'Day-to-day life on the ambulance can get pretty messy. The work is fast-paced, demanding, and highly structured, every move has to be calculated and efficient. '
As a first responder, John Rudat is used to walking into demanding and stressful situations. Sure, paramedics may get bits and pieces of information from the 911 operator, but the doesn't always prepare you for what's waiting when you arrive. Starting out as a male model, especially one shooting partial and implied nudes can also be incredibly nerve-wracking. You're expected to show up, be competent, artistic and professional, all while stripping naked in front a complete stranger.
Fortunately, John's experience on the ambulance helped prepare him for what to expect, and it wasn't just his education and the medical emergencies. Being a paramedic means dealing all with types of people, all in the midst of a crisis. Despite this, John's looks, personality and charisma have all played an important part in the curative process, for both patients, and their anxious family members....
At just 20 years old, John recently decided to pursue his modeling ambitions, arriving in New York City for his first professional shoots. Luckily for us, first up on his shoot schedule was session with photographer Wes Triplett, assistant Marc French and the crew from New Manhattan Studios. Wes knows how much I love featuring new models and I was excited to feature John's first shoot in his FH debut. Wes also loves working with new models, yet at the same time, knows modeling, especially physique modeling, isn't for everyone.
It's not uncommon for new models to show up, and not be fully prepared of the process and expectations. As soon as John walked in the door, any concerns Wes may have had instantly disappeared. Wes shares that it wasn't just John's striking good looks that command attention, but also his personality and demeanor. Since Marc (owner of the loft space and the studio's second cameraman that day) had already shown John the studio's portfolio, there wasn't much left for Wes to do other than get the model release signed and start shooting!
'We had the unexpected pleasure of being the first photographer to shoot John Rudat. His physical appearance and demeanor radiated the confidence of an accomplished model with years of work experience. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he informed us that he was only 20 and that this was his very first professional photo shoot!
Given that this was John's first shoot, and first time shooting nudes, Wes wanted to ensure John knew what he was getting into, and it's possible implications on future work. Although nude work is definitely a part of the job, when just starting out, Wes wanted to ensure the new model was aware of it's possible implications of future contracts, jobs and commissions.
Remembering once more that John was just 20, Wes was again impressed with how professional and thoughtful John was about the conversation. In the end, they captured some incredible artistic nudes, (partial and implied) and decided that John would take some time to figure out how far he wanted to go with nude work before shooting anything more explicit. They're planning however, on shooting again later in the year. Hopefully, they'll again be up for sharing with FH!
Given the images you're all enjoying are a result of John's premiere professional shoot, it's now time for the first responder to get some first responses from modeling work and work with NMS. John also took the time to share his early experiences in the industry and his hopes and goals for his future in modeling. As you see from John's answers, although modeling may be relatively new, getting positive responses from his appearance is something he has plenty of experience with. I mean come on, if I were in crisis, seeing John arrive on the scene with his incredible body, great hair and beautiful smile would certainly be therapeutically tempting.
What motivated you to pursue modeling?
I’ve worked on the ambulance for over a year now, and recently graduated from Paramedic school. Day to day working emergencies, I found myself getting compliments left and right about my appearance from patients. Too often the daughters of my patients would try to get my number before I left the scene. It’s been a recurring theme and innate part of the job. The love is always appreciated though, and it’s been a repeated reminder that I could do something with my looks. So, after some consideration and reflection, I decided to get into the field. And I am exposed daily to, let’s say, a very lively population...
How did you get started?
I got started in modeling by being signed with Taylor Kelsaw, Owner of Taylor Kelsaw Management. I was very excited to get the opportunity to work with him, and from day one his support with building and keeping momentum has been amazing. Taylor's a great communicator, and has a large vision for the future. It’s inspiring to hear him talk about the field and its intricacies, and I’ve learned so much from him. It was Taylor who actually set up my first ever official shoot with NMS, and I’m eternally grateful for both him and Wes. To Taylor for giving me such a great opportunity, and to Wes for the top-notch example he set for the career to come.
How nervous were you before your first official shoot with NMS?
Going into my first shoot, I wasn’t that nervous to be honest. Any nervousness that I had reserved was immediately gone after Wes from NMS sat me down before the shoot and explained everything about the process, asked what I was comfortable with, and showed me his work so I could get a good image of the art he creates.
Did you have set boundaries, or are you forming those as you go?
When I’m shooting, there definitely have been some boundaries I've set. If I’m working with a great photographer, I feel at ease and I’d be willing to go farther than I normally am because I respect them and their work. That’s where implied shots come in and are welcomed. Full nude though is off the table for now, sorry everyone ;) Implied and artistic shots though, I’m totally okay with. I’m definitely forming my approach to the topic more as I go along with the experiences that I gain.
What factors did you weigh before deciding to shoot implied/nudes? Family? Girlfriend? Work?
In regard to shoots, I’ve always been comfortable showing my body. People have been looking at it all my life whether I know it or not lol. I’m comfortable in my skin and honored to be blessed with all my natural attributes. I would never allow a girlfriend to influence my decisions when it came to this type of work—if she doesn’t want me because others get to see, plenty of fish in the sea. I’ve always valued innate support over conditional.
Tell me about Wes, what was your favorite part about working with him and NMS?
Wes was an absolute pleasure to work with. Doing my shoot with him for NMS was so rewarding and fulfilling. He and Marc, who was also photographing, were such professionals that I felt completely comfortable and able to get into the flow of creativity. The shoot was all smiles, laughter, and good energy. I’m grateful for that time not only for the experience it gave me, but because it set the bar for what working with amazing photographers and artists should be like. That’s a lesson worth its weight in gold, especially being new in the field.
How have your overall experiences been thus far with photographers and the industry?
My overall experience with photographers has been good. Some I work with so naturally that I would do the shoots for free, and some not so much. I find that a photographer that allows the model to express within the broader goal always gets genuine and authentic shots. But one that orders around the model like a drill instructor will get exactly that… stiff and forced shots.
What's the main difference between your work on as a paramedic and as a model?
Day-to-day life on the ambulance can get pretty messy. The work is fast-paced, demanding, and highly structured, every move has to be calculated and efficient. Modeling provides the perfect counterbalance to that, it gives me the freedom to slow down, experiment, and channel my energy into something creative. It’s a space where I can experiment, captivate, and create the intensity instead of having to diffuse it.
What are your goals for your modeling future? Any photographer or company you'd love to model for?
When it comes to future plans, I’m aiming for the stars when it comes to modeling. I’d love to act, do promotion work, and build a presence. When it comes to runways and fashion, it would be an honor to walk for the greats. It’s a young man’s game and I’m perfect for it. For a company I’d love to model for, I have to say Hugo Boss. I’ve always loved the brand and the artistry behind it. Who knows, one day maybe.
If you could choose the theme, do you have a dream scenario for a shoot?
If I could choose a theme for a shoot, it would totally be water. There’s just a surreal visual element to working with it. The lights, the reflections, the motion—you can capture so much depth. I hope I get the opportunity one day to splash around and make some unforgettable art with it.
What do you love most about modeling?
Modeling is a great way to understand geometry of attraction. From working with photographers, you learn what shapes are behind images that captivate. Part of the art is experimenting with poses that incorporate those shapes in subtle ways to capture attention.
Check out more of John on New Manhattan Studios HERE:
3 comments:
He's gorgeous!!
In that spread eagle chair shot he reminds me of comic Chris Barnett, who I'd LOVE to see do a shoot like this "Jimothey"! Haha!
Gorgeous, amazing smile, hair and body, wow.
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