Brenton Parry

Respectful Inspiration?

Added 2021-01-27 09:08:24 +0000 UTC

A little while ago I posted about my pledge to increase diversity in my models. It's made me very much aware of how white most of my models are so since then I've photographed a Mauritian model and a Venezuelan. I've also photographed a model with cerebral palsy who you wouldn't realise when you look at his photos, as well as my first trans model Rhett.

Strangely I don't believe I've photographed an Australian Aboriginal guy... yet. Obviously the gorgeous Casey Conway is top of my wish list but while I've messaged on Instagram, he hasn't seen the messages because he probably gets thousands.

Aaron Pedersen in his younger days would have definitely been on that list as well. The other actors and models in this post, Kane Wright, Jake G, Joseph Weetra and Mark Coles-Smith would all photograph absolutely beautifully. My concern is, given my tendency to use body paint or tribal references, is there a way to use their heritage as inspiration but not be corny, offensive or cliched?

Of course with any beautiful man, their heritage doesn't need to be a part of the shoot. The Bangarra Dance Company (main photo) would be an absolute privilege to photograph. The dance company has been creating stunning performance works for a long time. Maybe one day.