Tuesday, February 1, 2022

One of the First: Peter Le by Zedneram Imagery


'It was very important for me to feature ethnic models from all backgrounds and Peter was one of the first.'


When I was thinking of models to feature for Lunar New Year, Peter Le was one of the first to come to mind.  I've been following Peter's career since first seeing him as one of Playgirl's Campus Hunks back in 2001.  Le was one of the first Asian models I remember seeing in the magazine and his incredible body and beautiful face and smile made a lasting impression.


When I was thinking of featuring Peter Le, I instantly thought of his work with artist, photographer and musician Desi Hyter. (Zedneram Imagery) I can't help but connect Le's work with Desi as together they created a collection of erotically powerful and iconic set of images.  These are some of Desi's favorite shots from his multiple shoots with Le. 

Desi first connected with Peter via Model Mayhem and he was very interested in working with him.  It's always been a core part of Desi's artistic vision to feature models from all backgrounds.  Desi's goal is to capture both the viewers eye, and their mind by capturing the beauty in everything and everyone.  I remember feeling this intensely the first time I featured Desi's work with Tim back in 2010. (HERE:)  


Although it seems to be slowly changing, at the time, I didn't see many photographers shooting male models with red hair.  Through Desi's lens, Tim was not only strikingly beautiful, but the most.  Desi always view's his models as the most. The most sensual, the most beautiful the most powerful.  Desi's work had me wanting to see more of Tim.  I was fortunate to later feature Tim's work with Mike Tossy who shot Tim during the same shoot as Desi.


Being a redhead is beautiful and unique characteristic, but some, especially  kids often see a uniqueness  as a reason to treat someone differently.  Many are picked on and bullied as kids.  Peter Le was also bullied as a kid, not of his hair color, but for being Asian.  Peter is all- American, born in California, but his Vietnamese heritage was enough to have some see him as 'other.'  The bullying and his early struggles led Peter to focus on getting stronger, both mentally and physically.  


Peter worked out, joined the wrestling team and strived to improve his body and health.   Peter credits this to helping him get to where he is today.  Peter also never lost the strong link he felt to his Asian heritage.  When it comes to imagery of the male form, Peter is arguably one of the most popular and well known male models.  

Over the last 20 plus years, Peter has not only built his own successful fitness brand, he's also worked to support and promote other Asian models in the modeling, fitness and film industry.  With all success, for me, his work with Desi remains a highlight.  Desi's currently working on a photo essay featuring some of his favorite images and models from all over the world.  I'm betting there will be a few shots of Peter in the mix.


'Peter is a true professional, always on time, his body was always on point. We also became really good friends after working together so much so over the years. From our first meeting we really connected. I just remember thinking I have to showcase him the best way possible and it just flowed.  When we first worked together, I had no idea that some of these images would be so popular and iconic'  



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