'This was the perfect shoot to get lost in and forget the pandemic world.'
Model Bo Pressly's comments about his recent shoot with photographer and designer John Falocco really resonated with. Although at times working on FH can seem a little frivolous, especially with everything going on in the world, especially when searching for 'naughty elves' for a holiday post. At the same time, I've often said working on FH provides a creative escape for me, and we've never needed escapes more than we have this year.
My passion for the arts has never been stronger, and the intensity in which I devour it, never more fierce. I love this series of images, and it seemed appropriate to post them right after Christmas. If you grew up like I did, Christmas and the days before involved going to church, visiting relatives and countless other activities that required wearing your 'good clothes'. Unfortunately, back then, good clothes also meant uncomfortable clothes. It was after Christmas, the the comfortable clothes, the sweats and comfy activewear and your favorite ripped jeans came on.
Now usually, this was also a time the camera's were put down, but thankfully while Bo slipped in and out of his jeans, John Falocco's camera was on hand and ready. One of the reasons I loved this set of images was the use of the pair of jeans. For women, fashion is often used to highlight the line and curves of their bodies. This is seems far less common with the male form, where fashion is more often used like a curtain, one quickly opened and pushed to the side. I love when men's fashion is creatively utilized to both spotlight their physique, and reveal cleavage, hair and skin.
I have long been drawn to John Falocco's work, and remember first discovering his work in the 2000's. I remember right clicking and saving many of John's images of Phil Fusco and Michael Bergin. Bo was also drawn to John's work, especially the timeless and classic images he creates.
''His manipulation of light on the male form is so well crafted. A skill he has perfected with years of experience. John has been shooting dancers for years; so when the moment arrived to explore movement, quirky outfits, and shapes he was ready. We had a blast creating the images at John's studio which is immaculate and very well equipped.'
Bo and John connected through Model Mayhem and through the site, began discussing working together and tossing out ideas about what type of they would be creating. Not only does John have considerable experience shooting the male form, as a designer of men's swim and active wear, he also knows precisely, how they should fit and feel. Although John's goal is to create stylish fashion, fit and comfort is also a priority. This is especially crucial for a model like Bo, who as a dancer, needs to be able to move in whatever he's wearing, or un-wearing.
'Bo, being a dancer with beautiful classical lines, enabled me to create a shoot that would enhance the physicality of a very sensual art form, dance. Comfortable with expressive physical movements, Bo took direction well and created shape and form with his body that was inspiring to capture photographically. Martha Graham said “Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body” Bo projected this throughout the entire shoot.'
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