'Stasik told me his tattoos started as a form of rebellion, which also made a lot of sense once you got to know him.'
Last week, FH kicked off with an older shoot from photographer Joe Mazza. (The Male Image) The post, (HERE:) featured shots that model Brody Harris had sent me over a decade ago. I had saved on my iDrive and asked Joe about featuring more from the shoot. Given we featured one of Joe's older shoots, it was only fair that we also share one of his most recent.
While I was working on the piece on Brody, Joe sent on a few sample of his work gorgeous Stasik. I immediately wrote back asking to see more. Joe shot Stasik in several different locations making it difficult to choose where to start. Thankfully, Joe was cool with a two-parter, ensuring I didn't have to leave any of Joe's shots of Stasik out.
Joe was first connected with Stasik through an Australian online magazine. The goal, to pair models and photographers from around the world to shoot editorial features. It's always interesting for Joe to go into shoots like this one, not really knowing the person ahead of time. Given his focus on the nude male form, Joe is always a little uncertain of the reaction, especially when it's a straight model like Stasik who he's never met. Typically, Joe likes to make sure that they talk beforehand, go over the concept, hear their ideas, and to gage how comfortable they are with nudity,
'With Stasik, there was never any hesitation. If anything, he seemed genuinely excited about the shoot from the start. When we finally met in person, he couldn’t have been more open, gracious, and eager to work. He has a big smile and an easygoing energy that immediately put everyone at ease.
Any nervousness disappeared pretty quickly and we clicked right away. We ended up shooting for over four hours, and the time flew by. He’s someone you’d just like to hang out with and have an adventure.'
Stasik also showed to the shoot driving a vintage left-hand-drive SUV, which Joe felt somehow fit his personality perfectly. Speaking of personality, whenever I feature a model with significant body art, I'm always curious what the inspiration was. Most people I now who have one tattoo, let alone dozens, has a unique reason for each. I love that Stasik shared they were a form of rebellion.
Stasik's words reminded me of a close female friend of mine. She wasn't a fan of body art and hen I was thinking of getting a tattoo, she talked me out it. She was also engaged to a guy who was really controlling and also disliked tattoos. When she finally broke up with him, she dragged me with her to get a tattoo of her own. I didn't end up getting one, but to her, it was a visual sign to others, that she was now the one in control.
For many, doing a nude photoshoot would also have to be considered a form of rebellion. Although sharing nudes on-line has become more common, it's still something mothers and fathers wouldn't necessarily embrace, So many of the models I've featured, even those with parents who know of their nude modeling work, share the acceptance is usually reluctant, and it's a subject usually left out of the Sunday dinner conversation. Most of us, no matter how liberal we are, don't necessarily want our Aunt Bertha engaging in a discussion about our penis.
Given they shot in four different locations, I decided to start with these shots in penthouse. The location is one my favorite spots that Joe often uses. Some of may may remember seeing other stunners basking up the heat coming from the room's large windows. Seeing the models soaking in the sun, always reminds me of cats whose bodies are drawn to the heat.
Although sunlight isn't actually physically drawn toward bodies and skin trough force. Our bodies are drawn to it. Sunlight radiates in all directions , and living things, particularly plants and animals, have evolved to maximize their exposure to. Stasik has certainly maximized his exposure and I love the elegant poses that Joe captured as the heat and sunlight cascade over his naked body.
'Stasik is incredibly open-minded, very fluid in how he expresses himself, and just generally very easy to photograph. He has a lot of energy, a creative mindset, and you can tell he’s an artist at heart. The entire shoot felt relaxed and natural from start to finish and I’d work with him again anytime!'
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