ONE MAN'S EVOLUTION FROM A SHY GUY TO A NUDE MODEL!
Everyone is model material. We are all beautiful in our own way. And yes, you might not be everyone's cup of tea, but that's just how it is. But that doesn't mean a man should automatically discount his worth. Body shaming, especially within our community, should not be tolerated or accepted.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Jason, one of the models for the 2019 All American Male Calendar. He started out shy, almost not believing I wanted to photograph him. He showed up at the Bear Camp nervous, shy, not sure of himself and by the time he was done being Q: photographed he was a different man.
It is my opinion that other men can benefit from his insight. I sent some questions to Jason asking if he could share his side of things and those follow:
Q: Why did you decide to model for the calendar?
Number one reason I chose to do this calendar is for charity! Everyone should do projects like this or other community projects as many times as we can in life. We all should pay it forward if given the chance!
Q: How long did it take you to make that decision?
It took me a week or two maybe longer of receiving encouragement from a friend online to apply, and once I got the balls to send in my pictures in to TCB and I was picked, I spoke with my family and I responded that I was on board with the project the same day. Had to so that I couldn't back out, its the way I work. Once I commit I don't back out no matter how scared or intimidated I get.
Q: What did you expect the experience to be like? What lead you to think like that?
Actually I expected this experience/project to be very straight forward. Arrive in Austin, Texas, stay with a bunch of guys I didn't really know and wait a turn to be in front of the camera, take pictures in several change of cloths, be photographed over and over in the same position, under different lighting till the photographer got the pictures he wanted then when our turn was done we would just all hang out till we got a few group photos then finish up the weekend and go about our separate ways.
Q: How did the actual experience compare to what you expected?
It was truly nothing like I expected, quite the opposite actually all for the better! I chose to take a few extra drive days to head to Austin, Texas and well when the day finally arrived to be there I picked a couple guys from the airport and headed to camp. At this exact moment I had already put myself in a head space of being shy, nervous, intimidated, and scared of what was going to happen. Getting to camp and getting out of the car immediately was not at all what I had in visioned. From the moment out of my car the people I had met were friendly, the type of men that would give you the shirt off their back if it would make you feel more at home! As the night went on, we sat and got to talk to one another it became like a family for some of us, and all of us were not even there yet. What I experienced with the photographer was not what I had planned in my head, it took till the third day to get my chance to be in front of the camera one on one with him. I was nervous and scared. I would like to think I started losing that quickly because I realized he wasn't there to make me cry or feel bad cause I wasn't the ideal of perfect guy! He made me think of all the things that were great in my life, what I had to offer to the project, and to raising money for our charity. I was sad when my time didn't last as long as I thought it would. lol
Q: For you, what was the weekend like at the Camp?
Astounding. Relaxing. Peaceful. So much so that I was heartbroken that most of all of us live in different states, and that the weekend had to end. Camp was great from the beautiful property that Nolen & Jake have, to the bunk house they built for several of us models to stay in. I never got to experience camp as a kid but if this is what it was like in the bunk house I would have begged to go all the time! (not for the reasons most are thinking) Opening their home was something that I could never say thank you enough times to get across how grateful I am for what they did for us!
Q: What is the biggest thing you took away from the experience?
Here is where I guess I'm gonna get a little sentimental. I took so much away from this experience that I could write several pages,really several pages hell probably a small book, but I'll keep it simple. The biggest thing I took from this is to know I am not the only one out in this world with baggage, insecurities, and personal demons. However I now have some guys in my life that have my back, who love me for me, and accept me with all my many strengths and flaws! I am proud to call all these men my friends and brothers. I am sure they know I would be there to have their backs or be there for them at any moment! I would drop whats going on in my life to be there in a heartbeat!
Q: If someone was interested in modeling for TCB but was a bit shy to do so, what would you say to him?
Send in those pictures! Own who you are! If you are being the best you it will shine through.We all have something that makes us special find it, and let it shine! Know that there and guys who came before you and we are here for you to answer your questions, encourage you! So see there is always someone out there who is supporting you even if you may not think that there is!
There you have it. It is my hope that this will maybe give some guy that is teetering on the edge about modeling to take the plunge and do so. It can be a very rewarding fun experience! You just have to overcome your fear and let go.
THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT WANTS TO SEE YOU NUDE!!! SHOW OFF WHAT YOU GOT!
For more information on modeling or to just check out some of the many models I have had the pleasure of photographing, please visit www.desertheatimages.com and don't forget to purchase the 2019 All American Male Calendar when it goes on sale. It will be something you don't want to miss AND it will benefit the Trevor Project.
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