His Exhibitionist Instincts: Renn by New Manhattan Studios

'Renn was a popular model in Northern California's Bay Area in the mid-teens. Lacking serious modeling ambitions, he was encouraged to give male modeling a try by a girlfriend who apparently understood the monetary value of his exhibitionist instincts.'

Wes, New Manhattan Studios

Not all models who drop every stitch of clothing for a nude photo shoot have exhibitionist instincts, but for some, it's a strong motivator in their decision to do so.  Exhibitionism is more than just enjoying the freedom of being naked, many people love losing losing their clothing when alone or with a partner.  For exhibitionists, however, it's a bit more than about just being naked, it's also about being seen.

I'm not instinctual an exhibitionist, but I understand the appeal.  I've skinny dipped many times, and although it's always enjoyable, there's an added level of excitement when skinny dipping with a group, or in a place where there's a risk of being seen.  Exhibitionist instincts however, aren't always organized or planned, most time in fact, they're spontaneous or situational and New Manhattan Studio's discovered, can be difficult to plan for and schedule...

FH readers were first introduced to Renn's exhibitionism last year in a series of pieces from StudioMGphotography. (HERE: & HERE:)  As soon as I saw Mark's work with Renn, I was eager to feature his imagery.  There was just something about Renn, an almost vintage aura, a dash of old Hollywood mixed with Renn's modern Californian free spirit.  It's felt through Renn's look, maybe most notably in his facial structure, eyes and hair.

That free spirit made it difficult for New Manhattan Studios' Wes to nail  Renn down for a shoot. Although he was a favorite with the photographers he worked with, his easy going nature meant he could be magic  when in front of the camera, but was often not especially motivated to plan and commit to shoots.  Given Renn is based in California, Wes had originally tried to schedule a session as he was planning his trip to the West Coast.

Renn's agent at the time was his girlfriend and although Renn expressed that he was eager to work with Wes and the NMS team, no commitment with a time or date could be reached.  As his trip was approaching, Wes sought some assistance from his good friends Mike Tossy and Mark from StudioMGphotography.

It was through their intervention that Wes was able to land a date and time for a session.  They also provided the spectacular shooting venue you see in this series of images.  FH readers may recognize the swimming pool and it's surrounding architecture from my previous pieces featuring Mike's work with many models in, and under the water. (HERE:)

'Renn had been dropped off by a friend, another athletic California dude, who politely turned down our offer to model and couldn't turn his car around fast enough in leaving. Renn, thankfully, was all-business and an amiable and conscientious model. His goal was to please.'

'Lanky and projecting a very contemporary California teen-ager's look and vibe, he was a natural model. From the apple orchard, to the pool, to the couch, he hugged trees, towels and took things in hand with a cool, confident gaze and occasional smoldering smile. It was understandable why he was so popular and in-demand.'

Wes, NMS

After every successful shoot, Wes usually ends with trying to plan for a follow-up. Renn quickly agreed but unfortunately it never took place.  Renn ended up dropping his 'agent' and lost his interest in continuing to model.  This shoot with NMS may in fact have been Renn's last before retiring at the age of 19.  Although he may have lost his interest in modeling, my guess is Renn didn't lose  his exhibitionist instincts.  Although you may not be able to see new images or Renn, if you happened to hit the right California beach, at just the right time... well... who knows!

Although his career was short, Reen worked with enough photographers to have a fairly fast portfolio and body of work.  Wes has chronicled his time with Renn, taken on a late summer day, just a few months before the 19 year old turned 20 in a new publication.  The studio's newest photo essay featuring Renn is available in both a hard copy in magazine form, or an instantly downloadable PDF. Check it out HERE:

Renn on New Manhattan Studios