'When I happen across a model that I enjoy working with, and vice versa, I try to make them the focus of my independent work for a period of time, sometimes, as with Jason, it our work continued well over a year.'
One of the joys of working on
FH is the connections that I've made. I'm also always appreciative that in field full of talented photographers, so many artists, generously point me in the direction of another. It was one of my favorite photographers to feature, Jay from
Unlimited Male Photo, who encouraged me to check out the work of
Shax Carter.
Jay had connected with Shax on Instagram and really liked his work and thought Shax's imagery would be a great addition to the site. After a quick glace at Shax's
Instagram portfolio, I readily agreed. I really loved the selection of models that Shax worked with and the locations he used and poses and way in which he spotlighted the man in front of his lens. I was especially impressed with the tone and atmosphere that Shax created with each shoot and with each shot.
If you watch many movies, you know great filmmakers often start with an establishing shot. This shot or scene sets the feel and tone of the film, pulling the audience into an alternate world and into the story. Given Shax is also a filmmaker, editor and producer, it 's not surprising he so skillfully and seamlessly creates visuals with a unique feel to draw the viewer in.
When I was going through Shax's work, I was captivated by how both modern and retro elements were so beautifully woven together. His work and images are contemporary, yet there was a retro feel I really loved. I especially felt this in the images in his port of Jason.
Jason has such a great look, a great body and a classically handsome face with great facial structure. In some images, especially the portrait shots, Jason looks like he should be modeling menswear for GQ Magazine. Look a closer though, and there's an erotic edge, it's in his eyes and how he interacts with the camera.
As his shirt becomes open, and his clothing comes off, this erotic edge takes on an even greater intensity. I also felt that mix of modern and retro in Jason's look, with an almost seventies vibe in so many of Shax's visuals.. I really love Jason's long hair, and his natural body hair and how Shax so candidly went for the close-ups, capturing Jason's raw sexuality in so m any of his images.
Shax first connected with Jason on a modeling form. Jason was an experienced model but was interested in getting some updated images for his portfolio. Shax really liked his look and a first shoot was quickly set up. That first shoot went so well, for both Shax and Jason, that they worked together several more times, and in several different locations, over the first two years of the pandemic.
With each new shoot, and with each new location, Shax attempted to create a different theme, and set a different tone. It helped in creating different looks, that Jason's hair also changed, both in length and in color over the course of their time working together. For their second shoot, Jason arrived as a blond. Although Jason's look may have been different, unique tone, and the raw sexuality remained beautifully intact. You can check out the results yourself by heading over to
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