Autumn: Michael Dean Gray by MvR Photo

I have written in the past about the influences culture, location and weather have on photographers and shoots. The seasons, especially in the North East, also play a huge factor in where and how a shoot will occur. Although there is nothing hotter than a model shot on a sandy beach, summer and beaches are done to death and far from the only way to showcase the male form.

It just stands to reason that when searching out shots for FH I tend to feature more exterior location shoots in the Spring and summer and more studio shoots in the winter. Many photographers without their own studio pretty much pack up their equipment for the season when the weather becomes too cold to shoot outside. Despite the obvious weather issues, I am always searching for images featuring the beauty that nature offers in the non summer seasons. Winter and especially in Autumn provide rich backgrounds for images, not used nearly enough. It was Autumn that led me to the work of Michael von Redlich from MvR Photo.

Truth be told, I am not sure, and chose not ask, when MvR's shoot with model Michael Dean Gray took place. Given it was his fall themed images that brought me to his images, Autumn still seemed an appropriate title for the piece. Michael von Redlich lives and works in Manchester, New Hampshire and although New Hampshire's summers can be as hot and humid as they come, his forest shots with Michael Dean Gray hold the feel of the impending arrival of a new season. The lush green of the leaves and moss, the rocks, the rushing river and hint of snow on the ground all create the feel of wetness and coolness associated with the woods in the late spring or early winter.

Michael von Redlich has been providing professional photography services in the modeling field since 1986. Although Michael's work covers everything from landscapes, nature, architectural as well as extensive time shooting stage productions, it is work with models, especially with models just starting out, that has become his primary focus.

'I am very aware and deeply respectful of the great faith, trust and confidence that a model places in me when they allow me to work with them and photograph them - this is huge. It is my fervent goal to respect and return that to each person I work with and not to disappoint that trust.'
Michael von Redlich

Although Michael's portfolio is filled with shots of models both in studio and on location, it is his images using the beauty of the North East as his backdrop that are my favorites. The shots of 23 year old Michael Dean Gray were my first choices to feature MvR's work. MvR calls Gray a brilliant model and there is a beautiful natural way in which both photographer and model connect with the location.