Air Pressure by Images Male & MW Photo MD

Image by MW Photo MD

'I have a variety of props available and often let the model gravitate toward something that grabs their interest.'

David, Images Male

Image by Images Male

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to feature Mark of MW Photo MD, and his images of Andrew. (Put Into Practice) I chose the title for that piece for two reasons, the first being Andrew's love of Hockey, and the inclusion of some of Andrew's goalie gear into the shoot. The second reason for using  'Practice' had to do with Mark's comments about his entry into the art of shooting the male form, and the process he undertook to gain both skill and experience.

MW Photo MD

Images Male

'I found a photographer David, Images Male and after checking out his port and his website, and reached out to him as I liked his style of photography. I setup my first studio shoot along with him and decided I might as well jump right in and begin by shooting nudes. David was very patient in teaching me about lighting, the various ways to shoot in the studio and I have done most of my shoots since, with him at his studio.'

Mark, MW Photo MD

MW Photo MD

Images Male

Utilizing mentors, and on the job teachers, are something many professions have sadly moved away from. For some professions, especially in the arts, when much of  creative and prep and post work is alone, having someone to observe and ask questions of, can be an essential resource. Although there is much to be learned from a good photography class, especially about using a camera, and skillfully utilizing light , they can't really always teach an inexperienced photographer how to envision, create, and then execute a create image. Shooting the male form, especially the naked form, requires so much more than skill and knowledge.

MW Photo MD

Images Male

There are brilliant painters who skillfully replicate great works of art, yet struggle to create something that's uniquely their own. There are many photographers who take exceptionally well lit, framed and edited photos, yet there is often, little exceptional about them. Working with models, learning how to create ,and as importantly convey, a concept are far more powerfully learned when watching an experience artist at work. After reading Mark's comments about contacting Images Male, I had to investigate his work, and find out what drew Mark to seek out his guidance and support. Heading to David's site, I was immediately captivated the beauty and variety of David's visuals. Images Male is full of galleries featuring David's many years of capturing the male form.

MW Photo MD

Images Male

When shooting his first nude, Mark shares that David help make feel at ease in the studio, introducing him to art form with an experienced model, who was fully comfortable with shooting nude. This allowed Mark to focus on learning, and using his skills, especially lighting, to get the most of the images he was taking. Mark had also been wanting to work with two models together, and when he voiced this, David knew exactly who to call. David had worked with both Alex and Ken multiple times, and knew they would be perfect for the shoot. With just a rubber tire for them to work off, the variety of poses, as well as the depth of emotions and passion between the two models is visually outstanding.

MW Photo MD

Images Male

'Alexander and Ken, simply placing them together with a tire, results in strong images as they both have a passion for creating images and posing. Between the three of us, we’re bound to end up with some interesting placement of the two models and the tire. Then it’s up to me to make sure I’m lighting it in a way that is complementary to the models and creates some interesting shadows.'

David Male Images

MW Photo MD

Look for more of David's work with Alex and Ken, sans tire. tomorrow on FH:

Images Male

Images Male

Images Male on ModelMayhem

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem

Under His Belt: Juan Pablo Figueroa by MW Photo MD

'Juan, The PR-GQ, was already an accomplished model with runway shows and other events under his belt when he contacted me for his very first nude shoot.'

Mark, MW Photo MD

Since January is often about firsts, trying and beginning new things, it seemed the perfect time to feature Washington Photographer MW Photo MD's shoot with model Juan Pablo Figueroa. We sometimes assume nude modeling is something usually done by new models, and models looking to create portfolio's that will grab the attention of viewers, photographers and agencies. For Juan, who's agency signed and been modeling for years, it was just something he's been wanting to do for awhile.

'For the last 2 years I've been wanting to do a nude photo shoot to expand my portfolio but it was very difficult finding someone that would do that type of shoot. I came across Mark's work through other models that I have worked with, who had the opportunity of working with Mark in the past and I was excited at the opportunity to work with him.'

Juan Pablo Figueroa

Originally from Puerto Rico,  Juan had plenty of experience on the runway and in front of the camera, but all with his clothes on.  Clothes were usually the focus for the 6'1" model whose tall, lean frame was perfect for fashion modeling.  In or out of his clothing, Juan's presence in front of the lens, especially his powerfully sensuous brown eyes, draw the viewers attention.  Despite his previous modeling experience, Juan admits he was initially quite nervous, not just at taking his clothes off, but because of his desire to create something artistic, elegant and tasteful.

'Mark and I began to talk about my goals for the shoot and this eased me through the process. It was a great experience and the fact that he actually listened to me and conversed with me throughout made me feel comfortable as Mark puts the comfortably of the model before the work itself. I am truly looking forward to collaborating with him again in the near future.'

Even with his skill at ensuring the models he works with feel comfortable, Mark admits he too felt a little intimidated about working with Juan.  Given Juan's high expectations for the images, Mark wanted to make sure the shoot went as smoothly as possible and that the experience was one that led to images Juan would feel proud to share with others and add to portfolio.

'When we finally met after having multiple on-line communications I think that we both felt an instant ease and comfort between the two of us and I think it shows in how well the pictures turned out. We have talked about our next working together and I want to do a duo shoot with him in the near future.'

Mark, MW Photo MD

Juan Pablo Figueroa on Instagram

MW Photo MD on Instagram

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem

Quaternate: MW Photo MD

'I was participating in the National Novel Writing Month. During the writing of the novel, one of my characters developed into someone who had setup his own photo studio in his house, something I would like to do myself. 

I thought I better do a little research to understand the equipment and setup, and to make it interesting and real for my story. I went on the web and did a search for photographers and models and I came across Model Mayhem. I decided right then and there that I wanted to do this myself. ' 

Mark, MW Photo MD

I love the story of how Mark came to photography and the creation of MW Photo MD.  My love of writing and art are so intertwined, I'm not actually sure which came first for me. After seeing his work with Andrew over five years ago, I began following Mark's work, looking forward to seeing who he was shooting next, and how he'd creatively capture them. Mark always strives to capture unique and artistic images of each of the models he shoots, pushing erotic boundaries along the way.

2019-2022 

Silv: Skin & Wood 

Greg: Fantasy Fulfillment 

Dylan: Incandescent 

Dylan: A Litte Something Extra 

Pup Dahlia: Who I felt I Am 

Pup Dahlia: After Hours 

Juan Pablo: Under His Belt 

2018 

Free Falling 

JoLee: Optial Fusion 

Duoc: A Little Taste 

Darius: Let It Rain 

Mike Addams: Sans Suit 

2017 

Andrew: Autumn Centerpiece 

Jonah: On the Rise 

Jonah: Halloween Hotel 

Jon: Comfortable in his Skin 

Alex & Ken: Air Pressure 

Andrew: Put into Practice

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem

MW Photo MD on Instagram | Twitter

A Little Taste: Duoc by MW Photo MD

'I believe that if you're comfortable with your body then you should show it off, give the viewer a little taste to make them want more.'

Duoc-Thanh

Although 25 year old Duoc-Thanh may not be up for his full frontal close-up just yet, that doesn't mean he's not up for pushing the envelope and pushing his boundaries within his work. The Washington model shares that right now, he tends to mostly book more risqué shoots and that's just fine with him. Duoc has a model friend who primarily books fashion shoots, buttoned up in a suit and tie. Duoc on the other hand is usually wearing much less... 'I'm more of the sexy edgy projects kind of guy. I love doing what I do and I wouldn't change it for a bit.'

For this series from Mark from MW Photo MD, Duoc didn't have to worry about being hot and sweaty in a suit, his wardrobe mostly consisted of a hat, a jock strap and of course a pair of hand cuffs. Mark discovered Duoc's portfolio while scrolling through ModelMayhem, liked his look and got in touch about scheduling a shoot together. Mark always finds it interesting to discuss shoot possibilities and ensuring the model he is working with can also get what their looking for to add to their portfolio.

With his beautifully mesmerizing brown eyes, sultry lips and face and great body, Duoc is a natural in front of the camera, however being in front of the camera wasn't his initial goal. In school, Duoc's goal was to create a career in graphic design or photography. In his attempt to learn more about the craft of photography, Duoc met a photographer who encouraged him to set in front of the lens rather than behind it.

'He said that I was a natural. One shoot led to another. As the photo shoots progressed, more clothes came off. I've always been insecure about my body growing up. Now in my young adult stage, I've been more confident. I've always been a very sexual person as well. Nudity does not scare me. I would love to make a living off my body if I could.'

'Our shoot went really well, I was looking for Duoc's input and try not to have too many set ideas in mind on how the shoot should proceed, I find it easier that way and I tend to get some nice surprises in my pics, maybe more candid than posed. I tend to get trigger happy some times as well and can take several hundred during a typical 2 hour session. I always feel like I get a good work out in during a shoot! We are working on scheduling a duo intimate shoot in the future and I think that will be a lot of fun!'

Mark, MW Photo MD

'Mark is very professional. I had a blast working with him. He makes you feel comfortable and is very open to different ideas. When I connected with Mark through Model Mayhem I noticed his work was different from what I've ever done before. I've done a couple nude shots here and there but something about Mark's work is different. There's still some vulnerability in his portfolio. There's a simplistic kind of feel with the shoots yet sexy. I love it!'

Duoc

Duoc Thanh on ModelMayhem

Duoc Thanh on Instagram

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem

MW Photo MD on PurplePort

A Little Something Extra: Dylan by MW Photo MD

'I noticed a plastic skull in the studio on a book shelf...'

Mark, MW Photo MD

Mark from MW Photo MD believes in being prepared, especially when it comes to his shoots.  Mark knows even the smallest item, dash of color or prop can bring so much to image.  When Dylan contacted Mark about working together, neither intended to make Halloween one of the themes.  But, given Halloween is one Mark favorite holidays, I think spotting that skull was more than just pure happenstance.

Not only did Mark utilize the skull, he also had a role of 'caution tape' among the many props he brought along in his backpack.  This isn't the first time a holiday themed prop has led to emergence of a theme, and not the first time I've bugged Mark to showcase them on FH.  Many of you might remember the Autumn leaves that cascaded over Andrew's naked body, or the Autumn wreath and pumpkin nestled beside a Jonah on the bed. (After the Fall)

'I'm always looking for something unique that might add to the shoot and I think the idea worked fine for the intended purpose of something a little different and to celebrate my favorite time of the year. I was born on the 25th but my first day home from the hospital was Halloween Night so that day has always met a little something extra for me.'

Mark

Before I knew about the holiday themed shots, I'd noticed the shots of Dylan that Mark had posted.  I was hoping to get a chance to feature their work together.  Dylan has a strong, sexy and confident look which comes through not just with his great face and beautifully expressive eyes, but also in his stance.  I use stance instead of pose as poses are something created in studio, for the photographer and camera.   I've seen so many models who struggle to appear natural, especially with stance and arm placement. Dylan' body stance seems so naturally confident, not just created for the shoot, but simply a part of who he is.

MW Photo MD on Instagram

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem

Dylan on Instagram | ModelMayhem

Who I Felt I Am: Pup Dahlia by MW Photo MD

'I wanted to do something anyone could look at and see something sexy and beautiful with emotional depth. Something that says “This is the body I have, I love it”. Something that is authentic, erotic, and complex. Something that gives permission to people who don’t fit society’s beauty expectations to love themselves.'

Pup Dahlia

Whatever qualities that you choose to measure beauty and sex appeal, model Pup Dahlia most definitely possesses. Beautiful face and smile, incredible eyes and a body that he not only owns and loves, but also controls.  So many people, models included, allow their bodies take the lead.  This often impacts their choices, limiting the creative boundaries explored.

The 22 year old Washington model not only embraces and loves what he has, he knows how to transfer this love to the viewer through his work in front of the camera.  Pup's confidence is contagious and he exudes a couscous sexual energy that's impossible to ignore.  Pup's smile and eyes, and the sexy curves he creates through pose, radiate an elegant conviction that speaks to the emotional boldness he brings to his work.  It was precisely these qualities that MW Photo MD's Mark sought to capture through their work together.

'I found Pup on Model Mayhem and his comment on "Body Positive, and Confident" really struck a feeling in me. As I want to show a diverse range of models I really loved what I saw from his postings and reached out to him for an initial hour shoot to see if we would hit it off.'

Mark, MW Photo MD

After Mark reached out, Pup checked out his portfolio and knew they'd have great chemistry together. Pup shares that the shoot he and Mark did was brief, but productive and fun. Mark really enjoyed the experience as well and is eagerly awaiting a second shoot later this month with more time in the studio to play around with different ideas and themes.

'Boudoir is meant to have strong sexual energy but there’s always a great deal of artifice involved as a means to sell a kind of fantasy. But I always find myself wondering, where are the shots that represent reality? Shots that represent real people?'

'The thing I enjoyed most about this shoot was the authenticity. I’ve always enjoyed doing boudoir shoots, but I never left feeling like the shots really captured who I felt I am.'

After spending time enjoying his images, my curiosity moved to Pup Dahlia's name.  The dog mask above aside, I could think of possible and obvious reasons to choose Pup.  Young, excitable and eager. Full of energy and curiosity.  Not to mention more than a  hint of mischievousness.  Pups also love to get out and play, to be loved and cuddled.  Dahlia, I wasn't so sure of....

'I think the name “Dahlia” probably stemmed from my love of flowers and gardening. I wanted to give myself a name that represented the way I see myself and want to be seen. In art, dahlias represent elegance, inner strength, and creativity. I took the name of a flower to break away from gender roles and define myself by the qualities I wish to emulate.'

Pup Dahlia on Instagram

Pup Dahlia on ModelMayhem

MW Photo MD on Instagram

MW Photo MD on ModelMayhem