'Through the various types of shoots that I do, you aren't just looking at a model in a photoshoot. You are invited into their world, their routine, and are granted a certain level of trust.'
I've written before about my apathy for artists who cut and paste creatively. You know the ones I mean, they're the ones that have every model write their names on their chest, or stick a hockey helmet on every model, regardless of whether the model plays, or has any interest or passion for the sport. It's not that some of those shots aren't hot, it's just that they lack creativity and personalization.
My favorite images of the male form tend to focus not just on a model's body, but their unique look and their particular features and personality traits that make them unique. By including the word 'essence' as as part of your professional credit, one can assume the images will layered. Essence Photography shares that his goal is to capture something both singular and specific and that's exactly what I saw when I first discovered his work.
'I think there is a natural curiosity to be given the opportunity to enter the personal space of a model, and through the various types of shoots that I do, you aren't just looking at a model in a photoshoot. You are invited into their world, their routine, and are granted a certain level of trust. Essence came from the idea that the physique photography captures qualities in the human body in an artistic way, looking sometimes at small details or focused on one particular area that help define a bigger picture.'
When I first saw the work of Essence Photography last year, I was struck by how remarkably different each shoot, and individual model was captured. It was not only the visual, but mood and and feel of the images. It was if every shoot was customized and tailor made for each individual model that he worked with. That was certainly the case with his work with Brock.
Sometimes when I see a shoot, or a specific image of a model, I know I want to share and feature them on the site. When I saw several shots on Twitter of Essence Photography's work with Brock, I knew they were the perfect representation of the photographers work. I quickly got in touch about featuring and sharing the shoot on the site. It also certainly didn't hurt that I have an affinity for gingers, and Brock is a stunning model who's energy lights up in front of the lens.
The artist began his photographic journey in middle school. Doing a lot of international travel, he wanted to document and visually share the experience. To his surprise, he found that he had a knack for it, and decided to turn into an official hobby. While the majority of his photography has been still life, mostly focused on landscapes and architecture, he'd always been fascinated by portrait and model photography. His interest wasn't from the viewpoint of 'high fashion' or editorials, but more from a uniquely artistic and candid perspective.
That 'get ready with me' theme is certainly present in these shots of Brock. It's almost as if Brock let us into a night he preparing to head out for a night on the town, including some of the intimate rituals we all go through before heading out on a date or to a party or event. This shoot came together fairly quickly when Essence Photography had the opportunity to shoot Brock, and one he didn't want to pass up!
'While I was out in the Midwest on vacation, Brock reached out to me seeing if I was available for a shoot a few months from then. I informed him I lived halfway across the country and wouldn't be in the area at that time, but would be available that same weekend. I made the spontaneous road trip down to OKC, booked a hotel, and met him an hour after check in for the shoot. We had discussed inspiration ideas, and nudity levels/comfortability, and then began our shoot. We had first connected on Instagram, and had communicated only on social media prior to the shoot. '
Not having a studio of his own, the NC based wasn't phased with shooting Brock in a small hotel room. He's often been required to work in relatively confined spaces, and works hard to creatively use different angles, outfits and themes to expand the scope and use of any area he's working in, regardless of the size of the space. Essence Photography has learned that regardless of how expensive your camera and lighting equipment may be, the real arts comes from skill, creativity and how you utilize the limited resources and time you have for a shoot.
'What attracted me to Brock as a model, is he is an actual professional model with a portfolio of experience - I've only shot friends and acquaintances. This was exciting for me because as a relatively inexperienced photographer in this topic, it would be a beneficial and educational opportunity to work with an experienced individual who would provide input with the creative flow.'
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