Shax Carter: The Union Suit

Atlas

' Full Fashion, fit smooth from neck to ankle, no undershirt to work up, or drawers to work down...'

I've first spotted the imagery of photographer Shax Carter a few years ago, and have enjoyed featuring his work ever since.  As I've previously mentioned, I especially love the 'documentary' style Shax utilizes within his work.  As a filmmaker, Shax know the value of just a moment, but the connection of moments over longer periods of time. 

Atlas on FH:

Atlas by Shax Carter on Blurb

As a result, Shax rarely has just one shoot a model.  Instead, he visually chronicles the same model in different locations over a number of weeks, and sometimes even months. This style of capturing the male form means Shax's shoots are more novel than short story, leading Shax to create books, some with multiple volumes, from his time with induvial models.

Mickey

Shax often shoots at a cabin in the woods.  The cabin has wood walls and floors, and lends itself to both comfortable clothing and relaxation.  Because many of the models are new to nude shoots, Shax generally begins with clothed shots, including one of the most comfortable clothing options, the onesie.  Although not exclusively used at the cabin location, I remembered a few of the models that we featured. were ornamented in onesies. 

Mickey on FH: HERE: & HERE:

Mickey by Shax Carter on Blurb: (Two Volumes)

Given my enthusiasm for noting the 'festive gap', between Christmas and  New Years, I asked Shax about featuring a selection of his images featuring models in onesies.   Shax sent back a selection of images which he titled model wearing a 'union suit.'  It's funny, I'd never heard a onesie called that before.  I can't believe in all the years featuring hotties in onesies, it never came up in my research.  

Leo

Searching 'union suit', and entirely new level of sites and images came up, educating me, that union suit is actually the original name for comfy and sexy attire.  Although first created for women in the 1800's, they were first designed only for women.  It wasn't long after though, that men realized their comfort and appeal.  

I'm not sure it's exactly a hard truth, it's said the term union suit comes from the fact that the top and bottom of the long underwear were united.  The term union, meaning the combination suit.  Unlike regular long johns and under shirts, a union suit has the top and bottom  combined together, as just one piece of clothing.

Leo on FH: HERE: & HERE:

Leo by Shax Carter (4 Volumes) on Blurb

One of the last stories Shax shared featured his work with Ricky. (below)  Some of you may remember that Ricky is actually the younger brother of Leo whose images are just above.  When I posted Ricky's story, he was away, working with the armed forces.  He returned however, just before Christmas, more mature, and looking hotter than ever.  His shorter hair really suits him, and you can visually feel the impact of his recent experiences in his facial expressions and confidence.

Ricky

Although his growth is clear, somethings, like natural sibling competition, are harder to let go of.  When Ricky realized Shax had four volumes of books spotlighting his older brother, he was eager to get back in front of the camera, to create new stories, as well as new images, to capture the changes in his life. 

So, instead of just featuring previous images from his portfolio, Shax and Ricky got together to create this brand new series to go with the others.  The changes in Ricky are viewable evidence of how visually significant Shax's style of shooting can be.  Shax and Ricky took even more shots, sans the onesie, that hopefully, I'll be sharing soon. 

Ricky on FH:

Ricky by Shax Carter on Blurb

Shax Carter Photography

Shax Carter on Instagram / BlueSky

Dream Job: Kazuyo by Shax Carter

'Although I was nervous as I'd never done anything like this, rather than being averted by the nudity,  I instead embraced it.'

Kazuyo

Whenever I feature the work of photographer Shax Carter, I consistently use the phrase 'intimate portrait.  I do this, because Shax doesn't do photo shoots as much he does photo essay's.  Shax likes to focus on one subject, one model over an extended period of time, capturing and unveiling the layers of his subject which each shoot, each location and each theme.

At the onset, I assumed this process might be daunting to models, especially models new to modeling nude.  It can be intimidating enough posing nude, without the systematic and extensive lens that Shax shines upon his subjects.   What I didn't take in account however, the degree to which relationship, and of subsequently trust and comfort, play a role in a model's experience with the shooting experience.

Whenever I ask a model to share their thoughts on a shoot, many mention their satisfaction with the final images.  More however, point to their comfort level with the artist behind the lens.  The creative collaboration only works for both, when trust has been obtained.  It's the reason most of us choose to go to the same doctor, the same mechanic, or even the same grocery story.  We feel most at ease in places, and with people, whose expectations we know and trust. 

This is difficult to obtain in one-off photo shoot.  It's one of the reasons so many photographers, and so many models, work multiple times with each other.  Given that Shax likes to work with one model over a period of time, their are more natural opportunities to build  relationship and trust, more than if they just worked on just one day for a couple of hours.

Nude photography wasn't exactly going to bel the twenty year-old Kazuyo's go to.  When the opportunity was presented, he wasn't opposed to it, but it also wasn't something he was necessarily pursuing.   He had some history with art, and was familiar and knowledgeable with the nude form in art, and always saw it as something artistic and creative.

'It was intimidating at first, but I was lucky enough to work with a photographer who made the process comfortable and professional.  I believe I got really lucky to work with Shax. Because of him, I'm now wanting to pursue modeling as a passion and a dream job.'

Kazuyo

Although Kazuyo had other opportunities, including offers from the adult film industry, he found that super intimidating, and wasn't initially sure where to start.  He felt really overwhelmed with what direction to take, that was until, Shax reached out. Kazuyo shares that Shax was not only professional, but also casual and relaxed, something that led Kazuyo to feel the same.  Shax answered all his questions calmly, and after their discussion, Kazuyo was feeling comfortable enough to schedule their first shoot.

There were other opportunities I had where I could have worked in the adult film industry but that was super intimidating as I didn’t know where to start, how exactly difficult it would be, or even if i was ready to do something like that. When Shax reached out he was very casual, professional, and relaxed, he showed me his work and answered my questions calmly and it didn’t feel overwhelming which ultimately led me to feel comfortable to do that first shoot with him.

'Looking back at it now I’m wo glad to have worked with Shax, rather than anyone else. He has become not only a great co-worker, but a good friend.'

Kazuyo

'Kazuyo is a natural in front of the camera. Although this was his first photo shoot, one wouldn't believe it looking at his work.  By the time the first shoot was complete, I knew we needed to expand our vision,'

Shax Carter

That first shoot, and the relationship that followed, help paved the way for Shax's first photo-book spotlighting his work with Kazuyo.  Their first book, which Shax describes as an photographic introduction to Kazuyo, is a 138 page visual collection of their first shoot together..  Although a second, more extensive book will follow, with Kazuyo sharing more with an interview, for this first edition, Shax wanted to the images to tell the story.  You can order, or preview more of Shax's work with Kazuyo on Blurb HERE:

Shax Carter Photography

Shax Carter on Blurb

Shax Carter on Instagram / BlueSky

Kazuyo on Instagram

Intimate Portraits: Mickey by Shax Carter

'When I happen across a model that I enjoy working, I try to make them the focus of my independent work for a period of time.'

Shax Carter

If you've followed my previous pieces spotlighting the work of photographer Shax Carter, you know he creates an intimate portrait of each of the models that he shoots.  Many photographers capture intimate moments, but Shax goes beyond just moments, capturing a more raw and in-depth depictions of not just a model, but a man.

We've all experienced meeting and interacting with someone for just a few hours.  For that period of time, if we're lucky, we uncover the first layer of a person.  The exterior layer, the layer they prepare for the pubic, for strangers, and those not intimate insiders within their lives.  This outer layer is well-crafted and practiced to deal with almost any and everyone they encounter.  

By shooting models multiple times, over longer time span, a deeper relationship is formed between the artist and subject. Shax is able to peal beyond the surface and skin, capturing layers beneath, layers magnified beyond what's usually visible by the naked eye.  I've previously featured several models that Shax has spotlighted with his eye on a more raw and intimate portrait. some of you may remember my pieces on models; Atlas, (HERE) Nicko, (HERE:) and Jason. (HERE: & HERE:)

My recurrent use of the word raw is intentional.  It not only applies to the images captured, but to the men Shax chooses to shoot as well.  Most of the models Shax works with, including Mickey featured here, are new to modeling.  This experiences means their presentation and poses are not artificial or rehearsed.  There's an organic quality to their visual presentation, one created by their newness to modeling, and their first time posing nude. 

'Mickey was 21, and brand new to modeling, although he said that he had wanted to try it out for a long time.  We met in Washington, for an afternoon introductory photo shoot.  Mickey was an absolute pleasure to work with.'

Shax Carter

Because of the multiple shoots, and locations and scenarios shot, Shax usually ends up with hundreds of images from his work with one model.  This motivated Shax to begin creating photo books, chronicling his work, and modeling journey of the model in focus.  Shax has created two books featuring his work with Mickey, these images being from the first volume, and their first shoots together.

In addition to capturing visuals, Mickey's book also completes the intimate portrait, by also capturing Mickey's thoughts on the shooting process, and other details of his life and sexual awakening.  In the first volume, Mickey not only shares his motivation for giving modeling a try, but as well, his early sexual awakening, his first sexual experience, and his relationships with women, as well exploring his bi-curiosity.

I mean I enjoyed it, but I didn't see me going further into a relationship with him.  The farthest that I went with him was makin out, and I enjoyed that part, that wasn't bad, um, but we never did get into the intercourse, cause we didn't stay together that long.

You can preview more of the over 120 plus pages of Mickey One, Shax's first book spotlighting his work with Mickey on Blurb HERE:  You can also check back later this week for more images of Mickey and a preview of book two.

Shax Carter Photography

Shax Carter on Instagram

Shax Carter: Shades of Llyod

'Although Llyod normally took his own photos, he was very receptive to taking direction and working with me as a photographer to create photos from a different perspective than he was used to. '

Shax Carter

My favorite shoots spotlighting the male form are multi- layered. For me, layered with visual of the human form means moving beyond just the surface.  Three are many photographers that I enjoy who skillfully capture the male body.  My favorite images are from artists who also tell a story.  They strive to capture the man beyond the set of body parts in front of them.

One of my favorite chroniclers of multi-layers visuals and stories is photographer Shax Carter.   If you've checked out my previous posts featuring Shax's work, (HERE:) you know that his process plays a key role in the photo essays he creates.  Shax rarely shoots a model just once, but plans multiple shoots over time.  This not supports Shax with capturing a model in different themes, moods and locations, it also increases the time he and his model spend together.  This time builds trust and relationship, leading often, to more natural and intimate visuals. 

Llyod on Llyod

In Shax's lates book, Shades of Llyod, Shax adds yet another layer to his visual resume. In addition to capturing the luscious Llyod in a variety of setting, both urban and rural, Shax also incorporated sections featuring dozens of Llyod's self-shots.  It was seeing Llyod's sexy selfies that initially motivated Shax to want to connect.   It's fascinating to see the differences, both obvious and subtle, between the two sets of images. 

Equally sexy, there is a more fully told story in the sections photographed by Shax.  Shax uses the essay format to display a series of visuals with a distinct beginning, middle and end. Because of the nature of social media, Llyod's goal is to use each individual images to grab the viewers attention. His selfies are often more raw, with each image capturing a distinct moment, usually of arousal.   Although Shax too captures plenty of shots of Llyod erect, the visuals, much like an actual arousal, builds with the momentum of the story.

How did you first connect/meet Llyod? 

I first saw some photos Lloyd had posted on his social media, and was interested in the work he was doing. I reached out to him and we started talking about collaborating on a photo shoot. 

Was it helpful or a challenge that Llyod had so much experience taking nude selfies?

He was very comfortable being nude and posing for the camera. Although Llyod normally took his own photos, he was very receptive to taking direction and working with me as a photographer to create photos from a different perspective than he was used to. My over all goal was to create a piece of work that showcased what Lloyd enjoyed doing, but with a different creative process than he was used to. 

What made you decide to include sections with Llyod's selfies? 

I wanted to show the audience a back and forth effect, allowing them to see Lloyd's own work, and contrast it with photos that I took of him. I also wanted to hopefully introduce Lloyd's own work to an audience that might not be familiar with his work. 

Tell me about how you started? 

Before we started, I showed Lloyd a few of my photo books, so he could get a good idea of what the work would be like. Once we got together, we really didn't discuss it too much, just sort of jumped in and let the shoot take its own direction. 

What stand out from your time together? 

We got along really well and had a lot of fun with it. We would shoot for a while, and take a break to cook out, or explore the area we were in a little, and then after a while get back to work and shoot some more. We had plenty of time so we didn't need to work at a fast pace at all. 

Did you have a favorite part about working with Llyod? 

I think my favorite part was the combination of shooting, and then taking breaks and just hanging out or cooking etc. It made the whole experience very enjoyable and not seem like work at all. 

Shax's new photo essay, Shades of Lloyd features hundreds of photos within it's 186 pages.  The book comprises two separate locations, starting with several days shooting Llyod in the woods.  Shax then spent another two days capturing Llyod in the city.  In addition, in-between themes and locations, Shax includes several sections featuring many of Llyod's hottest selfies.  You can check out, and preview more on Shax's site HERE:, or on Blurb HERE:

If you're a fan of Shax's work, or a fan of any of the models he's worked with, Shax is currently having his first ever sale on PDFs.  All of the photographer's PDF books are currently on sale for just $20.  Don't wait too long however, as they are only at this price until April 30th.  Also, be sure to check out Shax's newest collaboration with Jimmy, and the soon to be released. Bobby’s Beach Adventures Part Two.  Check them all out on Blurb HERE:

Shax Carter Photography

Shax Carter on Instagram

Shax Carter on Blurb

Llyod on OnlyFans

Llyod on Twitter