It all started with an idea to shoot in Gary, Indiana. What originally was to be two separate models working back to back, quickly became one of the most lovely duo series I’ve ever photographed.
You know that stereotypical comment that artists make – “I’ve always wanted to…blah”. Well this was the crowning moment for my ideal lovers scenario.
It was a fortuitous adventure. Zach was my primary model, who I’ve photographed many times before. I mentioned to him that there would be lots of options available and perhaps a second model would be helpful. Little did I know that his recommendation was a new beau.
But I couldn’t have asked for a better combination. Comfort was an understatement. You could see them thinking out the scene and working together on a unique solution each time.
Never have I had two guys so familiar and at ease with one another. Still warm and fuzzy from their burgeoning relationship, every action was genuine and palpable.
You could truly feel the love they had for each other. And the emotion was definitely visible in the shots of them. No hesitation.
I always talk about the importance of being relaxed and at ease during a shoot. I can see immediately whether a model is not secure and uncomfortable. And that will reflect in the photos.
But that’s not the case with Zach and Skyler. Everything felt as it should. Nothing phoney or false. I almost felt as though I was intruding!
And the most rewarding aspect of this shoot was knowing that concepts of male affection I had struggled with in the past finally came to light. There is plenty of graphic sexual depictions of gay love. Always my case, I wanted something more romantic and classical. It just feels true.
And these guys brought their hearts to task this weekend. I was merely fortunate enough to capture their delight in this rare experience.
Zach is on Instagram @zealous.adventures
Skyler is also on Instagram @_skyler_ray