A Weekend with Simon

A Weekend with Simon
RECENTLY WE FELT OUR EARS RINGING WHICH USUALLY MEANS SOMEONE IS TALKING ABOUT YOU. NOW WE HAVE TO ADMIT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS QUITE A LOT, BUT THIS ‘RINGING’ HAD A SPECIAL SOUND TO IT. WE DECIDED TO GIVE IT SOME ATTENTION AND ARE HAPPY WE DID SO, BECAUSE IT BROUGHT US IN CONTACT WITH PAUL REITZ, AND THROUGH HIM WITH THE INCREDIBLE TASTY SIMON CZAPLINKSI.

Encouraged by his father Paul Reitz picked up a camera and started shooting at early age. he first gained acclaim when honing his skills in photography at the University of Oklahoma, where he landed the opportunity to shoot sexy and daring ads (often too daring for the local newspaper) for a hip clothing store. Soon after, he decided to focus his attention on two subjects - men and architecture. - and for using natural light. And that one doesn’t necessary has to exclude the other proofs this series with Simon, whom by himself is a piece of beautiful architecture.

Recently Paul, who has been living in New York for 20 years, and has spent the last several balancing dual careers as a producer of large-scale charity events and as a photographer, met his friend Walter Kurtz, not unknown to the regular Beautiful visitors, for dinner, and that is the moment we got that special ringing sensation in our ears. Paul Reitz’ passion is working with new faces from the men's divisions at various agencies. He explains: "I really enjoy shooting new faces the most... working one-on-one to capture them in my way, which often involves challenging someone, pushing them to see themselves differently, to inhabit some edgier space. And with more experienced men, I love taking someone who has done only the kind of work you'd see with some wholesome, ‘all-American’ brand, and throwing them into a gritty backdrop and letting them become something different." Paul has been fortunate to work with some brilliant, beautiful men in New York and from around the world, and has a bit of a reputation for what some models and agents have called a guerilla-style approach, as it often involves sneaking into forbidden places. "Capturing that adventure together bears huge rewards, for me and for the model."

Unlike his name might suggest, Simon Czaplinski originates from Rockford, Illinois. The man is 25 years old and has that absolute natural beauty and charm that made us completely fall for him. Open minded and easy going, he has in relatively short time been able to work with quite some well known photographers, like Kristopher Kelly, Rick Day, Edendale Studios and now also with Paul Reitz. Paul continues: "I met Simon through one of my best friends, Zach...and we immediately hit it off. We had the opportunity to spend several days together before shooting on a chilly, rainy New York weekend. I wanted to capture who I had come to know, in a much more vulnerable, open, softly sensual way than most people have - or would - capture him." Simon has that arresting, intense sexuality that is as inviting as it is disarming and over the course of one weekend, Paul and him shot thousands of images, with an end result that can make both of them very proud. Both models, setting and lighting are signature examples of Paul’s personal style and a valuable addition to Simon’s fast growing portfolio. –B-