Let’s pine over Pineapple’s first special surprise from PNPPL zine 05. Outtakes, extra pictures and interview with two amazing guys, Hiram Di Lorenzo photographer and with his model, Eduardo. We talk about they exclusive story for the magazine ‘An encounter in Pojoj’. You can buy your copy of Pineapple’s recent print issue here:
pnpplzine.bigcartel.com – Preview here.
with HIRAM DI LORENZO @hproyecto
Where are you from?
I am from Mendoza, a big city located on the westside of Argentina, a place surrounded by mountains that give the city a lot of personality.
Your age is … ?
Just turned to 30 and I love it!
How did you meet? – How happened the organization for Pineapple shooting? – Was there any preparation before shooting?
We met through Instagram years ago. Eduardo was always curious and fixated on my work, and I was curious to know who Eduardo was. We used to talk about nude photography, and we even dreamed about collaborating one day.
For the PNPPL photoshoot, we both traveled many miles and planned to meet up in person in Mexico City. From there we went to south, to Chiapas, to do the photoshoot. I must admit that we were both nervous, anxious, and filled with the adrenaline that you experience when meeting a stranger.
We each prepared differently. On my end, I researched the possible areas where we could work together. I searched for a inspirational area and I think we found it. We discovered together and started to work with the first inspirations we both find from that place. I like working with the mentality of “here and now.” I liked how anecdotes were flourishing as we traveled to the place we shot and when we were shooting.
How was the first impression of each others?
OMG! The universe wanted me to meet with him!!!
I will give you a summary of the story: Hours before our appointed time to meet in person, I was strolling around Mexico City, went to a bathroom inside a museum and when I got out of the stall…surprise! Eduardo was the next person in line, waiting to go inside the stall I was in.
I cannot explain how I got to see him among the millions of people who live there without planning to. Those are the types of energies that surprise and motivate me about the “here and now,” and how destiny has it all laid out for you.
If there was – what was the most difficult thing during the shooting?
I do not always have everything under control. When a problem emerges, I try not to worry, since my priority is for the model to be safe, comfortable, and ok. To do the photoshoot, we traveled by car for hours to get to a region that was full of sacred lakes. We needed a guide, and we also needed to get a special permit from the locals, since they have authority over the region. We did not know that the locals have special rules regarding the kind of activities that people do in the area, and for a moment we thought that everything we did was in vain.
If there was – what was the most funny thing during the shooting?
We were relieved that the locals agreed to let us do our photoshoot. We were really surprised to see a community that had such old and conservative traditions be so open about nude photography.
What do you do if you not photograph?
I am a photographer. I do this as full-time profession, 24/7.
Your favorite animal from the jungle?
The brown bear
What turns you on?
The subtleties and realities. I like what is suggestive and what is explicit. Someone big, protective, who can hold me, hairy men, and strong hugs turn me on. I also get aroused by a shy, innocent, and genuine gaze.
What makes you happy?
To stare at the moon and a sunset on a mountain. I like to set myself small and impossible jobs, and then achieve them. I love having a lot of dreams, meeting people, and traveling to discover more aspects of my own person. Simple things, cooking for my friends and eating deliciously are among the things that make me happy, too. Finally, I love strolling on the streets, listening to loud music, dancing, and singing without any worry. I love expressing my feelings and thoughts, even if I am mistaken.
with EDUARDO @eleddoarduo
Where are you from?
I was raised in a small town in Aguascalientes, Mexico called Tepezala, where I was surrounded by rich nature. Moving to LA at age 15 was a rough transition that taught me to take my roots with me and learn about the diversity of places and people that exists in the world.
Your age is?
I am 29y.
How did you meet? – How happened the organization for Pineapple shooting? – Was there any preparation before shooting?
I connected with Hiram many years ago over Instagram and had the pleasure to finally meet and work with him for this special project this year. We established a great artistic connection over time and planned to meet up on a trip to Mexico City. We planned for a shoot that would have me surrounded by vast nature and also showcasing the male form through nude photography. The chemistry between these variables helped create the images from that experience.
The preparation for the shoot was very important for me. Hiram’s vision was clear and I wanted to be present and inspiring to showcase that hardwork and his vision through his photos. I worked with a personal trainer that pushed me and trained me up to 5-6 times a week. I also studied models and worked on enhancing posing my body with natural light.
I felt connected to nature through the dense forest and immense lakes of the place we had our shoot in Chiapas, Mexico. I felt liberated and tried to convey the erotisicm I felt between my body and nature. I know that Pineapple is an amazing platform to showcase these artworks centered around inspiration, and this was just as important to mention in my preparation.
First impression of each others?
I want to say that my first impression of Hiram came from the first set of his photos I discovered on Instagram. I didn’t know him at all but when I finally met him, I was still able to feel a sense of familiarity. There is something very raw and real about his photos and that’s the way Hiram portrays himself and is. He is honest and real. With his honesty, he makes it easy to connect and relate to him.
If there was – what was the most difficult thing during the shooting?
The rough terrain and natural environment was tough and the location of our shoot was in a very sacred protected natural area. We had to get exclusive permission to shoot in these areas, and that took some time.
If there was – what was the most funny thing during the shooting?
Some of the reactions of the locals to us shooting nude.
What do you do if you not modelling?
I work in social services, granting resources that vary but are not limited to education, financial help, access to food and health services. It is crucial in my eyes to provide access to basic human needs to people that are specially marginalized and in need in our communities.
Another big work I’m heavily involved in is to network with different types of artist who I look up to. I’ve always had an inclination to surround myself with creative people and being around other creatives inspires me and fuels my creativity as an artist of my own. I have had the pleasure of working with artists that are dancers, writers, painters, and of course photographers.
Your favorite animal from the jungle?
My favorite animal from the jungle would definitely be the jaguar. I think jaguars represent strength, sexuality, and mysticism. They are animals born into roles of power and respect but they also evoke an unusual beauty amidst the foliage of the jungle. I relate to the jaguar’s evocation of strength and sexuality when I shoot.
What turns you on?
Being turned on to me involves visual stimulation. It is the first contact we usually make with others. When our eyes meet and start to wonder my mind becomes engulfed with a sea of possibilities. The relationship between seeing and being seen is what turns me on the most.
What makes you happy?
What makes me the happiest are the simple things and appreciating them: sharing moments with friends and family and investing in those relationships. It makes me happy to live and be adventurous with trying new food, traveling to new places, and meeting new people I share similar joys with.
Get your copy of PNPPL zine 5 here: pnpplzine.bigcartel.com
Photographed by Hiram Di Lorenzo @hproyecto
Model: Eduardo @eleddoarduo
Are you into more Hiram Di Lorenzo photography? Check it out here and here on Pineapple. Also, Hiram’s first book, ES UN PLACER – Cuaderno de Desnudos still available on request, for more info connect with Hiram on Instagram – Guys, don’t be shy to write him, I got the book and it is full of amazing pictures!
