Many times I experience what I call the shooting star – that wonderful model who appears briefly, we produce lots of work and then they disappear into the background of life.
Jef was one of those guys.
He was a recommendation from a friend. Embodying a quiet sensitivity, I felt like he had depth to his character that was a bit more mysterious than the typical model. This intense man was an immediate draw!
I’m motivated by smoldering sensitivity. It always blends beautifully with the urban desolation that I enjoy as subject matter.
So after a brief studio shoot, we worked in the remains of a couple of old military buildings that had been vacant for years.
I think the solitude and decay of these structures really played off of Jef’s temperament.
Looking back, I’m always happy that I captured this in black-and-white film. This particular medium always holds a sense of timelessness that only increases the atmosphere of these images.
And in the fleeting days I had to work with Jef, this combination of man, location and method were perfect!
I will end this post with one color image that was photographed in my attic, later used in one of my photo constructions.
Even in color, things are still muted and almost monochromatic. It was a lovely shot of a deeply contemplative guy.
Thank you, Jef, wherever you may be!