Model: Steven Di Costa
Location: Regents Park, London, England
Why Steven? He has gorgeous ‘Red Hair’. That simple. Also, all red hair people are from the same genetic group ‘R1b’ and since I am also a part of this group, we are cousins. What a trip photographing a very very very distant cousin. hahaha On a serious note, Steven is a very handsome man. As I continue to photograph the beauty of the male body, Steven was willing and I was and still am an admirer. You see, Steven has been photographed by some of the top photographers from around the world. I have followed his career and have been wanting to photograph him. One day I said “Drew, just freakin’ ask, he’s either going to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and you will not know the answer until you ask.” I guess you figured out his answer!!! I talk to myself a ton. Just saying.
I found a ridiculously cute flat in Regents Park. The natural lighting was a dream as well as the amount of space. Owned by someone who has a modern taste for furniture and accessories. I am the type of photographer that loves to shoot in a natural indoor or outdoor environment and not a sterile studio with a back drop. Tho, a studio does come in handy at times and have used occasionally. Did I mention that this flat was a few blocks away from ‘Abbey Road Studios’? OMFW What a break down that was. Standing from a distance seeing and thinking “Drew this is where the Beatles shot their album cover and recorded music.” Face was covered with salty water. I walked the road with swag.
Steven and I shot inside and created some fabulous photographs. Two guys zoning!! Pure magic. Then I had this brain storm about the ‘Tube.’ “Hey Steven, what do you think about going to the station and finding a secluded spot and shooting? Let’s do it Drew, this will be cheeky and what a smart idea.” (FYI ‘smart’ has nothing to do with intelligence in that sentence.)
These are just a sample of what Steven gave my lens. I was in awe the entire time. Steven is full of swag, confidence, cockiness, attitude (the right kind), and owns his beauty and his ‘Red Hair’ … For the Love of Ginger – Steven Di Costa
Cheers, Drew Frederic
