Every photographer should have a good picture of them self on their website … I am happy to say that after my recent shoot with the talented Joel Codiamat I have a ton of awesome pictures!
Joel is a good friend of mine and an awesome fashion photographer located in Charlottesville, Va. When I first met Joel he mentioned this idea he had about a project he was starting called Photographers 2 Models, and he immediately wanted to make me part of it. I was honored to be chosen, and after seeing his work I became really excited to get involved. As Joel describes it:
“Photographers take tons of photos but are rarely seen on photographs. I took it upon myself to do a personal project to put some of my photographer friends front and center of a photo book I’m trying to assemble. For once, they will be in front of the lens. Looking to push them out of their comfort zones – and mine as well. And in the process, all of us will hopefully learn something from the experience.”
Joel would be the first to tell you that he is a stylist first and a photographer second. His unique approach to photography is humbling to me as he could shoot all day with the most basic camera equipment (no lights, only one lens, and no huge staff of assistants) and produce amazing results. When having lunch one day he explained to me that if you think about the camera too much it’s easy to lose focus on what really matters, the person and [in fashion] the clothes. So it only made sense that the week before the shoot we made plans to go shopping in Georgetown for the perfect outfits! We had a ton of fun and by the end of it I had gone way over my original budget and purchased 22 new items of clothing!
Our inspiration for the shoot was a little George Clooney, mixed with Daniel Craig, and if you’ve seen the show White Collar, add a little Neal Caffrey. The day before the shoot Joel rented an amazing Antique Louis Vuitton Steamer Trunk from Stonegate Event Rentals. My favorite picture has to be the first one with me sitting on the trunk in front of an amazing private jet.
I want to thank Joel for everything he did. I am thrilled with all of the amazing photographs, and thrilled to be part of his great project. I am looking forward to seeing the book he is putting together and honored to be a part of it! To check out more of Joel’s amazing pictures and follow his Photographers 2 Models project, like his Facebook Page!
… yes that’s really me! So what do you think, Aaron Watson: photographer or model?
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