'It is really awesome to feel that crisp air all over my body.'
Given how odd the weather is getting, it's harder to rely on dates and season to predict what will be happening in the sky. Although the winter solstice is not until December 21st, meteorological winter began on December 1st. That's not to say you ever predict snow, or any other atmospheric phenomena. I've experienced it in October, and even into late May. Usually however, the first substantive snow, one that stays on the ground, and lasts awhile is still for me, a major event.
I'm a little like Lorelai Gilmore when the first snow arrives. I run excitedly from one window to another excited about the magic that falling snow can conjure and evoke. Although my enthusiasm wanes when I have to drive any distance and when January arrives, but that first snow day is a highlight of the season. We had our first major snow storm earlier this week, and it's still on the ground. It will disappear with high temperatures and rain next week, but until then, it's a winter wonderland.
Given FH follows the seasons, there have been several visual representatives and mascots for each season and holiday. I have a coven of hot witches, a ghost, several Santa's, and even a Thanksgiving turkey. If I were to choose a FH snowman, I think it would be the meltingly hot Matthew Dunston. I first featured Matthew's snow shoot with photographer Dave Larson from takeapic4u back in 2018. (HERE:) I've since posted more images from the shoot, as well as Matthew's frigid snow shoot with Hardcastle Media. (HERE:)
I love Dave's summer shoots, and featured some of my favorite shots in a recent post. (Forest of Flesh) I have to say however, there's something about shoots in the cold, in the Autumn, and especially the winter, that I'm particularly drawn to. To celebrate the season's first snow, I decided to ask Dave if he had additional edits from the winter shoot with Matthew that I hadn't featured before. I also asked both artist and model to share their thoughts on their shoot in the snow.
Whose idea was it to shoot on a cold, snowy day?
Dave:
My brain would like to think it was too cold for me to want to drag someone out naked in the snow. I blame him for the idea and the wardrobe...that fur hat is to die for!
Matthew:
Back then I left all the creative side of photoshoots up to the photographer themselves. I was very new to the modeling field, but it was fast becoming a hobby for me. I believe that Dave always wanted to find someone brave (or stupid) enough to take it all off on a cold, snowy day. Luckily, I have what I would call a winter fetish. While some don't like being cold, I do enjoy the thrill of the cold air on my skin, all over my body. Also, the sun on a winter day can feel great too, so why not get naked?
What additional factors went into deciding to do a winter shoot?
Dave:
Well, less hiking to get to the location for sure. And it is not quite as easy to go unnoticed without vegetation and leaves on the trees. We had to be creative to get the right spot. I think we did though and the sky and sun/lighting was amazing that day.
Matthew:
I think safety as far as hypothermia and frost bite would be factors that I considered before the snow shoot that I didn't consider before other shoots. Luckily we had a good amount of sun that day, and it never felt as cold as it was.
How cold was it?
Dave:
It was cold enough for snow, but not super cold. I would love to say it was -30 and the wind was howling and Matt is THE MAN...but it was close to freezing and the sun helped a lot. There was pretty much no wind and conditions were just right. Matt is a tuff model. He can smile and get through anything. I did ok, but of course, I was pretty bundled up, even on that relatively nice/sunny day.
Matthew:
If I remember, it was somewhere in the high 20s (Fahrenheit) but luckily we found areas that weren't as windy. Wind would make nude snow modeling very difficult. I was thrilled to be out there. Like I said, I have a winter fetish, and I found being nude in the snow very freeing. It is really awesome to feel that crisp air all over my body.
Any favorite memories, or anything that stands out from the day?
Dave:
Honestly, I just really enjoyed working with Matthew and photographing him. He's game for about anything at anytime. And for this shoot...ha...no one can knock that hat...no one. I dare them to even try! Without it, the look would have dramatically different.
Matthew:
Believe it or not, the thing that stands out the most from that day had nothing to do with the cold. What stands out most is how exposed we were to anyone that passed by the woods we were in. It was winter, so no leaves were on the trees or shrubs. This added a level of vulnerability to the shoot that we enjoyed to play around with. I don't believe anyone saw us, but its hard to say.
You've worked together multiple times, what do you like most about collaborating with each other?
Dave:
Matthew has since moved to another part of the country, and I miss having him on speed dial to pose when I get some crazy notion for a shoot, or to get a text from him, saying, "hey, wanna try this...". It was always fun to shoot with him.
Matthew:
There are so many things I like about working with Dave. He always comes prepared with ideas for the shoot, is open and honest with the models he works with, is super professional, and shares the results of the shoot right away (usually that day) so that we can get our "first reactions" to each photo while we are in the moment.
Any future winter shoots planned?
Dave:
I have been discussing it with a few models. This winter seems pretty hit and miss so far, and we have only had a hint of snow this winter so far. Iowa can be a bitter mistress in winter. It is complicated to plan things for outside without an indoor back up, especially if models are traveling, but I am always open to discuss more.
Matthew:
Gosh, I hope so. I am in talks with a photographer now, so I hope we will be able to get some winter photos done soon. Like I said before, I love winter shoots, and I am always game for more modeling (as long as I can find the time for them).
1 comment:
I always enjoy seeing that cock
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