' If I can make other people happy, inspire, make 'em smile once a day in the process, great!'
I think many assume that the sole goal of imagery of the male form is to arouse and turn the viewer on. That's part of it for sure, but for many photographers and models, the goal is to evoke a reaction, and not one limited to just one specific feeling or emotion. I'm usually drawn to images that visually grab my attention, and triggered emotionally by images that make me hit a variety of emotions. Some, simply turn me on, some evoke memories.
My favorites however, are images that make me smile. I've never really liked images in which the model appears to be posing in front of a firing squad. You know the shots I mean, images of the male form where the model looks like they'd rather be anywhere else than where they are. Seeing a model looking tortured makes me feel tortured, just as seeing a model enjoying themselves, brings joy to the viewer.
I don't think I've seen any model seem to be enjoying themselves as much as Hal seems to be having in front of the lens of photographer Chris Teel. Although Hal's physique is incredibly impressive, from his focus on fitness and hours of hard work, in this series of images, it's his personality that really shines.
Hal's energy, confidence and enthusiasm is really contagious, and I found myself continuously smiling as I was going through the shots Chris sent on. Hal knows his body, and his work as a fitness coach provides him the confidence to relax and focus on enjoying himself, letting his personality come through.
When did you first get interested in fitness?
I got into fitness back in high school, we had some cool gym classes. But I got serious about it back in 2015 when I turned 25. Literally the day of my birthday, I started going to the gym habitually and have not stopped since.
Was it inspired by anything specific
Well, my mom was a professional athlete and she showed me how to do some stuff and she was also rocking abs and I figured fitness would be a good way to create some structure in my life.
Which came first, fitness or bodybuilding?
Fitness came first for me, cross fit was my jam for the first 5 years or so. Now its more strength training and bodybuilding. But I'm sure ill branch out again as time goes on. Modelling was a good way to record things for posterity. But, it was also a way to see myself through a better lens and start to appreciate my appearance.
Why do you think you enjoy modeling?
I like the idea of coming to like myself more. If I can make other people happy, inspire, make 'em smile once a day in the process, great! I just think it is cool that I have a chance to connect with people through the lens and spread some kind of joy.
How did you connect with Chris?
Chris found me through another artist. Chris is the bomb!
Did you have a favorite shot from the shoot?
Its really hard to pick, but,,, I think this shot. (below)
Given Chris has a focus on the male form, were you nervous before the shoot?
Directly before the shoot I received some really bad personal news. So bad that I asked my girlfriend MJ to come with me to the shoot. She had never come to one of my shoots before as she is very busy and shoots can sometimes run long.
When I arrived I was set that I wasn't going to ruin this moment for myself, MJ who had come to support me, and Chris (who had been a gem in all conversations). This was easily accomplished because Chris not only knows his stuff behind the lens, but he is also very easy going while also direct and energetic so he really brings out the best.
Did you discuss with Chris what you were looking for from your work together?
A little bit, but in general I let Chris take the wheel. Like I said, he's a wizard behind the lens.
What was the best thing about your time working with Chris?
I learned what pube pants are.....I'm still laughing to this very day lol
Check out more of Chris' work with Hal, and find out exactly what's he's looking at when he's staring out that window on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
1 comment:
Love these shots of Hal! But, I have to ask, what are pube pants?
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