Friday, December 25, 2020

Michael Craft : When Santa's Away....

Stephaun Anthony

The Elves Will Play! 

When I last featured New Jersey photographer Michael Craft, I featured imagery from his coffee table book Sweet Tooth. (HERE:)  In the book Michael created eye catching images combining two of our favorites type so candy, man candy, and actual candy, the sugary treats we love to lick, suck and devour. In many ways, Christmas is also a feast, both a literal one, as well as a visual feast for the eye.

Eli

The bright colors, the lights, and the shimmering decorations. are all designed to both pleasing to the eye, and to draw our focus and attention.  Although Michael shoots more than just holidays, the visual themes run through so much of his work.  Michaels use of vibrant color, dynamic models and poses, and erotically creative concepts, all both draw focus and demand attention. 


When I was looking for imager for today's theme, I scrolled past hundreds of images on webpages.  When I scrolled by Michael's shots they had me both stop, but stay and head off on a hunt to find more from the series.  Michael was inspired to work on his 'Naughty Elf' series after seeing so many memes that people posted using their Elf on the Shelf.  I'm not talking about cute poses and shots for kids, the shots Michael saw were people putting the Christmas toy in all kinds of sexual situations and mischief. 


'I only did a handful of shoots, they were fun to do. Of course the craziest was having elves, Abel and Jay tie up with Christmas lights and sexually tease Joel. (below) Someday i hope to do more on a bigger scale with lots of props.


I look forward to that as well!  This series, especially the last few with Abel, Jay and Joel were the shots had that me stopping and searching!  As we wait for more erotically charged holiday shots, you can check out Michael's lastest book, Thirst Trap, on Blurb HERE:  Thirst Trap was originally in the works until the pandemic began in the spring.  Michael hoped that while stuck at home, people might enjoy embracing the mouthwatering diversity in the many incredible men he's shot over the years. 



No comments: