've read, more than references or a resume, a truly great image is the best form of promotion.
When you shoot bodies, or bodybuilders, it helps to have one who no only sings your praises, but shares the results with fellow bodybuilders. That's exactly how the magnificent Ben ended up in from the lens of photographer Tom Nakielski from Lights On Studio. Ben's story actually starts with Nate, and an unplanned meeting at a local restaurant.
'I was having breakfast and looked up just in time to see Nate walk in. He immediately caught my attention. Good looks, great shape and wielding a sword. I am usually shy and apprehensive about approaching strangers to have a photo session, the friend I was with encouraged me to approach Nate. So I went up to him and asked him about the sword.'
Turns out, Nate had only just won that sword, coming first at a local physique contest. Eager to talk about it, Tom seized on his positive response by giving him his card and suggesting a photo session. A few days later, Nate called for a session. Cut to a few months later when Tom was contacted by Ben. Ben had seen his friends Nate's shots and also wanted to get together for a shoot.
'Ben was getting ready for a competition and wanted a session several days before the event when he was in top form. He was mostly interested in body shots and I agreed and suggested that we also do some images that were more on the artsy side. He said ok and was willing to do nudes, just not frontal shots. Who am I to complain when there was the opportunity to photograph such a beautiful specimen of the male physique. '
'Ben was an easy subject to photograph. He could just stand there and look amazing. He was quite quiet during the session but seemed very comfortable. He had no problem doing the nudes and tease shots. He must have been happy with the results as he later contacted me for a second session. These shots are all from our first shoot together.'
Some of you may recognize Ben from an early feature back in 2016 focused on some of Tom's favorite shots. When I first checked out Tom's portfolio, I was immediately drawn to his work with Ben. I can't believe it's taken this long to spotlight their two shoots together! Tom's currently working on getting the second shoot ready to send on, but if you can't wait, there's more Ben on PAGE 2 HERE:
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