June 22, 2017

The Duality of Art Model/Photographer; April-lea





There are few people that can claim they have experienced art nude photography from both sides of the camera.  There are fewer still as accomplished as Canadian based photographer/model April-lea.

This article explores her photographic work, understanding that each role influences the other.













Her work tends to transcend the beauty of her subject by creating images that are layered in a narrative of symbolism, emotion, and character exploration.  There seems to be a common thread that stimulates one’s sensual and often times, voyeuristic predilections.  

I feel that April-lea is able to accomplish this through a keen awareness of the human psyche.  She is able to capture what motivates the mind, soul/spirit in a tangible, physical way.

















There is an apparent level of comfort and trust between April-lea and her subjects that allows the viewer to experience genuine moments.  Perhaps this is due to April-lea’s common bond of being a model herself, which offers a kinship of understanding with her subject. These moments are artfully captured in April-lea’s  own distinctive style.











In her words:
"I am a film photographer and art model from London, Ontario.  I started shooting film and working in the darkroom at the age of 17.  I instantly fell in love with film.  To me, nothing compares to the nostalgic feeling that goes along with film.  The grain is always gorgeous."


















"My career as an art model helped me photograph art models in the ways that I always loved to be photographed.  I love to see a model’s confidence shine through in a photograph.  I adore the expression, sexuality and sensuality while photographing nudes.  Women of all shapes and sizes inspire me everyday, I feel that a woman’s body should be celebrated.  As I continue being an art model, I learn much about myself and how I want to shoot others.  It’s a win-win situation for me, I guess.  Constantly learning about oneself and also meeting wonderful artists along the way through my work and travels."



















"My work can be seen in Taschen's New Erotic Photography Volume #2 and the re-edited version of Taschen's Book of Lesbians for Men (my photo is on the cover).  I am also featured in The Mammoth Book of Erotic Photography, Volume #4 as both a model and photographer"













Some self portraits by April-lea

Self Portrait





Self Portrait





Self Portrait





Self Portrait





Self Portrait



1 comment:

christian pélier said...

tks AJ Kahn ! You're an angel :-)