' It was a collaboration rooted in dirt and wind and an unspoken understanding.'
After a long day of shooting, photographer Joe Mazza
, (The Male Image) and model
Ryan Centofanti decided to explore an abandoned pier to shoot by the water. They walked past a 'do not enter' gate as they headed down the hill. They were completely unaware of the reason for the warning until they found themselves surrounded by Elephant Seals.
Despite the fact that the seals were everywhere, Joe describes shooting at this location as a magical experience. The seals pretty much ignored them while they worked and seemed completely unfazed by the hot guy in just his jock strap posing just a few feet away on the rocks.
'Even with all that wind, Ryan stood tall, unbothered, as if the harsh conditions were just another cue to toughen up. In the noise of the gusts, we were locked into a rhythm. No words needed. I’d gesture, he'd move. It was a collaboration rooted in dirt and wind and an unspoken understanding.'
'What’s amazing about working with Ryan is that he’s fearless. Not in a reckless way, but in a deep, steady, let’s get the shot no matter what kind of way. He’ll wade into icy surf, perch on a cliff, pedal until his legs burn—because he trusts me and trusts that we’ll get a great shot. That kind of trust? It’s gold. Especially in a model who I now call a friend'.