Thursday, April 6, 2023

The Bashful Bunny: Zilo by Lights On Studio


'The bunny was a bit nervous and did scratch Zilo's chest. That required retouching on pretty much all the photos.'

Nerves are pretty standard for a first shoot, especially when you're posing in your furthday suit.  Although the big bunny was a little skittish in the beginning, as the shoot went on, and, he became a more relaxed rabbit, going with the flow.  Once the bunny sensed he was safe in Zilo's arms, he calmed considerably and seemed to enjoy chillin in his saucer chair as Zilo posed naked in front of him.


When photographer Tom Nakielski, (Lights On Studio) mentioned his muscle mobility issues during the shoot, I had to wonder whether carrying around the big bunny earlier in the day didn't wear him out!  His size actually only added to my appreciation of his beauty.  The bunny's coat looks incredibly soft and snuggly and I love his face, nose and eyes.


Before asking Karah to take the shots, Tom considered trudging through using his tripod for support.  The problem was, after shopping for another shirt, they were all ready running behind schedule, and Tom knew using the tripod would just slow things down even more.


I had planned on a 3 hour session but it ended up closer to 5. Part of that was a delay to go to the store to get Zilo a shirt. He brought some great shirts with him, but they all had large logos on them.
The shoot was a lot of fun.  It took awhile for set-ups, but it was worth it.  Karah was also really great to work with.


Zilo really enjoyed his previous shoot with Tom, especially shooting the Halloween and Thanksgiving Day themes. Although he doesn't really celebrate Easter, when Tom suggested an Easter theme, Zilo thought it would be fun.  Although his fellow models were not professionals, Zilo was a great support, helping them work through their 'first shoot' jitters. 


Tom gave me a general idea of what he wanted, but he was also great letting me improvise during the shoot.

It seems I always take too many clothed shots at the beginning. It may be that I want both the model and myself to ease into the nudes.  Karah was a great help. Plus she also had ideas that we put to use. 


If you check out Zilo's Instagram, (HERE:) you'll see he's done several additional shoots since working with Tom last fall.  Zilo's even posed nude live for a group sketch session last month for the Detroit Queer Sketch Series.  Although he's been busy, Zilo is looking forward to connecting with photographers and continuing to work and create. 





1 comment:

Brent said...

Fabulous ass to study!