David Ehrlich of Images Male is a professional award-winning photographer based in Arlington, VA. David has a natural gift for male portraiture and figure work. David has over 30 years experience as a photographer and has operated his current portrait studio in Arlington VA for the last three years. David is interested in working with new models, photographers and companies. David leads photography training workshops (metro D.C. area), provides stock and art images for sale, as well as shooting commercial and model portfolio sessions for current and aspiring models.
To view his extensive portfolio of male portrait images, visit www.imagesmale.com. You can contact David at dave@imagesmale.com to inquire about your interests.
How did you get started in photography?
My father introduced me to developing photos in a darkroom and I got my first camera at age 13.
Why male portraiture?
People typically shoot what catches their eye and holds their attention. Producing interesting images of men in a variety of poses and locations is exciting for me. I love sharing my work with the model as well as people who enjoy viewing my work.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love meeting new people and getting to know what makes them tick. Figuring out how I can convey their personality in an image that they will love and want to share with their friends is a fun challenge.
What’s your favorite style to shoot?
The suggestive nude poses are my overall favorite, but I also enjoy all of the other forms including fashion, casual wear, artistic, and more explicit poses. The suggestive (non full frontal view, but model is nude) seem to have become fairly mainstream with many celebrities posing in this manner and not worried about their careers. In reality, a suggestive nude pose can be even less revealing than a skimpy underwear pose.
I also enjoy the challenge of capturing two models in love or models with a pet. If you can create a beautiful portrait of more than one person interacting naturally, that is very satisfying.
What are some interesting dynamics when shooting a model nude?
I see that models approach a nude photo shoot from a widely varying perspective. Some are using it to build more confidence with their body, or to celebrate their hard work getting in shape. Other guys enjoy showing off, and while some are nervous up front, almost everyone seems very relaxed after a few minutes shooting and forgets they're nude. If you treat the model with professional respect, and you’re truly trying to capture him in the best light, he will quickly become more relaxed.
What advice to you give new models when posing for a photographer?
Spend time at home looking in the mirror or doing selfies. Know where your light source(s) are during a shoot. Be comfortable to try poses and give suggestions to the photographer so that you’re working as a team.
How have you changed your approach to directing models over time?
I used to over direct models to get them in the right light and often I encouraged “model face”. Lately, I’ve added the idea that models should bring me more of their self awareness in terms of showing themselves off in ways they feel best convey their personality. This has helped me capture some stronger images that may change the angle or facial expressions from what I might have directed them to do.
What other photographers that do similar work do you admire?
I greatly admire the work of Michael Stokes and appreciate the way he captures the male form. I enjoy reviewing the work of many photographers and this helps me try new styles of lighting and poses -- while trying to make them my own.
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