This continues my interview series of 100 people, each interviewing in the nude about anything they wish to discuss. Will you be next? I now have clothed interviews too.
(as always forgive typ0s- I write between family and work life)
Today we meet Michael a life model in New York City. Born and Raise in New York City. In his twenties he was a photographer, and he was taking wedding shoots to pay the bills. He was asked to do nude photosets of a bride once. It went so well, that he got more referrals. This lead to a career as a nude photographer.
Part of his success has been his confidences. He does not publish, he doesn’t do celebrity shoots. People, even the well to do, can trust in both his work quality, and his discreet nature. Plus, he has a great New York accent, so you know your special photos are truly yours. He notes these photo sessions have helped his clients with their bodies, in making memories, and in having a special experience. He aims to make his nude photography sexy and glamours. He recommends black and white photos, and nothing too provocative.
He has done hundreds of phot sessions. He spends many hours editing these photos as well. He uses and has always used Cannon products. From film to digital.
One day he was shooting photos, and the studio down the hall had a model cancel for life drawing. So he volunteered. He recalled it was nerve racking. He wondered how people would view his belly, if his penis looked okay, and all those insecurities. He found he got comfortable, and found the artists very receptive, and seeing the art really helped his own body image. He says he wish he had started in his thirties not sixties.
He has modeled more since, and started connecting on Instagram. He now mostly poses by reference due to the demands of poses live. He found being a model has helped in his photography as now has a better understanding of his models may be thinking of experiencing. He makes new references every week.
In good news, he has lost a lot of weight for health reasons. He is excited for artist to draw him now especially those that drew him with the weight. I am excited he lost the weight as someone with my own health weight battle. He did this by walking every other day, and hiring help a diet person, and an exercise trainer. I love to hear it, weight loss is simply not easy, and its not for looks, its for health.
He notes how elsewhere there is less taboo of nudity, and he appreciates a Florida nude beach. His interview is one about body acceptance, nudity isn’t some scary thing is the point over all. It has a place, in art, in some recreation.
He lives in Manhattan, and he says its a 24/7 place. I am envious, as I enjoyed living in Vegas because many of the restaurants were open late because people often worked late or were out and about. Now back in California, I find restaurants closing at 8 pm. I love 24/7 places, and places with so much art, and things going on. New York is top of my travel list, though I will probably not move there- a little too country/ suburb living here.
He says hopefully artists will continue to draw him. I am working on a drawing of him now, and that people should be open to modeling, it changed his life, maybe it will change yours.
Will you be my next Interview?