Considering my resume of a largely wide range of character roles, I wouldn't consider myself an "aspirational" model by any stretch of the imagination. So it was with some measure of surprise when my modelling agency GMT contacted me about a straight offer on a "lifestyle" shoot for an undisclosed innovative hi-tech firm based on my portfolio on file. Sure I was a little flattered, but more so perplexed and curious at what this opportunity would bring. I would be father to a child who is discovering the magic of said undisclosed hi-tech product. The photographer Mark Andrew had a distinct aesthetic and a fascinating portfolio that captured intimate private moments with a raw beauty achieved ironically by eschewing perfection. I was told not to shave prior to the shoot, and throughout the day, was told to mess up my hair, or pull only one sleeve up of my very ordinary-looking grey hoodie. I was immediately intrigued and felt privileged to be photographed in all my un-shaven tousled messy glory by an artist with such an interesting point of view - not to mention his ability to work as patiently and fluidly as he did with the spontaneous effervescence of my pretend six-year old son. Suddenly, it all made sense to me. I wasn't at all hired because of my "aspirational" model-good looks. In fact, quite the opposite. At the end of the shoot, I strolled down the brownstone tree-lined street, a smile on my face. It was a beautiful day in Brooklyn.
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