BENJAMIN EDELINE – FLORENT

A classic man in a classic photo series – this is how I would describe Benjamin Edeline’s series with Florent. It was shot for PNPPL zine Issue 8, but as not everything fits in the print, here’s an interview with both of them and some extra photos from the material.

How do you find each other for the photo shoot?

Benjamin: Florent and I participated in a group exhibition on the theme of male nudes at a gallery in Paris. From there we started chatting on Instagram and I simply asked him if he would consider posing for me. Florent’s answer was “Yes”. So naturally, we set a date in the diary and the session could take place.

Florent: It was pretty much that, we had planned to meet at the show opening but I got there too late to see Benjamin. He then asked me if I would model for him and I said yes. I already found he had a different approach from the photographers I had modeled for, so I was very happy to do so.

Was there any preparation before shooting?

Benjamin: I always work on my shoots beforehand. I gather my ideas by making a mood board, I think about the model to find something that is right for him in my photographic work. Each model is an individual and therefore unique. It is in his presence that this “je ne sais quoi” takes shape in my eyes.

Florent: There’s not much to do as a model. I just had to pack a few accessories, and make sure to be on time.

What was the first impression of each other?

Benjamin: Generally not knowing the model before the session I don’t expect anything. I let the meeting take place and it guides the moment. When Florent arrived at the studio, it was his eyes and his gaze that I noticed immediately. Then, during the session, I realised that his beauty could cross the decades. He can embody them all effortlessly. It’s quite amazing.

Florent: That’s very nice reading this! In my case, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know what Benjamin looked like, and unlike most photographers I met, we didn’t have mutual friends that I knew of. But I was very pleased to meet such a calm and comforting person. The way he speaks, behaves and generally interacts is very soothing. He quickly made me feel completely at ease.

If there was – What was the most difficult thing during the shooting?

Benjamin: The most difficult thing for me during a shoot is always to keep enough room for the accident. As I have a mood in mind (with mentally drawn sketches) it’s not always easy to keep that balance between the planned and the unexpected. But the moment and the human bond make everything fall into place naturally.

Florent: I don’t think I felt any difficulty during the shoot. Benjamin’s vision was pretty clear to me. I believe we share a lot of graphic references. He sets up a moodboard at the studio for his shoots. I was familiar with most of it. A bit of fetish, a bit of fashion. I could relate to the mood he wanted.

What do you do when you are not photographing/modeling?

Benjamin: Well, when I’m not photographing, I spend a lot of time visiting galleries, museums, foundations and feeding myself artistically. I also love to sit in a café alone and observe the people around me. It fascinates me. Everyday gestures, emotions, body language…

Florent: Modeling is far from being a daily thing for me. I work full time as a frame maker, and I draw (nude men. Surprise!) on weekends. I spend way too much time on Instagram looking for models and inspiration.

What turns you on?

Benjamin: Kissing. Watching a body in motion, seeing it transform, distort, become abstract or ambiguous. When a man has access to his sensuality and vulnerability, I find it overwhelming and sexy.

Florent: hat’s a wide topic. To sum up, I’d say that ì don’t necessarily have a preset list of things that turn me on. It mostly depends on the person and the situation and my mood.

What makes you happy?

Benjamin: Being in Greece. Making love. Swimming far in the sea. Making lists. Drawing. Self-deprecation. Discovering or reading the reactions of models when they see how I have photographed them. This letting go is not an easy exercise, and when the trust is there, they offer me this intimate presence that makes them beautiful in my eyes. Then I can show them in return how striking they are. They are often surprised…

Florent: Drawing, making frames, enjoying my friends make me happy. Luckily I can do those things on a daily basis.