"Classic good looks."
To me, from my vantage behind the lens, this is not a distinction belonging to only some. My goal, at the risk of sounding cliché, is to show anyone I photograph that their outward appearance has definite beauty, character and classic good looks. I am not talking about the fake definition of beauty as determined by Hollywood. I am also not being patronizing when I say that I truly believe that everyone can look amazing in pictures. It is part of why I love portrait photography. It isn't merely idealism or achieved by some trick photography, it's the same as helping someone believe in themselves when it comes to any endeavor that is undertaken with trepidation. You need someone to tell you that it can be done.

True, we all have "a good side." Lighting is key, so is mood and the right pose. If someone has a blemish, it is never an extra fee for me to airbrush or edit it out. This is not to deceive or change who someone really is. Skin blemishes are temporary. They shouldn't be part of a timeless portrait which may be part of how we are remembered by generations to come.

Children and anyone young, like this amazing young man I had the privilege of photographing recently, are less tainted by insecurity, more relaxed in front of the camera and simply more natural. Their "classic good looks" are not veiled by life experience. As adults, sometimes by no fault of our own, we let the harshness of the world show a bit too much in our eyes and in our expressions. Sometimes that is by choice, sometimes it is not.

This photo session is likely leading to a modeling career for this great guy. He has awesome parents, sisters and a brother who are really supportive. He is focused on sports, academics, and truly committed to family. Also, the great aspect of his interest in modeling is that he has no great interest in modeling. That is not a contradiction of terms. He figures if he likes it, he'll do it, if not, forget it. He also has a really balanced and wise mom, who is right there supporting him, either way, with no pressure.

Having modeled in NY when I was younger, I know it is more often than not a highly competitive and a not so personally rewarding profession. You can often feel like nothing more than a commodity. There are days when you wonder why you are even perpetuating the illusion of fashion and the industry in general, when it is just that - an illusion. I matured a great deal, saw the good, the bad and the indifferent. I saw "the real world," what is important, what lasts and what doesn't.  I also had the invaluable experience and gift of working numerous times with the great photographer Bruce Weber, whose work to a great degree has hopefully influenced mine. (especially in this session) With all that being said, when you don't take modeling too seriously, (guys seem to be able to do that better than girls) when you have your priorities straight and when you don't compromise yourself or your standards, like anything else, it can be done. Without getting too philosophical about it, it's really just a job, sometimes with a pretty darn good paycheck.
 
I am all about helping this family anyway I can in the process. I am confident that it could work for him, not just because he is so modest and relaxed with his "classic good looks," (which he clearly wears so well) but moreover because he is an awesome, genuinely nice guy who already knows what's really important in life.  That is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. It also epitomizes what is classic ...and what is good.