Many models are nervous when walking into a shoot. For that reason, it’s not uncommon for a model to bring a friend along which is what Cesar did. I can’t really blame them. I’m nervous too. I don’t know what personality I’ll need to work with, or around, and I have a relatively short window of time to develop trust and get some amazing shots from the model. So models don’t know what kind of environment they are walking into until they get there. Which is why I now communicate quite a bit before the shoot so that we aren’t complete strangers when we finally meet in person.

I do however feel bad for the friend because they are either bored (one buddy sat with a dead phone on the front lawn for the entire shoot) or want to help out (like the friend who kept telling the model how to pose his chin) which throws me off my game.

Thankfully this location had a living room downstairs where Cesar’s buddy could comfortably hang out while we worked upstairs. Even with the friend along I could sense some serious nerves from Cesar but he championed through.

I absolutely love how he sits in the shadows and the light accentuates his features. The white cotton boxer briefs hug him perfectly. Against the white sheets and wooden elements Cesar really fills the frame. Plus he seemed more relaxed by the end of the shoot which is a win for me.

This was seven years ago (2024) and since Cesar has really become confident with his body. He’s done some amazing work with other photographers that has taken him to a new level.

Instagram: @cesarlr_fit