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Monday, October 25, 2021
Off The Beaten Path: Dr. Derrol by Xing Photo Studio
'Never trust a stranger-friend; No one knows how it will end.
As you’re pretty so be wise; Wolves may lurk in every guise.
Handsome they may be, and kind, Gay, and charming — nevermind!
Now, as then, ‘tis simple truth — Sweetest tongue has sharpest tooth! '
Charles Perrault
As you can tell from the quote above, the original version of author Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood was a little more adult, and lot less subtle about the story's themes and meanings. Red's hood was a bright red, symbolizing both scandal and blood. When Dr. Derrol headed into the woods, he was cloaked in a black hood evoking the many sinister things that occur deep in the woods.
Derrol headed down the forest path for this shoot with Xing Photo Studio. Derrol and Xing have been friends for years and met while both modeling together for PURE and YogaBear Studio. I've had the pleasure of featuring Xing's modeling work previously on FH and am happy to now be able to feature his work behind the camera.
How did you both first connect:
Derrol:
My first nude shoots outside were the ones I did with PURE the graphic novel. I met Xing on the first shoot I did for PURE. He and I have become good friends as well as doing shoots together. He is one of the kindest, smartest, talented guys I know. I can’t wait to do shoots with him!
Xing:
Derrol and I had known each other for years. Through the years, we have become good friends and especially after I started taking photos. We have gone on quite a few adventures together since then. Derrol's affinity to nature and living beings makes it very easy to photograph him in any kind of natural environment.
What prompted the concept for this shoot:
Derrol
I really wanted to do some fall shots as I love the fall and I love costumes so I brought my cape along. We were actually in a public park on a trail that is closed down so it was quite risky for me to be nude there but that’s part of the thrill right!? The fun and danger of it!
Xing:
For the most recent shoot, we decided to capture some fall colors around San Diego. We went on a hike together, and found a secluded site with beautiful foliage. The rest was very easy, just taking photos of a handsome model in the brilliant warm sunshine of an autumn afternoon.
Xing:
For most of the photos, I wanted the viewers to be able to feel that warmth, through the colors and lights, but also though Derrol's smiles. We did take some photos with Derrol wearing his cape. While editing those photos, I tried to lean towards an "Assassin's Creed" aesthetics, and making them look mysterious.
The last four images below are behind the scenes selfies taken by Dr. Derrol.
How did Xing's time in front of the camera impact his time behind it?
Derrol
I definitely think he knows exactly what he wants to get from a pose with the lighting as well as the shape of the body and he very clearly is able to convey to me what he wants to see
Xing:
I think the modeling experience has definitely had an impact on my photography. From the way I approach my models, to the verbal directions I give, even the style I edit my photos. Above all, I think I developed more appreciation for the beauty of human body. My photos tend to have few accessories in them, because I want the model to be the center of attention, not otherwise.
'I was a bit late to stopping and posing nude. I did a play many years ago called ‘Party’ where we all got nude for the play and that slowly broke me in. Always loved getting naked in nature and after turning 40 I just said, what the heck!? Life is short and it’s time to live it up NUDE! '
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