Over the past few years I have spent much time and effort traveling to Portugal for my work. There is something mesmerizing about this country so steeped in history.
Bits of the past remain intact as archeological guideposts. They hypnotize and captivate my imagination giving me plenty of ammunition to create symbolic imagery.
Returning again this year was a new level of logistical complexity. Hoping to utilize 4 models in two weeks traveling from Lisbon to Badajoz in Spain then finishing in Porto. A formidable schedule!
This was MY vacation! A photographic expedition with many new abandonments spread throughout the countryside. And a return to a couple of favorite spots, since they offer more options than one trip can capture.
So this post features the first weeks pair of models – Olivier from Montreal and Esteban from New York City.
They had never met before but I felt their carefree nature would allow for a greater comfort while posing nude in these spaces. Their friendship was immediate and it lead to many great shots.
My Spanish urbex guide, Sam found us some new spots to investigate. Many were a bit ruinous while others provided amazing lighting scenarios. We were like explorers of ancient cultures!
With imagination and open eyes, you can find lots of interesting places. Nothing in the US matches the diverse range of locations like this country. And none have the character like these striking structures.
Since retiring from the working world, I have poured much effort into catching up with the photographic ideas that have languished due to time and funding. Part of that has been a push outside of my homeland in search of greater meaning.
Friends have asked if I am bored with the Iberian peninsula yet, but there is still some inexplicable beauty to this area that keeps me enthralled. Maybe it’s magic or maybe it’s getting away from the boring, ever frightening world at home. It’s a comfortable fantasyland for me that I can’t resist.
Hat’s off to my two “Week One” models for their fortitude.
Olivier can be found on IG @olifragasso and Esteban @estebansantamaria_.