Natural Obstacles: Kristian B by Bodytorium

'I'd followed Kristian on Instagram for quite some time and enjoyed watching his goofy yet charming expressions and workout clips.'

Phil, Bodytorium

Although the visuals, the final images, are always a focus, with some photographers, there are other things I always look forward to.  Whenever I receive an e-mail from Phil from Bodytorium, or whenever I check out his site, I'm always excited to check out the selection of models he's selected to shoot with and spotlight.  I'm never disappointed.

Phil masterfully uses both social media, and connections with friends and models, to find unknown models who've never done a nude shoot before.  That's certainly the case with Kristian B who  Phil spotted on Instagram. Lukas K, another Bodytorium model, had  already introduced Phil to one of his friends Robert. (A Little Nudge)  It was a nice surprise then, when Lukas told Phil that his friend Kristian was up for posing for a nude shoot. 

A wait was required as Kristian was still a few weeks away from his 18th birthday.  A week after the big day, a shoot date was set.  Phil already knew Kristian had the look, the strapping Slovak is 2 meters tall (6’7″) and weighs 98 kilos (216 lbs). He’s also a weight lifting maniac and  already has a nutrition supplement sponsor. 

'When I called Kristian to plan a shooting date and to make sure we were both on the same page, Kristian’s deep, macho and very mature-sounding voice made it seem like I was talking to someone much older. I was told some funny stories about how Kristian was a little devil when he was a kid. Lukas K said “it’s amazing that after all of that, we’re now friends.

Kristian had definitely grown up and calmed down and the photoshoot went very smoothly. Phil enjoyed getting to know Kristian, his only issue, was the location they ended up having to use. They ended up having to settle for terrain that was very flat, and similar looking in all directions..  Phil usually uses outdoor locations with hills and valleys with tree's and rocks to climb on.  This location had no natural obstacles for Kristian to lean on and pose on.

I'm always impressed with Phil's skill and ability to create such beautifully natural nudes, especially with models stripping off for the very first time.  It speaks to the trust and relationships he builds with the models he works with.  So many of the models Phil works with, return, bringing friends that they recommend to Phil.  Cleary, most experience positive and empowering adventure during their time in front of Phil's lens.

Check out much more of Phil's work with Kristian on Bodytorium HERE: