From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
The money shot has several different meanings depending on the genre. In adult films it is usually used to describe the final climax shot, in more mainstream film making it is used to define the 'big' scene, the most sensation and memorable sequence in a film. traditionally however, the money shot was simply used to describe the specific scene that cost the most money to produce.
When putting together a feature for FH, I usually try to pull out two specific 'money shots' for each piece. One, usually my favorite image, I use a pic of the day. I hope this image will encourage viewers of the blog to scroll down and want to see and find out more about the model or artist featured. The second image I choose, I usually save to post as the last image of the piece. often this image is the most provocative, often showing the most nudity but more importantly, I want the image has to end the piece with a strong statement about the artist so some might want to click on a link and find out more.
When profiling the work of Boston photographer Gordon Nebeker, choosing the money shots is not as easy to pin-point. With Gordon's frequent visits to Utah, to shoot in one of the worlds truly most beautiful locations, the combination of the naked male form, the rocks and mountains, the sky, clouds and sun come together to create so many breath taking images, that the visual climax is sustained in each and every image.
The naked male form in this incredible set is 23 year old model Kelly Kilpatrick. The images are from Kelly and Gordon's work together during their first shoot in June near the Utah/Nevada boarder, and their second shoot in early October in and around the Moab, Utah area. One of Kelly's motivation's for getting into modeling is to eventually help make life a little easier for his family. Life wasn't the easiest growing up and Kelly appreciates the sacrifices his parents have made on his behalf. Eventually, he would like to get into acting as well as modeling and is also a very talented artist specializing in cartoon and comic book art work.
'The chance to photograph " en plein air", to borrow a painters' term, is always welcome as so much of my work is confined to the studio.'
Gordon was in Utah again in early October and says he was able to work in a couple of photo shoots while he was there. Gordon calls it a wonderful challenge to incorporate the male figure into the spectacular landscapes that Utah has to offer. The agreed upon shoot date was auspicious (October 1st) as it was the first day of the U.S. Government shutdown and all the National parks in the area were closed to visitors. Given the Moab area is rich in beautiful scenery, even beyond the national parks, Gordon wasn't concerned about finding places to shoot but what they had not prepared for was the sheer number of tourists(many of whom where foreign visitors) who suddenly had no parks they could visit and who spread out over the entire area.
'Everywhere we went there were people present. How then does one photograph the nude male form with so many people around?? The answer is to plan each shot carefully in advance and then when the 'coast is clear' work FAST before the next group of people come along.'
Kelly was only spotted once in the all-together by an older woman who was in the back seat of a car that rounded the corner unexpectedly. Kelly says the look on her face was first shock and then laughter as she realized she would have the best story to tell her friends at dinner that night.
Kelly first exposure to shooting nude was with Gordon in June, his second, their October shoot. In June, they had the location pretty much to themselves with no visitors to worry about. Kelly recalls it was very a bit nerve racking the first time, but that once trust was established it became much easier. For Kelly, modeling completely naked, especially in the surroundings he and Gordon shot in, was a very personal experience, even spiritual with a deepened connection between himself and nature.
'When we were driving to the first location, I told Kelly that he would have to bring his "A Game" to the shoot in order to be able to compete with the spectacular scenery he would be modeling in that day. But he said it didn't feel like he was competing with the environment but rather was "blending in" with it. He was amazed to notice how the colors of the rocks around him would bounce on his skin. As for the locations, "Each one was super beautiful in its own way" and to realize that most of it was "carved over many thousands of years by the wind and water revealing its unique history" was an "amazing experience" for him.'
'I loved working with Gordon and would do it again in a second! With all the people around we had to work fast and act, rather than spending a lot of time thinking about it. I think many times you can over-think a situation, but we didn't have the couldn't do that. We produced some awesome photographs and I think we work well together, we have developed a mutual trust'. Kelly Kilpatrick
Gordon Nebeker on Model Mayhem
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