Last week FH featured David Wagner's shots of Jason YC Wang. This week, we are fortunate to be able to share his exceptional work with 26 year old Charley Carroll. In my last profile of David's work I described an energy (modern masculinity mixed with retro Hollywood sensuality)which is certainly present in his work with Charley. David's use of lighting along with using shades of black, white, beige and brown help create this feel. Charley has a incredible look. A great body yes, but it is his face and beautiful, expressive green eyes which command your focus.
A Renaissance Man usually refers to someone who balances and excels within many subject areas. This balance is a theme I have written about frequently on FH. Anyone entering the world of the arts knows that for most, artistic expression is not generally something you can count on to secure a financial future. That is why many photographers, models and actors I profile are forced to juggle professions, often going back and forth between artistic and logical pursuits.
Charley Carroll has been told that he is kind of a renaissance man.
'I keep myself busy with numerous pursuits and somehow make it fit in a day. Right now, I divide my time between finishing my law degree and developing my acting career. I'm a third year law student in Texas and will graduate in November 2011. I've been acting on the stage and in front of the camera since I was a kid, and don't plan to stop. I'm constantly asked why I'm in law school if I want to be an actor. The two worlds collide in so many ways. Acting may be the goal, but law school has given me a lot of the tools needed to make it happen.'
This balance is a fascinating one to me. I described my own struggle with this balance a few times in the past on FH (most recently with Blake French: Story Matters Here!) Looking back I question why I felt the need to make a choice and wish, like Charley, I had found a way to make two colliding passions more symbiotic.
'Charley Carroll was the first model that I shot that I had not previously met. Previously, every model I had worked with was local and was able to meet with me prior to the shoot. Charley is from Texas, and having lived there previously, for many years, I had a certain comfort knowing he was a fellow Texan. We hit it off immediately, had definitely has that Texas charisma that will charm the boots right off of you! Those beautiful eyes definitely have a lot to do with that! We emailed back and forth for weeks and he was so prepared and professional. When we met, I felt like I had known him for years. If there is one thing you can say about Charley beyond his obvious good looks and talent for modeling, it's the fact that he's just a great guy to be around, and to work with.'
David Wagner
'I think David is really one-of-a-kind. Funny enough, we spent two months planning ideas for the shoot. In the end, we strayed so far from what we set out to do, but it all worked. We approached the shoot organically and were able to take advantage of spontaneous inspiration. Continually impressed how David's work is evolving. He certainly isn't boxing himself into one style or form. After just one shoot with him, I count him as a friend.'
Charley Carroll
Thanks to David and Charley for sharing their work, and their thoughts with FH!
You can check out more of Charley's work on Model Mayhem HERE:
Charley recently signed with both the talent and modeling divisions of the Kim Dawson agency in Dallas. Look for him on their site soon!
Check out more of David's incredible work on his official site HERE:
More of David's features on FH:
Terry Cambon by WagnerLA
Click of the week: Carlos Villar by WagnerLA
Ernest Pierce By David Wagner
Distinctive: Jason YC Wang by WagnerLA
