' This is the beginning of my pandemic photography project.'
As a writer, there were things about the pandemic that fascinated me. As a curious person, I was interested in the response from the artists I feature and the impact it had on their work. For most, shooting came to a stand still last spring. Scheduled shoots were cancelled, and almost all stopped working until the summer or after specific safety protocols were put in place.
For one artist however, the pandemic proved an opportunity not to stop, but to begin his journey into shooting the male form. Prior to the outbreak, Mickeyarny worked as a professional videographer. Mickey and his team focused on creating commercial films for products as well vlogs for restaurants local businesses. This included work situations which often included dozens of people on set. This came to a halt last March when Covid reached Thailand. Restrictions were put in place which permitted only 5 people at a time to be present in work situations. This, along with the temporary closure of many of the businesses Mickey worked for, meant all commercial filmmaking had to be put on hold.
With work on hold, and time on his hands, Mickey decided it was a good time to focus on another of his artistic passions which had been dormant for awhile. Mickey had always wanted to photograph the male form, but never really had the time he felt needed to invest. Although he studied in the US, his focus was art and filmmaking, and Mickey knew he had to research and educate himself on the skills needed.
'Many people are confused about why I didn't have photography skills given I'd been working with dslr, (digital single-lens reflex camera) for s many years. All I can say that the videographer and photographer are like a bartender and barista. Although they have similar jobs, mixing liquids for drinking use different methods and equipment to come up with each drink for specific occasions.'
Given he had most of the equipment, after researching some of the basics, Mikey decided it was time to find a model. His goal wasn't to necessarily capture images to be seen, but to practice photography and work on his skills. He also hoped to begin to develop his portfolio. Mickey also felt it help with is job as filmmaker as many of the actors he worked with often mentioned needing headshots. Mickey also already had experience working with actors given he'd previous worked as intern for a talent agency during his time living in California.
Mickey began his hunt for models by posting an ad on Craigslist. Although he received quite a few responses, there were so many people out of work at the time, he got a lot of odd balls, and sex workers who's jobs had also suffered a blow. Given he was new to shooting models, Mickey was hoping to find a model with a bit of experience, one who might actually be helpful during the shooting process. After going through dozens and dozens of responses, one finally caught it his eye.
Mickey was a little surprised to find such a good looking model answering his ad. He was clear in the ad that he was new to the field and looking to gain some experience. Jay too was looking to gain some experience, and to earn some money. Jay is a wanderer, and travels the globe looking for work to pay for his travels and experiences. Mickey wanted to get together and discuss his creative goals for the shoot. Jay' didn't feel that was needed, if Mickey was paying, he was up for whatever Mickey might want to shoot.
Mickey decided to first meet Jay in a public place, and suggested a park near his house. There they could get to know each other, and take a few shots at the location. Mickey quickly felt comfortable with Jay, and they then headed back to Mickey's studio to shoot. They began with Jay clothed, but he slowly removed pieces of clothing until he was naked. Mickey shares that Jay didn't seem nervous or shy in the least, but did have a case of the giggles when asking Mickey about certain poses.
I first spotted Mickey's work with Jay last fall after the new photographer entered a shot of Jay in the Model Mayhem pic of the day contest. I was instantly drawn to Jay's curly hair, beautiful blue eyes and great chin and body. I had no idea about Mickey's photography story, and loved learning that Jay's was Mickey's first experience with shooting the nude male form and that it was the pandemic that created the opportunity. The images featured here are from their first shoot together, but Mickey shares that they went on to shoot several times together. I'm hoping Mickey will share more of his work with Jay in the future!
1 comment:
Lovely!
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