As a nature photographer, environment is crucial. You can't exactly photograph a butterfly, a duck or a tiger in front of a colorful satin background in a studio. Being outside, using natural light and focusing on your subject as well as the ensuring to cover their equally incredible surroundings.
Incredible surroundings are key to Josh Camero's work. Whether it be that butterfly, duck or tiger or 22 year old male model Zach Van Way, their surroundings, and how they relate and connect to them is what to me makes his work stand out.
Josh, just 28, is originally from the Philippines and moved to the States in December of 2001. In 2008, Josh attended the New York Institute of Photography. He later went on working as a product and stock photographer. In 2009, Josh began shooting events and portraiture which naturally led him to begin working with models of the human variety.
'When I was first starting out, It was very difficult to find models to work with. I found On Display Men which booked the model and then gave me the option to shoot the model or not. My relationship with On Display Men started almost 2 years ago when a model (Mitch Westphal) from Iowa contacted me to do a shoot. Alan Rust was the owner of On Display Men and the Support Nature Project. On Display Men men gave me the exposure to be published on different blogs as well as on the DNA Magazine website.'
Even though Josh's now shoots models of the human kind, he still does about 95% of his shoots outside. I was struck by the similarities on how environment and surroundings were as striking and important in both his nature and model work. In his work with Zach Van Way below some of the Zach's surroundings, especially the shots in the airport hanger help create a powerful statement.
'Shooting outside can be very challenging, especially with Texas weather and constant change in lighting, but at the end of the day it's all worth it. I believe that background helps tell the story.'
Josh Camero on Model Mayhem:
Josh Camero Official Site:
Below:
Zach Van Way by Josh Camero
22 year old Zach Van Way from Chesapeake, Virginia currently attends University and maintains his fitness through bodybuilding.
'I love bodybuilding. I enjoy the challenges it offers as well as the obvious physical benefits that come along with it. Watching my body grow drives me to achieve my goals.'
Check out more of Zach on Model Mayhem HERE:
