My name is Karl and I am aged in my early fifties.

I recently commissioned Brett for an art photo session and after receiving my photographs; I suggested that he might like to allow a customer to post a blog to share their experience of it. My reasoning was that it might help other people overcome their fears and see their own beauty - no matter what your age is. After all, accepting one's own image is probably one of the hardest things that many of us can do isn't it?

Initially, I browsed the content on Brett's website. I liked Brett's artistic style displayed in the photographs on his website, especially the use of lighting and contrast in his black and white photos. I also liked how the customer retained copyright of any images that Brett photographed on commission. A blog entitled, “Self portraits and putting yourself in the model's place” further made me feel that he would treat me with respect during the photography process.

I nervously contacted Brett to discuss the possibility of an art nude photo session with a martial arts theme. As my theme fitted in with Brett's personal work, we agreed to meet and discuss further at a pre-session consultation at my house. At the pre-session consultation, I relaxed a little bit more after I met Brett, as he seemed to be a really considerate and polite person. Brett explained to me that he did not Photoshop body images in his work, which is exactly what I was after.

After we agreed to go ahead with the photo shoot, Brett provided me with some details on how to prepare for the actual photographic session. Preparation included not wearing any underclothes or socks for an hour or two beforehand to ensure there were no elastic crinkle marks on my skin.

When my big day came, I went to Brett's residential studio in only my dressing gown and slippers. It was a good thing that my wife was driving as I was very nervous! By this time, I was feeling a little silly at the time and wondering whether I was doing the right thing; no matter though, as I had already made a personal commitment to go ahead with it. We chatted while he set up the studio and agreed on some relaxation music then proceeded with the photo shoot.

The first couple of photos were probably the most difficult when you are standing naked in front of a relative stranger! However, Brett's relaxed approach made me feel at ease and I soon overcame my shyness. I was a little surprised when Brett only took a few photos for each pose that we worked on during the photo shoot. He seemed to know exactly what kind of image he wanted from each pose. After a little bit of a workout, we finished the photo shoot after about an hour and a half.

Over the next two weeks, as Brett was developing the images, he sent me a few photographs every couple of days through a secure internet portal. It was a pretty profound experience for me to see these images of myself, I must say. I felt that Brett had captured many elements of who I really am. And as well, I gradually began to accept my own reflection - it has taken me a long time to get to this point! These photographs are now a valued memento of an important part of my life.