'I really wanted to see what Bob and I could create together.'
Whenever I spend time with the work of photographer Bob Burkhardt, I'm always struck by the compatible contrasts he manages to capture. We don't always see, elegance and intensity, beauty and power and strength and vulnerability weaved together so seamlessly. For me, it's because although Bob captures architecturally inspired visuals, they are not stable or static like a building, attached solidly to it's foundation.
Instead, Bob captures the moveable elements of the body he's capturing. Beyond just it's basic structure, Bob's camera follows the flow, angles, lines and curves regardless of the build or strength of the structure. David is a perfect example of how Bob views the models he works with. As a powerlifter, I'm guessing many photographers would have had David flexing, in classic physique type poses. Poses that focused more on the strength of his muscles more than the beauty and strength of David as a human and as a multifaceted man.
David clearly has a focus on fitness, but it was not his muscle mass that drew my attention and had me want to feature he and Bob's work together. I was seduced by David's strong face and powerfully expressive eyes and his beautiful long hair. I was especially drawn to those angles, and the lines and curves of his back, butt and legs. David's thighs and legs look great exposed, but for me, even hotter in his fitness tights.
Bob and David connected on social media and Bob was immedeately struck by David's rugged good looks. They corresponded for over a year before finally being able to meet and work together. Bob shares that for him, it was well worth the wait. In addition to those briefs and fitness tights, which Bob suppled, the leather belonged to David. Bob felt the leather shots were some of the strongest, and was happy that David brought it along.
Although David had not formal experience with modeling, he shares he enjoys being photographed, but was a bit hesitant as he'd never actually done it as an 'actual model.' After connecting with Bob on social media however, he was really interested in giving it a shot. David loved the work of Bob's that he saw and was excited about what they might create together. Given this was his first 'official' shoot, I was curious to ask David what else motivated his decision and what the experience was like.
What prompted you to give modeling a try?
I enjoy photography and the fact that modelling allows you to become something new and different with each shoot.
Did you have any hesitation with implied nudes?
I had some hesitations about modeling nude due to my career in public health but I felt comfortable with Bob and his ability to respect that.
Did you have any boundaries for the shoot, or anything you really wanted to capture?
I had no specific boundaries for the shoot. I really wanted to see what Bob and I could create together. I did however want to capture some of my leather looks
As a powerlifter, was chronically your fitness progress one of your goals?
Chronicling my progress as a powerlifter was definitely a part of wanting to model. As I grow in the sport my body changes so frequently that I like to keep my photos updated. It also gives me the chance to look back at how far I've come. I am probably most happy with my legs in recent times as I've been working really hard to develop them, but most people seem to like my chest.
I know the leather is yours, do you get many opportunities to wear it?
Yes. I wear my leather gear quite often. Most recently at Folsom Street fair where I also shot with Nick Leoni.
Did Bob provide the other fashion items?
Bob provided most of the looks and gave me leeway to decide what colors I liked or what I was most comfortable in.
What were your thoughts when you saw the final images?
I was very impressed with the final images, especially the leather ones.
What was it like working with Bob?
Bob was amazing to work with. He's very kind and very respectful of boundaries and comfort levels. He also is good at directing shoots which is helpful because sometimes when you wear different clothing its hard to have the same level of spatial awareness.
I think my favorite part of the day was the conversation and seeing Bob's previous work. He's a very friendly guy so I was happy to learn more about him.
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