Patrick
Waiter/Student

In choosing my outfit for this shoot I was told to pick something that I thought was sexy. It was difficult because this isn’t something I think about very often. The easiest thing to do was to think of my girlfriend, and what she thinks is sexy. She has bought me briefs just like the ones I wore in the photos, so that is what I decided to wear. I was worried that something I think is sexy might not be perceived as being sexy by the person looking at these images. The fact that I knew Dan prior to our shoot made me feel at ease. I didn’t feel judged or nervous, especially considering this was the first time I have ever really modeled.

At first I thought it was somewhat funny, that my first time modeling would be posing to look sexy, something I never really do outside the bedroom. However, I really didn’t have to hesitate, as I was excited to be helping Dan create new work. I really had nothing I was afraid of or even nervous about when it came time to be photographed. I am excited to see the photographs of myself and to see the project as a whole. It will be interesting to see the reactions of others to my photographs.

I started getting tattoos at 17 and never thought I would end up with as many as I do now. It just grew on me. My tattoo’s are definitely influenced by my artwork as well as others artwork, but also by family, friends, and my girlfriend. Some are purely decorative, without much if any meaning to me. I like the way they look on me and never feel as if I need to hide or cover them.

During the photo shoot I found myself trying to help setup the shots, changing the background, and getting the right pose. Once I knew about the overall concept, I felt like I had to help with the shoot myself. Being an art student, this came naturally. I could have just sat there and waited for directions, but I think I would have looked somewhat fake if that would have been the case. By giving suggestions and by doing what just felt natural and not forced, I hope the viewer can catch a unique glimpse of me as a person, not just something the artist created entirely. There was an interaction and collaboration on the part of Dan and myself. This being said, I still feel that Dan is in control of the way I am being portrayed.