The Photographer: Joe TickNow
I have posted some of the work of Joe TickNow before on the blog. If you do a search you can see some of his work with models Kyle Mathew Polke and Wittemberg Stanley Adolf. I fell in love with Joe's work the very first second I saw it. I immediately saw something new, something original, something that stood out. On Joe's website he says;
"I am originally from Indonesia, photography is my passion and hobby since early childhood. Not only can shoot models but I also can shoot you just like them, that's MY GOAL"
This quote sums up so much about Joe and all of it comes through in his work. Although currently living and working in New York, Joe's passion for photography began in Indonesia when he was just 7 years old playing around with his sister and an old type, negative camera.
I noticed when looking at Joe's work, even before knowing his motto, that no matter what the model looked like, Joe used his talent, his values, and his caring, to make them look beautiful. Joe says he noticed that he was always trying to use different angles in every picture. Trying to find the best angle for each and every person to make them look their best.
'Specializing in outdoor photography with natural lighting, while also adding creativity and character to create a stunning image for you'
Light is a tool that not is not only used in Joe's photography, it is central to it. 'Light' or maybe more importantly what I would call 'bright' runs through almost all of the photos I have seen of Joe's. It is almost a spiritual element, a burst of light, a small flicker of light, some back light. It somehow takes the subjects in Joe's pictures and takes them to a place of brightness. Exactly what Joe set out to do.
On the first page of Joe's website you are greeted with the saying "JOY OF MATAHARI"
It was fitting yet not surprising to learn from Joe that Matahari is an Indonesian language meaning THE SUN.
"I am originally from Indonesia, photography is my passion and hobby since early childhood. Not only can shoot models but I also can shoot you just like them, that's MY GOAL"
Joe TickNow
Thank you Joe!
Check out Joe's ModelMayhem Page HERE: and his official Site HERE:
The Model: Greg Kelley
The picture below was one of my all time favorites from Joe's portfolio. The model, Greg Kelley looks absolutely incredible in Joe's light. The composition of the shot, the angle of Greg's body create a truly stunning image. I love Greg's look, a killer body kept fit through track and field. But beyond the amazing body are those eyes that speak of strength and a face that has a beauty and maturity well beyond Greg's age.
Greg Kelley
Stats:
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 175 lbs
Chest: 38
Waist: 32
Shoe: 11
Hair color: Black
Hair length: Short
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Brown
Researching Greg moved my love of his look to a respect of the person. Greg, like Joe has had a passion for the camera since he was just a boy. Greg, who hails from New Jersey is currently studying Psychology and Journalism. Although smartly continuing his education, Greg's dream is make it in the modeling industry. Greg describes himself outgoing and as an extremely positive person. Greg is also described as the nicest person you will ever meet. I can think of no higher praise one could garner from those around you.
If like me you were curious as to Greg's tattoo, it reads:
'To Give Anything Less Than Your Best Is To Sacrifice The Gift.'
