Throwback Thursday #5

A Year in Grey and White

Originally Shot: 2013

Models: Mistress Samira Nile, Erica Jay, Glass Olive, Sarah Hartshorne, Andrea Rosu, Lux Suicide, Elena Siddal, Jasmin Rituper, Jacs Fishburne

Locations: Brooklyn, Manhattan

Since 2012, I've been grinding immensely hard at becoming a better photographer, every day better than the last. 2013 is where I started to feel like I was making some strides. Each of these photos comes from different parts of that year, with different models who mean something different to me.

Samira was one of the first models I worked with who had less experience being in front of a camera than I had behind it. She was funny and dorky and sweet, a fellow Brooklynite who didn't live too far away from me.

Erica Jay was the first professional nude model I ever worked with, and one of the best out there. Because of her, I UNDERSTOOD what a real model brings to the table, the value that they have for a shooter, especially a young one who doesn't know nearly as much as he'd like to but was eager and earnest and wanted to learn.

I've talked about Olive before, here. Same deal: she was always one of my favorite models to work with, and I miss those rare nights when we could shoot and gab and shoot and gab some more. 

Sarah Hartshorne believed in me at a pivotal point in my journey, in a way that I didn't realize I needed. I still remember how many of the shots I screwed up on the first shoot we had together, and how I swore to myself to find a way to do so much better if I was ever given the chance. I've certainly done better, but still fighting to do her justice every time we shoot.

Andrea Rosu was a dream to work with. By the time we parted ways, we'd come up with a couple of inside jokes. Hey, Andrea, if you're reading this: CBT!

Lux Suicide - Lux is the shit. One of the most badass people I've worked with, hands down. Centered, practical, and a fucking rockstar.

Elena Siddal is, in the very best way, a New Yorker: smart, brash, sassy when she wants to be. Absolutely lovely, and very wonderfully skilled poser.

Jasmin Rituper is another I've posted about before, here. We shot once so many moons ago, and some of those shots are still some of my absolute favorites. Ever. EVER.

And, Jacs Fishburne. The fucking wildchild, all punk rock and gangly limbs and a fearlessness about her that I admire to no end. The first time we met, she was wearing a Star Wars t-shirt. I knew we were going to get along just fine. And, we did. I can never say enough about Jacs. Never.

And, that's it.

Mistress Samira Nile

Erica Jay

Glass Olive

Sarah Hartshorne

Andrea Rosu

Lux Suicide

Elena Siddal

Jasmin Rituper

Jacs Fishburne