Above: Elaine Alden and Chris
"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
-St. Augustine
Charlotte & Rachel
From the first time we put together full thoughts in our brains on thing that motivates us is to connect. Whether that connection ends in a friendship, a lover, a spouse or just a moment, connections are essential to our lives. This connection is certainly why California's Prop 8 battle is so important. It is not so much about getting equality but getting one of the most basic of human needs seen as something essential, something real.
If you look through FH or most blogs that feature the talented and the beautiful you generally see shots of models or actors posing alone. Even when couples are photographed, whether it be for media promotion they are usually at the beginning of a relationship, the lust stage. It is not that common, in fact it is quite rare to see photos of couples in long-term, healthy, sexual relationships. When I first saw these shots by Martin Purmensky from Arrow Studio, I knew I was seeing something unique, something special.
Martin has been photographer his whole life. Professionally, he started
taking photos about 6 years ago. Martin says that previously he had worked as a Creative Manager for a timeshare company and frequently was purchasing images for for use in marketing materials, often paying hundreds of dollars per image.
"When I saw the images, I thought that I can take images like that as well. I hired a couple of models and took them to beach, hotel, downtown, etc and slowly worked on my technique."
-Martin Purmensky-
Originally from the Czech Republic, Martin, now lives and works in Orlando. Martin is not only a photographer but as well works as a graphic designer. His work has been published in magazines, books, brochures, billboards and ads. Although he is now mainly known for his couples/lifestyle photography, he continues to work on other assignments including portraits, architecture and marketing work for resorts.
Josh Truesdell and Summer
Martin has worked with both newcomers as well as established models. As well, he has photographed individuals, families and couples. Martin has worked with every type of couple that he could find to photograph, straight couples, gay couples (males and females), couples of different backgrounds and races, young ones and older ones as well.
"My portfolio became very popular in last couple of years. Daily I get
request for tutorial how to edit images so they look like mine. I get many
request for photo shoots from models that want to add to their portfolio
some couples work. In last couple of months boudoir photography exploded on
the market and many couples ask for intimate images for their private
collection."
Luiz & Gabe
'Based in Orlando, Florida, Arrow Studio Photography takes a fresh, dynamic and natural approach to professional photography. By making use of the best of Florida's outdoor environment, Arrow Studio captures those precious moments when people interact naturally'
Arrow Studio:
What I love so much about Martin's work is exactly what his mission statement says. Although certainly the beauty of Florida helps, looking at many of Martin's shots make you feel a bit like a voyeur. Martin takes you into a moment of a couples life. Whether it is a sexual moment, or simply a normal daily life event, through Martin's lens it is one filled with intimacy. My favorite images from Martin's collection include the kitchen shots below with models Rosy Boix & Brent Tinsley. Beautifully shot and so beautifully identifiable.
Thank you Martin for sharing your work with FH!
Be sure to check out more of Martin's work at Arrow Studio Photo Blog HERE & Site HERE:. You can also follow them on Facebook HERE:
Nia & Jonathan.
Olga & Dan
Rosy Boix & Brent Tinsley
bmak and Heidi Fahrenbach
