Unrestricted: Jack Waters by Mark E Hersh

'I noticed Jack on Instagram and immediately knew I wanted to shoot him. The balance he has between innocence and sexy was appealing to me. The perfect combination of sexy and sweet.'

Mark E Hersh

Whenever I spend time immersed in the work of photographer Mark E Hersh, I'm always struct by the multiple visual layers within his images.  On the surface, there's an intense level of raw sexuality, created both by the model's poses and expressions, and Mark's style of shooting, and the angles he captures.  Just below this layer, is an elegant expression of sensuality, highlighted for me, by the model's eyes and facial expressions the lines and curves created.

Mark's ability to capture so many different and unique layers, means he's able to bring out many different sides of the models he works with.  I wasn't really that familiar with the film work of model Jack Waters before beginning this piece.  I have however, since completed my due diligence with the proper research.  Even before Mark sent on his comments about Jack however, I could see and feel the blend of sweet and sexy Mark described.

This weave of erotic and innocence comes through in Jack's eyes, and with how natural and at ease he appears in front of Mark's lens.  There's no feeling that anything is forced, or that Jack is trying to look hot or manufacture any sexual intensity.  His appeal appeal is both powerful and organic.   

In addition to the great selection of models that Mark chooses to work with, I also always enjoy seeing how they make use of his expansive studio space. I love the unrestricted feel in this series and how both Mark and Jack utilize the many different spaces.  I always find it interesting to see how a model interacts with their environment, and I love how skillfully Jack uses each different area in the studio and how he and Mark create a unique look and feel for each specific space they're shooting in.

'Jack was an absolute joy to work with! He has the natural ability to connect through the camera. Like all my shoots I encourage the model to participate with ideas and suggestions to truly collaborate in the process and Jack was great at coming up with ideas and very open to mine. 

Jack was a pleasure to work with and I hope I have the opportunity to work with him again. . I hope he enjoyed himself as much as I enjoyed shooting him, and of course I hope everyone enjoys the images we created.'

Mark E Hersh

-Just Jack-

Were there much discussion before hand about the shoot?

Mark and I chit-chatted a bit about how the shoot would be but not a ton. I kind of just went for it.

Do you have any boundaries with what you're comfortable shooting? 

I’m okay with shooting everything however I usually don’t shoot nude with photographers I haven’t shot with before.

What's the biggest difference for you in shooting images vs films? 

For me, images are much easier as they are still. When you’re moving it is soo much more difficult to ensure every angle is appealing and sexy.

Do you still get nervous before a nude shoot, or is this something you've long gotten past? 

I get a little nervous about nude shoots still. But it’s not because I’m shy being nude, I just never know how professional the photographer or videographer will be. You never know if the shoot you’re getting ready for will be another “Hollywood story” kind of shoot.

Does Mark give much direction? 

Mark mainly let me do my thing and would give direction when he felt it was needed, which is what I prefer. 

What is your favorite part of the shoot? 

My favorite part was probably the building of the studio to be honest. I’m not so familiar with down town so it was a nice change.

Mark's studio is such a great space, did you have the freedom to explore when you posed? 

Yes, and there were lots of options within the studio for lighting, poses, and themes

Was there a part of the studio that was your favorite to shoot in? 

The part of the studio I liked the most was probably the makeup-prep station.  I usually work with more light and color, but I liked the variety with the darker color and backgrounds in Mark's studio, not to mention his style. 

What can your fans expect if they join your OnlyFans? 

I interact with my viewers, especially on platforms such as Onlyfans. One-on-one interactions with my fans on those platforms is something they can expect. As well as at least one full collab video and one solo video per week, and stories, photos, and live streams on those platforms separate from my socials :)  And of course, I am working to have more frequent posting as well! 

Mark E Hersh Photography

Mark E Hersh on Twitter / Instagram

Jack Waters on OnlyFans

Jack Waters on Instagram / Twitter

Cultivated Connections: Cole McKenna by Mark E Hersh

'I always set out to capture something about a model other than a gratuitous nude I hope that makes my work stand out .'

Mark E. Hersh

When I first featured the work of photographer Mark E. Hersh last year, I was captivated by the detail and optical intricacies within his imagery. There were layers of erotic stimuli that visually demanded more than just a causal glance.  Mark's goal however, was to not only capture something erotic, but also interesting as well. 

The word interesting has becomes almost tired and overused word. It's also sometimes even used as an insult.  As a lover of images of the male form however , it's a component that  I not only look for, but also need to really fully appreciate an image or shoot.  There are millions of images of sexy men on-line, but very few can be truly described as visually interesting. 

In that first piece from last year, (HERE:) Mark's subject was Jae. Given Jae's experience in front in front of the camera, as both a model and an actor, it would have been easy for any photographer to quickly capture some great nudes without exerting much artistic effort. That's certainly not something however,  that Mark has any interest in. 

Always keeping the model in focus, Mark fills his images with layers of eroticism using lighting, location and pose to create both a look and a mood, visuals that impact the viewer of a multitude of levels.  When mark recently sent on his work with model Cole McKenna, I had the same reaction that I did when first seeing his images of Jae.  

I was of course initially struck by Cole's strong sexy look.  His handsome face, beautiful eyes and great head of hair.  I also loved his natural body hair and the lines of curves he created with his incredible body.  The images of Cole's poses that Mark captured were not only incredibly sexy, they were also powerfully seductive.  Cole wasn't just striking a pose, he was enticing the viewer with his body, his movement, and the visual connection to the viewer, he quickly established with his eyes.

After visually devouring Cole, my eyes and attention began darting through the space.  Like a virtual real estate tour, I was drawn to the colors, the wood and windows.  Speaking of those windows, my interest continued as my attention looked outward, looking down on the street, the lights and the lit signs on the other side of the glass.  Mark not only visually incorporated Cole into the space directly around him, but had him apart of the entire street, block and neighborhood. 

The location:

That location was my old studio which I miss but served it’s purpose, it was a building in the state of a halted remodel from the 1930s right off Hollywood Blvd 

Mark

The location was very cool. An empty space in the middle of Hollywood - unfinished floors, walls, ceilings so there was a feeling of emptiness and anonymity, but right outside the windows was the main strip of Hollywood

Cole

Mark first connected with Cole on Instagram after being drawn to his look and images.  In addition to Cole's great body, it was his eyes that first stood out to Mark.  After some initial discussions, to ensure they were on the same page with the goals and results they both wanted, a date and time for the shoot was set. 

As far as who initiated poses, it was very 50/50. Cole understood what I was looking for and posed and moved with minimal direction. Anyone walking by and looked up got a show and everyone that did notice, seemed to enjoy the view When we were shooting on the stairs and I just noticed his energy and eyes through the lens, it was intense, sexual, sexy and inviting

Mark E Hersh

Working With Each Other :

Cole is still one of my favorite models even though we have only shot once, he’s smart, funny, secure and great overall to work with, I look forward to shooting him again very soon! He’s natural and confident, he pulls you in and shooting him is effortless 6. Were you happy with the finished images? I was very happy as I hope he was.

Mark

Mark was great - he had a clear vision of what the shoot would be but was flexible in letting me play around with the space. I’m a bit of an exhibitionist and his way of describing what he wanted to see out of the shot was very fun to work with. Mark’s shoots are very dark and moody which I also really dig. The flash of the camera accentuates the voyeuristic approach and the darkness definitely makes movement a lot more fun

Cole

'My goal with my OnlyFans is to make content that I would want to subscribe to. I tend to work with people I have strong chemistry with - typically other nerdy guys or people who enjoy artistic expression on camera. The hottest thing during sex for me is looking into someone’s eyes as they’re inside me or I’m inside them and feeling that connection, and that’s what I try to cultivate with people I work with.'

Cole

Cole McKenna on OnlyFans

Cole McKenna on Instagram

Mark E Hersh Photography

Mark E Hersh on Instagram

Outside the Lines: Jae by Mark E. Hersh

'I want someone to find something in my images that's both interesting and erotic.'

Mark E. Hersh

When it comes to images of the male form, my tastes and desires tend to oscillate.  Some weeks I find myself drawn to older men, other weeks it's younger.  One week it's a specific look or body type, the next week, it's another.  The one constant however, that rarely changes, is that the image in question, has to not only stimulate visually, it must also stimulate me mentally.

The Internet is full of images of hot men, but in order for me to pause, and to spend time with the image and artist, it must also tell a story. A story that peaks my interest, has me asking questions and wanting to spend time exploring more an artist's or model's work.  That's exactly what happened when I discovered the work of photographer Mark E. Hersh. 

When I first discovered Mark's work, I immediately headed to his Instagram page and devoured his portfolio.  I was drawn to his ability to capture an element of sensuality in each of the men in front of his camera.  I was also impressed with the range of masculinity he captured.  Many photographers of the male form stick to classic poses and depictions of masculinity and  beauty.  

I love images that both explore and challenge the expressions expression of sensuality and masculinity and I was especially drawn to Mark's images of Jae.  I loved the long lines Jae created and the elegant eroticism expressed and captured.  I especially love the intimacy when a image doesn't look posed, but instead secretly captured. So many of the shots in this series feel as though Jae was alone, quietly expressing himself as we all do when we're home alone, fee to explore ourselves and our bodies in a safe and familiar environment. 

Sexual exploration is often key to art and photography and served as a key entry point for Mark.  Although his love of photography began in high school, back then, it was mostly shooting things, not people, with landscape printing on canvas being the focus.  It was about two years ago that Mark began shooting people.  Mark was initially a bit nervous about getting started, but a move to Palm Springs gave him the opportunity to get started.  His first shoot was with a fellow photographer who wanted to explore his fetishes.

'He was much more comfortable having both been a model and a photographer. My anxiety was amplified by shooting a photographer, but as I do with most challenging situations in my life, I went with it. I wanted the images to be erotic and sensual, which is now my style. He liked the images and complimented my work which gave me the confidence to continue moving forward .'

Mark believes that a shoot is a collaboration between the photographer and model.  Mark strives to ensure he is  aware of the model's boundaries and comfort level, especially when it comes nudity. Mark tires to find the time to explain his process and encourage the model he's shooting to express their ideas and poses. 

'It’s constant communication. A nude shoot requires trust on both sides as well as respect. I enjoy shooting the male form and elevating nudity to an artistic level. Being lighting, pose, wardrobe, location.'

Mark first noticed Jae's work on Instagram, and reached out to ask him if he'd be interested in working together. Jae responded positively and it's clear from the results that there was a synergy in the creative collaboration between photographer and subject. 

'Jae's a great guy and free spirit and full of ideas. Shooting with Jae is a joy and he makes it very easy. We have shot three times now and every time is enjoyable, I can’t say a negative thing about such a fantastic guy.'

Jae on Instagram

Mark E. Hersh Photography

Mark E. Hersh on Instagram

The Bedroom Closet: Nic by Mark E Hersh

'Things that go bump in the night...'

I started the spooky season this week with a story focused on the number of violent crimes which occur in Hotels.  Most people believe that most hotel crimes involve theft, but research indicates it's assault and battery, abuse, and harassment that causes most of the calls to 911.   Hotels aside, the number one location of most violent crimes is the place we spend most of our time, in our own homes.

Those crimes are unfortunately usually not related to the supernatural.  We could only wish that those bumps in the night were just ghosts or spirits in a state of unrest.  They're usually something or someone fair more terrifying.  I think we all had those nights as kids, even with our family members just a few doors away.  Those night you wake up terrified and are positive there's something under your bed or lurking in your closet.

Sometimes we're brave enough to look for ourselves, but usually we scream for a parent to check for monsters.  I remember vividly shoving boxes and toys under my bed during the daytime hours, ensuring there was no room left for a demon to lie in wait.  Although I felt I could secure the space beneath the bed, there was little I could do to protect myself from the bedroom closet...

I could write for days about being trapped in a metaphorical closed, I felt trapped in one until my early 20's.  This post however, is about a real closet, the one Nic is stuffed, tied and bound in.  When I saw a shot of Nic posted by photographer Mark E Hersh, my attention was instantly grabbed.  Mark's work always strikes a erotically powerful punch, and the image of Nic in the closet concept definitely did.  So much so, the image quickly disappeared after the image caused a  little too much stimulation for censors on Instagram.

If you've check out Mark's social media pages, or my previous posts featuring his work, (HERE:) you know his visuals are always boundary pushing, often with a sensual and proactive edge.  With this series, the visuals tell the story.  Picture it, Nic's home alone and is struggling with sleep. Restless and aroused, he hears something, and decides to get up and investigate.  After surveying his living space, he relaxes and heads to the kitchen for a drink.  Unfortunately for Nic, he overlooked his closet door, and before he knew it, was dragged into the closet, tied, bound and stripped. 

Mark had been thinking about the closet concept for awhile, and was just waiting to explore the concept with the right model,  One up for a particularly risky creative challenge.  When Nik shared during his shoot that he was 'down for anything',  Mark knew he had just the right creative collaborator to bring his vision to life.   Although Mark started the story, it's up to the viewer to write the end.  Was Nic surprised by a boyfriend or lover, or, was it something far more sinister... 

Mark E Hersh Photography

Mark E Hersh on Twitter / Instagram