Continuously Challenged: Klaidas by Darren Brade

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As FH enters its 5th year it becomes more and more important that when I choose an image or an artist to feature that there is something new and exciting about the work, something I have not seen before.

Last month, when I saw the shot of Klaidas above, I was instantly drawn to the image and the artist. I love how the shot, all boots and legs, is framed and edited. Klaidas' head resting on his knee and how the light and shadow, including the drops from the bathroom tap are detailed with the use of black and white.

One the 80's and 90's most famed photographer was Herb Ritts. Known for his celebrity portraits (Richard Gere, Cindy Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor) and for his work in black and white. Dramatic, with clean lines and strong forms made Ritts' work instantly recognizable.

It is not surprising then to hear Herb Ritts was a major influence on London based photographer Darren Brade. Darren says that he is always searching for ways to innovate and to feel continuously challenged.

'I have developed my own unique style of creative portraiture through manipulating shadows, contrast, and sometimes adding striking colours.'

In each of Darren's two shoots with London model Klaidas, light & shadow, framing and form work together to create striking images both strong and dramatic. In these images of Klaidas, like the work of Herb Ritts, by focusing on form, Darren is able to keep his model strong, in control even when placed in vulnerable situations and positions. As strong as the body shots are, my favorites are Darren's portraits of Klaidas, simply beautiful!