Monday, October 31, 2022

Skin & Boned: Zilo by Lights On Studio


Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones, 
Now shake dem skeleton bones!


I didn't think I'd have the work of photographer Tom Nakielski (Lights On Studio) this Halloween, I was hoping, and my fingers were crossed, but it was down to the wire.  Many of you remember my early Autumn post featuring some of Tom's favorite captures of the male behind. (HERE:) In that piece, I shared that Tom was in rehab recovering, and that future shoots were uncertain.

Well, as you can see, Tom's recovery is moving along, slow and difficult at times, but with enough improvement, Tom was determined to shoot for the holiday season.  The male form is certainly a motivating force, everyone who checks into FH is aware of that, and with a new models to shoot, Tom got his ghostly groove back just in time for the spooky season! 

One of those new models Tom was anxious to shoot was 21 year old Zilo.  Tom has struggled to find new models in his area to shoot, but noticed Zilo's profile on Model Mayhem,. Tom liked his look, and noticed that he'd just joined the site this past summer.  Given Zilo was also in the Michigan area,  Tom got in contact about a possible shoot.  


'Zilo was very relaxed from the very start. I had originally planned on doing a Thanksgiving theme and then some pin-up style shots. but I decided to do a Halloween session as. I had some facial tattoos that I wanted to try out and Zilo was very open too any ideas.'


When shooting a new model, Tom is always careful to ensure they're comfortable with everything we're shooting, but Zilo wasn't the least bit phased with any concept or pose Tom threw at him.  Zilo shared with Tom he'd had some bad experiences in the past with let's just say 'dramatic' and 'irritable' photographers and really enjoyed working with Tom and the fun holiday themes that they shot.


''I had an absolute blast with the shoot!  Both the process and Tom were very professional and I loved the theme. I cant wait until my next shoot and to work with Tom again.'


With Tom still recovering, he's not quite as flexible as he used be.  Given that, Tom shares that Zilo was very friendly and helpful with moving props, including a heavy locker box. Zilo was also great with hauling those old bones, (the skeleton's, not Tom's), around the studio.  Tom says Zilo was very at ease with his body and helped make the session fun and successful. Tom is looking forward to his return to the studio in the future. 


If there was one complaint both Tom and Zilo shared, it was how difficult it was working a pair of thirsty skeletons.  Both pairs of bones came from a local laboratory, and were named Albert and Madge.  They were a young couple who were both tragically killed in car accident back in the 196o's while on their honeymoon.  

Their car ended up going over a cliff, and the coroner's report stated the accident occurred during an intense session of road head...  Albert must have been distracted while Madge was at work, and as you can see, though dead inside, certain basic human impulses remain firmly intact.  It took all of Tom's energy to ensure Zilo wasn't too badly boned during the shooting process. 


Check out Zilo on Model Mayhem & Instagram
& check out his brand new Twitter page HERE:

 

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