'I love the thrill!! I do think this is why I am quite comfortable doing nude shoots.'
I love the quote above from model Daniel Lord. Not many models and artists talk about the thrill involved in modeling completely naked. No matter how many nude shoots a model's done, or how many nude bodies an artist's captured, there remains that brief moment, just before the clothes come off, of anticipation and excitement at the beginning of a shoot.
I think that thrill is part of the reason I continue working on FH. Whenever I get complacent, there's always a new model, a newly discovered artist, or a new image that thrills and inspires me to continue. There's a reason so many of us are drawn to imagery of the male form, and it goes beyond just appreciating a great body, or an incredible image. The internet has made it far too easy for us to see oodles of image of naked men. Because of this however, it's even more thrilling when we discover a an image that makes us stop, take a closer look, and have us want to see and know more.
Whenever I contact an artist or model, I like to be able share what it was about their imagery that had me reach out and want to spotlight their work. With Daniel, there were several reasons. Daniel has a great body for sure, and he creates such elegant poses. He also has incredibly expressive blue eyes, eyes that add a level of depth and beauty to his images. What I was most struck by however, was Daniel's face, especially the beautiful side view. It was clear, many of the photographers felt the same way as so many captured Daniel's face in silhouette.
Daniel generously sent on dozens of images from several of his shoots and it was impossible to find a bad visual of his profile. That of course made it particularly difficult to choose favorites to include in the piece. Daniel's been shot by some of my favorite Canadian based photographers, most of whom, I've had the pleasure to feature previously on the site. These are just a small sample of some of my favorites. Each shoot had a different feel and vibe, and loved how seamlessly Daniel emotionally weaved into each specific setting and situation.
What or who motivated you to first start modeling?
It was a mixture of a lot of things. After my first relationship and coming out, I had found a new confidence in myself and started to explore with my style. I honestly really wanted just some good photos of me. My confidence in my looks mainly came from compliments from other people. I had never really realized I was a “good looking” guy until I downloaded Grindr. And along with my friends telling me I should be a model I decided I wanted to try.
How did you get started and what was that first shoot like?
I had come across the site Model Mayhem before and so when I decided I wanted to give modeling a try, I decided to start there. I uploaded some selfies and photos friends had taken and hoped to find a photographer who might be interested in shooting a model with no experience.
Luckily I found a photographer who was also new to shooting with models. Our shoot was just a street photography shoot. We ventured around downtown Toronto and stopped at places that seemed interesting. I brought along some different clothing pieces and it actually was a lot of fun and some decent photos came out of it. After this first shoot I decided I loved modelling and wanted to keep going with it.
Any odd or strange stories from any shoots?
One shoot I did was quite strange, but I still had fun! The photographer/artist was doing a set on different biblical saints. He wanted models with the same name as the saints. He had me pose as “Daniel And The Lions”. In this scenario I was tied up with rope and nude, plus the artist also wanted me to have an erection. He was then later going to Photoshop me into a cave with lions. In this same shoot he also had me dress in fur pants and hooves to pose as “The Faun”. It was a strange shoot but I still had fun being part of it!
What factors did you weigh before deciding to shoot nudes?
I never really thought about it too much. I just knew I wanted to do it. I obviously thought about what might happen if family and friends saw the photos, but then again, I believe the human body is a beautiful, natural thing and there is art in how the body is photographed so I didn’t really think about it too much. I feel I’ve always been confident in my body; even though I’m quite shy, I feel comfortable enough with my body that I am comfortable being nude.
Check out more of Daniel's work with Chris Teel on FH HERE:
How nervous were before your first nude shoot?
I wasn’t really too nervous. My biggest concern was getting hard while being photographed, however it didn’t take long for me to be comfortable with that too.
Did the response from friends/family/partner enter into your decision?
Definitely, and to be honest, not a lot of my family know I have modelled nude, however, I really don’t think they would mind. I am blessed with extremely supportive family and friends!
Had you ever been naked in public before modeling? Nude beach, art class, streaking?
Actually, I had been naked in public a few times before modelling. Mostly skinny dipping with boyfriends and such.
What are your boundaries for a shoot?
I am a very open minded person. I think art takes on so many forms and I love the idea of helping someone's imagination come to life.
Is there a photographer you would really love to be shot by?
I think one photographer I would love to be shot by is Pantelis. He’s a photographer in London, UK and I LOVE his work!
Do you have a dream scenario for a shoot you'd love to do?
I would love to do a nude shoot outside - maybe in a forest or on a beach. I love seeing the natural human body in nature.
How as the pandemic impacted your work as a model?
I actually haven’t done any shoots since the start of the pandemic. I would be open to set up a shoot now (social distanced of course). I have been using my self-timer on my own camera to shoot myself, which have turned out pretty decent.
Why do you think you like modeling?
Honestly I like modelling because it makes me feel good. I didn’t grow up as a “popular” kid in school and along with being a closeted gay kid I never really thought I was “good looking”. It wasn’t until after coming out and after my first relationship that I finally was happy being myself and I think along with that came a body confidence. All the compliments from guys on Grindr also helped with that. I had realized that maybe I was in fact a “good looking” guy and so I think modelling just proves that to myself in a way.
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