'Being from Europe I think nudity is more tolerated, on tv, dressing rooms with open showers and spa’s. I like nude beaches too. Most of the time they are more quiet and less touristic :-). And I hate tan lanes :-).'
As it usually happens, it was one specific image that drew me to Will's portfolio. Given my love window shots, it shouldn't surprise viewers that it was a beautiful shot of Will standing nude in front of a window. The image by photographer Chris Rathore, had me searching to see more of Will, and more of his imagery.
One of the things that I loved about Will's portfolio was the strength and maturity within his work. Will seemed so natural in front of the camera, someone both confident and at ease with being naked and vulnerabel. In part this might due to Will's growing up in Europe and the culture surrounding nudity. In part I'm sure it's connected to Will's career as a dancer and choreographer. Dancers have an acute connection with their bodies, and are in many ways forced, through training and performance, to face head on, and issues they might have. That may not necessarily mean all issues fully disappear, but when in front of the camera, and especially when on stage, confidence and strength are essential in performance and the expression of emotion required.
It was actually Will's passion as a dancer with first led him to modeling. Like most performers, dancers need great headshots for their resume and auditions. Although his first experience posing professionally was for headshots, The Dubai base model has gone on to work with some of the best chroniclers of the male form. I loved the variety of looks and images within Will's portfolio.
Some of the images were from photographers I've featured and loved, (WagnerLA) others from new photographers to me, artists whose work I hope to see more of in the future. I asked Will about modeling journey and he graciously answered questions about the transition from headshots, to posing nude for photographers all over the globe.
How did you get started and what was that first shoot like?
I was really uncomfortable on my first shoot because it was at a photographer’s home apartment. It was just me and him. Once the camera was clicking however, I started to relax more and became more comfortable. We started with some headshots and then some topless shots. I ended up doing a lot of shoots with the same photographer over the years. I learned a lot about photography and posing. I think its magic when you’re in this awkward pose, too close too the light, and then when you see the results, its real art.
What has been your favorite experience modeling thus far?
I love outdoor shootings. Where you can be in harmony with nature I shot in the dessert, and in Europe in an abandon construction. Loved that!
Any odd or strange stories from any shoots?
My last shoot was in the dessert with Chris Rathore. It was a village taken by the sand. Really beautiful but also risky to shoot nude in an Arab country where this is very illegal. The photographer brought a friend who was on lookout and sometimes even in my pictures. I was in and out of clothes in less then 10 seconds several times. There was so much wind that i couldn’t even leave my eyes open. So it was really difficult to get in the game. I thought the pictures were going to be awful but they turned out to be some of my best!
Have you had any what you might qualify as odd or strange offers or requests?
I did a shoot once for a theater production poster that was shot all over my city. We were lying around nude with different models. I've done a lot of shoots where I was nude for limited people (photographer and maybe one extra person). But this was a bigger step, there was a big crew watching and there were both male and female models involved.
What factors did you weigh before deciding to shoot nudes or implied?
For me it’s was just very important that I can decide what to post and what not to. For the rest I think nudity is a beautiful art form and people should be less afraid of nudity.
Is there a photographer you would really love to be shot by?
I really like Dylan Rosser’s work but i think i would be a bit intimidated because he has worked with such high level models.
Do you have a dream scenario for a shoot you'd love to do?
I would love to shoot on the most beautiful beaches. (In Thailand or Maldives).
What are your boundaries for a shoot? Have you ever said no to a concept or shot idea?
I think it’s important to say no. I ‘m very artistic so like a good setting, good light, styling… If I’m not feeling the concept its just not for me!
Why do you think you like modeling?
I love to model because it’s such a crazy experience to see the difference between how the shoot is happening and what the images are showing. Its a true art form. It also gives me a lot of motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take care of my body! My boyfriend models as well. We even made a page together where we showcase our artistic shoots.
You can check out that page, and more of Will's on his OnlyFans HERE:
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