'Together, the two sessions track this striking California model at the end of his teenage years.'
One of my favorite parts of working on FH is the ability to follow progress. With the site currently cruising through it's second decade, I've been fortunate to follow and feature both photographers and models through various years and stages of their creative careers. Whenever I'm working on a profile, I enjoy looking back at an artist's previous work, especially their first time in behind, or in front of the camera for a professional shoot.
With models specifically, I've been fortunate to have been able to showcase many first shoots. These often feature 18 or 19 year old models stepping in front of the camera for the very first time. It's fascinating to following their development and progress, observing visual changes in both their physical appearance, as well as their demeanor and confidence in front of the camera. Although many models appear comfortable from the get go, many really shine with both experience, and when working with an artist they are able to connect and form an artistic alignment with.
In addition to following a model's evolution, is also following their work with a variety of photographers. Wes from New Manhattan Studios has photographed many of the models I've featured and whose careers I've followed over the years. FH readers are used to seeing regular pieces featuring new shoots with Bond, Alex, Renn and many other models captured by NMS. Wes has either arranged a session during a models time in New York, or scheduled a shoot when traveling closer to a models location.
This set of images, from two separate shoots, took place during a visit to California. Many FH readers will certainly recognize Andrew, whose images first appeared back in 2015 in two pieces showcasing his work with studioAtruong. (Perfetto: & Pump:) Andrew appeared again the following year when I showed his work, and photo book, from StudioMGphotography. (Sight to Behold)
One of the things I liked best about Andrew's work were the subtle differences in his look between his work with Alain and Mark. I remember when Mark first shared his images that I didn't instantly recognize Andrew from the previous piece that I'd worked on. There were subtle difference in both his body and hair, and his presence in front of the camera. The images from Alain were all shot in studio, and Mark's shoot took place mostly outside. I could almost feel Andrew's bohemian energy bursting through under the California sun.
The California sun also lit Andrew's magnificent skin and body in his work with New Manhattan Studios. The first of the two sessions was actually shot at Mark (studioMGphotography) and Mike Tossy's home in the hills above Santa Cruz. I'm guessing many of you may recognize the pool, patio and fence from previous pieces on the site. Assisting that day was Wm Weyeneth, a west coast associate and photographer, who also shot as the second cameraman.
A year later the studio and model reunited for a second session in a secluded garden nestled on a hill in San Francisco's famed Castro District. This time, the assistant and second cameraman was model, photographer, and FH favorite, Alex Bustamante, . The two had met the summer before; when Wm and I were shooting with Andrew. Alex was also at the first session, working as a third photographer.
Although this shoot took place a few years ago, we can thank the pandemic for inspiring not only this post, but a new photo essay featuring NMS's work with Andrew. Given he had so much time on his hands, and no new shoots on the schedule, Wes had time to start tacking his vast piles of under-attended photo sessions. Wes was initially looking for new material to share and post on his site and Instagram, but the treasures unearthed inspired even more. Andrew's book (HERE:) is one of the studios' best, and one of the hottest photo essay's to date!
'In San Francisco, the photography gods had smiled and we were blessed with an ideal September afternoon. It's rare in San Francisco when you would want to shower outside, but this was just such a day and Andrew took his time bathing in the warm sprays of light and water. Direct sun piercing through cloudless blue skies bounced off the water, scattering diamonds in the air, but it cast harsh shadows, too.'
One of the advantages to having a second, and even third, photographers on his shoots, means that Wes has the opportunity to shoot many great behind the scenes shots. Check out more of Andrew, being assisted, adjusted and incited by Alex on PAGE 2 HERE:
1 comment:
This is a superb piece Tye I love both the art and content!
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