Published! Bound to Please.

It wasn’t long after DNA Magazine told me they’d be publishing my series, “Summer Loving‘” that I went to work on a concept I dubbed “Mighty Whities.”  The goal: to give a good name back to a classic that had perhaps lost it’s way.

I was pleasantly surprised when the editor of DNA liked the concept enough to request I do a written piece for the series as well!  Below is the story, along with the photo series!  It can be found in the current issue of DNA on magazine stands in Australia now, soon to hit stands in America. Enjoy! -JM

“For decades, men have endured the punishment of unflattering, uncomfortable and uninteresting underwear,” says photographer Jerrad Matthew.  He’s right. Plenty of undies devolve into shapeless, grey, unsupportive and unsexy versions of their former selves after a wash or two. Yes, we’re talking to you Fruit Of The Loom, Hanes and Calvin Klein.  But what some companies have done to damage the sex appeal of men’s briefs, others such as Rufskin, Aussie Bum, N2N and Andrew Christian have worked tirelessly to repair.
“It’s time to revisit the simplest and most basic men’s undergarment and give these under-appreciated items another chance!” declares Jerrad, which he does in this cheeky spread for DNA.  Model Colin Andrews endures another type of punishment to show just how mighty whities can be! After all, what other than stretch white cotton can reveal so little and so much at the same time?

This post contains images some viewers may find inappropriate.

The Category of Sexy

While they have never graced the cover of British tabloids like the photo shoot’s inspiration David and Victoria Beckham (W Magazine), Craig and Alyssa definitely held their own in the category of sexy.  There was no doubt when we arrived to our set (a single bedroom apartment dressed to look like a seedy hotel) that this shoot was definitely going to get hot.

While I have shot many photo series that I would categorize as sexy, and worked with many models in that category as well, the natural chemistry between these two married models literally made me sweat.  There was no hesitation, no awkward warm-up time between two strangers working together for the first time.  It was simply a matter of stripping them down and throwing them in front of the camera.

I hope we did our muse couple, Becks and Posh proud with these images.  If working with married couples could always be this insanely sexy, I would have to consider adding a new package to my list.  Enjoy! -JM

Hair and Make Up: Hanna Wagner.

Set Stylist / Assistant:  Daniel Parker.

Tied Up & Chained Down

Do you prefer to be tied up, or chained down?   Today I bring you both in a combination of two series shot with model Wesley Lunsford.  Among my first attempts at editorial photography, here are two stories, both shot in a different city and months apart.  It is truly a coincidence that they… um, tie together so well.

In Tied Up, the photo shoot took us to multiple locations around Memphis, Tennessee.  I wanted to show the versatility of ties, that they are not just for formal occasions.  A tie can make any outfit just that much classier, even when you’re not wearing much at all… you’ll see what I mean below.

Chained Down was photographed on the rooftop pool deck of a building in Nashville, Tennessee.  Shooting at night, the city got lost, but with the focus on the model and his chains, who would have been looking at boring buildings anyway.  I wouldn’t dare to say that chains are nearly as important an accessory as a tie is, but they sure are sexy.

As I continue to grow in my career and shoot new and amazing images, I hope to still periodically bring you flashes from my photographic past.  These two series are just some of the archives I plan to share, so keep checking back!

Oh! And, by the way, which do you prefer?  To be Tied Up?  Or Chained Down?  Leave a comment below and let me know! Or at least which of the two series you liked more!  Enjoy!  -JM

Tied Up

Chained Down

The Color of Andy

It all started with a little yellow dress; a lucky find.  This dress, bright, unapologetic canary yellow, inspired the theme for this series of images.  Model Andrea Caitlyn steps through three decades of color with the amazing efforts of make-up artist and hair stylist Hanna Wagner.

Hanna brought a modern take to three distinct decades of style.  First, 60′s mod with clean lines and clean face.  Next, 70′s Hippie chic with flowing hair, a bright open face, and beads, lots of beads.  Ending with what I call 80′s Big: big hair, big make-up, big accessories, and bigger statements.

It was nearly impossible to narrow down the best images.  Picking one from each look was simply not an option.  I am so excited to present this series, please enjoy!  -JM

Derek – Portfolio Shoot

I drove to Ann Arbor, Michigan to meet model Derek Watson.  Derek was in need of some new amazing images for his portfolio and comp card.  We had been talking about shooting for quite some time, and both of us were quite excited to finally meet.  Considering he also drove into Ann Arbor, and neither of us had even been to the city, let alone lived there, finding great locations was quite a task!  It is, however, one thing I pride myself on… being able to find amazing backdrops for amazing photographs.

Our first location of the day was a simple underpass and stair case.  I love working with large concrete structures.  Maybe its the simple texture, perhaps its the clean lines, but solid cement just seems to provide the perfect structural setting for fashion images.

Our second location took some time to find.  We drove and drove and drove… got a burger (at least I did…models don’t eat) and then drove some more.  Finally we happened upon an old worn out barn house in the middle of a field full of the tallest weeds I’d ever seen.  We braved the weeds, the bugs, and the possibility of snakes to get to this amazing spot.  The rustic setting was well worth the treck.  We all must sacrifice for our art.

Finally, the last location of the day was a lucky find.  We sped past a junkyard, not thinking twice.  After a moment or two of silence, the idea came to both of us.  A quick U-turn was in order.  We sped back to the graveyard where Derek was bold enough to ask permission to shoot.  As you can see from the pictures, it was quite a stellar find!  Over all, it was an amazing day, and I think the images prove that.  Enjoy!   – JM

JC – Portfolio Shoot

Today I met with aspiring model JC Cunningham.  JC is transplanting to San Fransisco within a matter of days and wanted to get a solid portfolio together before the big move.  As JC is just getting started, he needed to build his portfolio from scratch.  Today’s goal was to provide as large a variety of images as a single day’s shoot would allow.

We met at 9am at the Grand Rapids Museum of Art.  Since their remodel, the GRAM has been a popular location for photographers to shoot.  Nearly every time I’ve found myself in the area, I have seen one photographer or another snapping away.  The GRAM provides a very structural, contemporary, and clean location, a perfect backdrop for everything from fashion images to wedding pictures.

JC and I spent the rest of the day running around to some great locations in downtown Grand Rapids, as well as heading out to the beach in Saugatuck.  Over all I think we created a great assortment of looks for a full and varied portfolio.  Take a look!  – JM

Flashed!

Flashed is my first attempt at something slightly larger scale.  Try squeezing four models, a make-up artist, an assistant, lighting equipment and a photographer into a not-so-large men’s room at a local club and this is apparently what you get.  We started the day with make-up artist Hanna Wagner  adding a roughed-up rock star look to the guys before trekking over to the “set” also known as the bathroom at Diversions Night Club.  Wardrobe styling was done by yours truly.  The mirrors brought an interesting challenge, but in the end, they also brought about the inspiration for the name of the sieries, FLASHED!  Enjoy! – JM

Joe Gorecki

Jacob Wolfe

James Michael

JC Cunningham (both)

Jacob Wolfe

JC Cunningham

Joe Gorecki and Jacob Wolfe

Joe Gorecki

JC Cunningham

Jacob Wolfe