tes·ti·mo·ni·al
(n.): A written affirmation of another's character or worth; a
personal recommendation; a public declaration regarding an
experience; something given in appreciation of a person's service or
achievement; a tribute.
I can't say enough how much of a pleasure it truly
is to to be a part of this type of artwork. I've met some
truly incredible people who are not only exquisite externally, but
incredibly talented as well. The attitude and developed
friendship of one of my recent
models inspired me to request him to write a testimonial of his
experience for each of you. I am delighted that he agreed to do so, and it is
an honor to have his permission to share it with you:
The Study of Man: A
Personal Perspective
Submitted by C.F., Pittsburgh, Pa
I had been thinking about doing something like
this for a while now, but I never really just made the decision
to do it. There are some very personal reasons why I think I was
hesitant about it and why I took more of a conservative
approach. A lot of it seemed to stem from my family and how I
was raised. I think I always thought about whether or not my
mother and/or father would approve. However, the more I thought
about it the more I came to believe that I don’t think they
would really hold it against me if I told them - which I
wouldn’t for at least a while.
Other reasons would include self esteem about my body, even
though I’m usually told otherwise. I also tended to worry about
what others think of me. Would they think I’m egotistical b/c
I’m doing things like this? Would they think I’m not good
enough? Would people treat my like an object? All of these
questions would go through my mind. I really had to work through
this before I finally decided to do it. In the end, I just
thought, "why should I care about what others think?" I also
didn't feel that tasteful work like this could ever really
affect me negatively. Well, in fact, I came to understand that
it simply wouldn’t - art is something to be proud of.
As I got to know Tony Sand, I developed a sense of trust with
him. To me, it is important to have that with someone you’re
working with, especially in such an intimate environment. For
some reason he made me feel comfortable, even before meeting him
at his studio. I thought to myself, “What the hell, this really
could be fun!”…so we made plans to get started.
I will admit that I was pretty nervous before the shoot and on
the drive over there. I was thinking, “Man, I hope I can do
this.” You see, I have never been nude before in front of a
camera for "professional reasons." There was a time back in
college which involved way too much alcohol - but we won't go
there! Anyway, we talked for a about 20 minutes to a half hour
before starting the SWOT. I was nervous and kept thinking, “Ok,
when do I drop my drawers?”
As we talked I became more comfortable with Tony and even when I
dropped my drawers, the focus was really not on my “junk.” It
was on the study of man as a whole. Tony did a great job of
capturing the best qualities about me and made me feel at ease
while he was doing so. If I had to complain about one thing, I
would have to say I was challenged to hold some of the most
uncomfortable flexed poses I’ve ever done in my life. Yes, I did
tell him that I hate him a couple of times. Damn it was
difficult holding some of those poses. However, I did just start
back into working out and stretching so I hope as I continue to
work with him, it will become easier.
The second shoot was even better because we were able to review
my best shots from the first time and continue with those
concepts. I was also much more relaxed to start with because
Tony and I had already built somewhat of a rapport.
I hope to continue working with Tony, developing/critiquing even more
concepts. It is a very rejuvenating
experience and puts me into my own utopia. I’m a dreamer by
nature and always fantasize about living in a perfect world
where everyone loves each other and no problems exist. Tony
seemed to capture the dreamlike appearance of the male human
body, basically the form that everyone dreams of attaining, not
that I am that, but Tony makes me look at myself in a different
way.
Of course I don’t have a perfect human form, Hahh!, but I love
the way the photographs capture my best qualities. This
experience has been somewhat of a journey as well - where I’m
really getting to know myself, my body, my mind, and
motivations. For some reason it has made me think about my life
in general and how to improve it and how to smile more. Not
worrying about what others think of me in all aspects of my life
is a great start. I look forward to continuing this journey!
Thanks Tony!
C.F.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
All work is
expressly (C) Copyright 2005 by Tony Sand - ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.
DUPLICATION IS PROHIBITED