The first 15 are listed in order photographed, starting in Fall 2019 through December 2022.

Alex

How well do you know me?

I met Mike at a premier performance of a shadow cast Rocky Horror Picture Show performance, where I performed as the character “Rocky” and Mike played the character “Franky in fishnets”. We never practiced together prior to the Premier, and I can say that the performance was splendid and cohesive. After that performance, I kept in contact with Mike and built a professional relationship around receiving boudoir photography.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

My choice to place Mike in only a large Shirt and no pants or underwear was to bring this juxtaposition toward this cultural norm of clothing oneself and the mammalian primality that lies beneath each and every one of us. I chose to have Mike sit the way he did, having his genitals covered, and his face gazing into the distance was to evoke this sense of vulnerability when confronted with these juxtaposing realities. The earthy colored shirt and the periphery plant prop both point to the way that as humans, we exist withi the natural world, departing from the myths that  industrialization has signified to humanity. His gaze represents the dissociation I’ve caught Mike in when Ive been with him. I really wanted to depict Mike in this way for his final portrait to give people a real representation of his most vulnerable state, outside of identity and within the context of performing humanity. Mike is just a Human.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

I found that knowing Mike made it easier for me to make the ask for him to shed his pants and underwear, becoming vulnerable in the way he was.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I was pretty satisfied with the portrait, as the concept wasn’t reliant on intricate props or choreography, but rather capturing a mundane state.

Ambrosia

How well do you know me?   

I’ve known you for a few years now but still wouldn’t say I know you EXTREMELY well. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

Like my photo, I wanted to show the layers of you as a person, the scrubs for your nerdy job, your beloved cat friend, your camera, all of those pieces are pieces that make you you but none of it is you as a whole.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Not knowing you particularly well made it more difficult, like theres nothing from your theatrical work in the photo which I would have liked to have included as well.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

If I knew you better I would have added more like your theatrical work, and any other hobby you’re into.

Roarie

How well do you know me?

Our shoot was the first time meeting! Beforehand we had exchanged a few emails referring to the logistics of our shoot and exchanged links to our work, sprinkled with some brief personal details.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I chose your outfit and props because you’d mentioned your recent journey of finding your faith. It inspired me to think about conversations with my mother who had her own journey with faith. Getting to the heart of those conversations, I’d noticed was that faith represented hope. At least for my mom. I tried to illustrate Hope with the candle, shining light even in the darkest of places. The white garments were to show contrast between the darkness of the backdrop and humanity through the choice of empathy. To me, empathy is what faith has always meant, the ability and desire to see every human as both messy and beautiful and accept them wholly.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Knowing the few details I knew about you gave me a point to be inspired from, knowing you less gave me a blank canvas to project my ideas onto.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I’m happy with the simplicity of the image itself. Aesthetically it’s familiar as religion has a lot of visual cues one can play off of. Thanks for asking me to be a part of these projects!

Devi

How well do you know me?

Just met you the day we shot, so not very well, although we had some nice conversations. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I wanted to experiment with classically feminine imagery on a man.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Didn’t really matter one way or the other.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

No, I pretty much thought it came out great. 

Charlotte

How well do you know me?

Not at all prior to this shoot. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I think it was because I didn’t know you at all, that I kinda put the burden on you and said “come as you are”. 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

More difficult. I had nothing to go on, other than that you’re a hobbyist photographer. 

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I didn’t know what more to do, but afterwards I definitely felt like I should have done something more. Listening to the choices that some other models made for you, made me feel like I was wildly under prepared, which is not typical for me. 

Vivian Cove

How well do you know me?

I hardly knew Mike at all when we began this project. I was scheduling my photo tour in Phoenix when we first connected. However, when we met, it felt like we were already old friends. Now he is among my top 10 favorite photographers to work with. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I make the choices I made about clothing, props, pose, etc because gender identity feels like an important conversation to have in any industry that promotes binaries (consciously or not). Because I had the freedom to come up with my own concept, I wanted to try something daring. I had a gut sense that Mike would be on board with the task, for it requires someone who is open-minded and fairly unconscious. I didn’t put too much thought into props and clothes… I wanted to make those decisions based on instinct, inspiration, and feeling rather than rational thought. Gender, as I know it, is a felt sense. It’s fluid and boundless, if you allow it to be. I asked Mike what makes him feel masculine vs feminine (clothing, stances, hair, etc). I made the choices for the shot(s) based on those responses. 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Typically, in any collaboration, I prefer to have a template versus a map; I like having freedom, flexibility, and fluidity to follow creative impulse in the moment. Oftentimes, inspiration suddenly presents itself and that’s where the magic happens. I feel too limited if every aspect of a photoshoot is predetermined; it works for some artists, but not me 😉

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I felt a little bit restrained because of the nature of the concept behind the portrait. I think if Mike and I were to attempt this concept again, in this current level of friendship and co-creationship that has built since that shoot, I would feel less inhibited and more fearless in asking for what I want, as well as inviting in more vulnerability from either party. I think the end product would ultimately be different – perhaps more provocative and thought provoking – who knows!

Astrid

How well do you know me?

Not well. Hardly, but I’ve talked and familiarized myself with you more since.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

It’s a mix of elements I feel like I don’t see men get asked to model.  Every female model is ask to shoot nude with this or that prop, I like the juxtaposition of the photographer and a man doing it. I choose a cape for its draping, use for modesty or not, movement if desired.  There is a lot to play with a symbolism of power and morality (either good or evil)

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Yes and no.  After knowing you enjoyed comic conventions, I figured you may have costume pieces.  I figured I’d come up with something last minute after I met you, instead of choosing an abstract concept that wouldn’t have as much of your identity in it (unless coincidentally)

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

It’d almost be cool out in an urban area, but maybe I should’ve also used a fan. At the time I thought vampire teeth could be cool, but without them, the concept could be of good or evil.

Lexi

How well do you know me?

I’d like to think I know you pretty well, I’ve known you since 7th grade 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I wanted you to see you how I see you, the fun uncle character who is amazing at photography. The pose was meant to be playful in nature, while showing off the fact that you do photography 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Knowing you made the choices easier 

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

No, I liked everything about the portrait, the only thing I would have wanted to do “more” is maybe done the shot in a different location 

Perrin Marie

How well do you know me?

We only met once, but I feel as if I’ve known you for a couple of years.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

Purely experimental.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Made no difference.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not

I would like a redo with the face paint and lighting.

Christina

How well do you know me?

Not well at all, but that something that can be changed.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I LOVE a man is a suit.

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Easier

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I wanted to do more, but I don’t know you well enough to ask you to do certain ideas.

Heather Myers

How Well do you know me?

Why did you make the Choices you did about clothing/Props/Pose?

I choose the black suit, tie and hat for a professional and classy look.

 The fire frame I choose for you because of your own personal rebirth and growth through life’s struggles. I added female form because of your artistic eye for beauty in its simplistic form. The pose with the hand on the model is to show a masculine dominance, the head tilted down looking for inspiration with in yourself.  

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Not knowing you was interesting to create this piece. When you spoke on your own rebirth, I knew instantly the fire frame. As we worked on a couple of artistic pieces, I got a sense of your artistic side. 

Did you want to do something “more” with the Portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

No.

Brandy P

How well do you know me?

I know Mike through photography, we have worked together a handful of times. I know Mike enough to respect his craft and enjoy working together. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

I chose to go with a Wizard theme because Mike makes magic with his work. I decided a Wizards cape, wand and magical hat would be fitting. 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

It was easy to come up with this idea based of the times we have worked together. Mike is very theatrical and involved in his shoots, he’s creative and involved making for a perfect Wizard. 

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

I did not feel restrained by this portrait I loved being creative and appreciate being included.

John

How well do you know me?

Somewhat, still would like to get to know you better. Because honestly, I don’t know much about you, and realized (when seeing some of your house) that you are a lot nerdier than you lead on/show everyone.

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

Because you seem a lot more serious, educated, wise-beyond-your-years on the outside, but I feel like you have a nerdy/fun loving inside that you keep contained and well controlled. 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?
I think it fit a little overall. Because I wanted to do something about having an inner nerd (which I realized you had nerd tendencies)  but also being very intelligent and educated which is the vibe I get from you at initial contact.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

The biggest change I would’ve wanted with the photo was a a library or lots of book shelves as your background, to give off a more sophisticated vibe, and possibly a slightly different/more common stool (like those of art schools)

JET

How well do you know me?

For roughly 6 months

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose?

Clothing: classy and predictable 

Props: with theme- strengthens interpretation 

Pose: in the real world you have to gain strength to walk away from things sometimes, sometimes even ones that bring instant gratification 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult?

Knowing little gives me just enough to vaguely portray my vision if you. It seems as though life recently has been about letting go. I tried to accurately show a symbol for walking away from things/life. 

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

No I did not, I thought it would be simple to portray (if I can get my focus right 😉 

Felicity

How well do you know me? 

I would say pretty dang well at this point. 

Why did you make the choices you did about clothing / props / pose? 

You have a lot of kind and wholesome aspects to your personality. And the most kind and wholesome person I can think of is Mr. Rogers. 

Did knowing or not knowing me make the choices easier or more difficult? 

It made it easier.

Did you want to do something “more” with the portrait and feel restrained? Why or why not?

No, I think this portrays the idea I had well.