Popnography
Gabriel Gastelum Has Never Been Covered In Body Paint
Photographer behind viral hits discusses his art, getting models naked and what he looks for in a man.
May 01 2013 9:48 PM EST
February 05 2015 9:27 PM EST
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
When Gabriel Gastelum abandoned his plans for law school, he decided to travel the world, documenting every step along the way. It was a picture of a little girl in Vietnam that triggered a professional life behind the camera. Soon after he posted the image, magazines started calling and asking to feature the photo.
Now, nearly four years later, he's made a career out of photographing friends, weddings and, more recently lately, internet-famous personalities. Although he's been featured in various publications, online 'zines and even NBC, his work is probably most often seen on Tumblr (or, as seen here, various gay-centric websites).
He's worked with everyone from the heat-inducing underwear models, Parker Hurley and Benjamin Godfre, to RuPaul's most famous on-air assistant, Shawn Morales. And surely enough, these guys made his work go viral.
Out talked to the photographer about some of his most popular work, his favorite type of shot and where he can be found on a Friday night.
During one of your most popular photo shoots, you completely covered Andrew Christian models Colby Melvin and Cory Frederick in paint. How much paint did you use on set?
Not as much as you would think. It's just couple of bottles that were thinned out using water. It was water based paint, so it was easy to work with. The idea actually came from an engagement shoot I did earlier that year. I figured it would be a neat idea to do it with half naked men. I was right.
This shoot went viral, appearing everywhere from Huffington Post to Tumblr. What is like seeing your photos re-blogged and circulated around like that online?
It was pretty crazy to see how popular it was online. It actually taught me the power of Tumblr, but it also taught me how easy it is for people to steal pictures. Because of Tumblr, people would re-edit the picture their way, clubs would use it for fliers without my permission... But still, it was really cool to see how much people loved it.
Have you ever tried painting yourself (as in a picture and not your own body)?
GG: I have not! It would probably not come out as pretty.
You've photographed underwear models Colby Melvin and Brandon Brown naked or nearly naked so many times. Did you ever think you'd ever actually see them in clothes?
I knew I would one day! They were actually happy to get a session where they wouldn't have to be nearly naked!
What are more fun to shoot: weddings or engagements?
I would have to say is engagements. Wedding days can be incredibly stressful, and with engagements you have more time to capture the couple's personalities and love. I just photographed a beach wedding in Costa Rica, though, so it definitely varies. I would take that beach wedding over an engagement session any day.
What are three things your partner must possess in order to marry him?
Humor. A sense of adventure. Patience. I am going to throw a love for cupcakes in for good measure.
Benjamin Godfre, model and budding porn star, is known for getting naked. Was the plan to have him drop his pants for this shoot?
Yup! He knew from the start he would be naked. He is completely comfortable being nude. Find me a shoot with him where he isn't half clothed and I will give you a bag of gummy worms. He actually made a behind the scenes video. With some searching of names you can probably find it online!
How did Benjamin react when he found out you were covering him in powder?
"KICK ASS" were his exact words. Benjamin is an amazing model to work with. He is usually down for anything new and exciting...
Willam Belli is known for her quick wit. What was the craziest thing she said or did during the shoot?
He said so much that made me laugh, I just can't remember. Just watch one of his Beatdown videos online - that's exactly how he is. He doesn't care about your race, religion, beliefs, etc. It's his shtick and he will say it if he wants. He loves to entertain and will always do that, entertain. He also made a lot of farting noises.
Are you a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race? Do you have a favorite from this season?
I've actually only watched this last season, but I became obsessed! It's so funny! Jinkx Monsoon all the way. I think he's brilliant. I remember seeing him back in my Seattle days and it's fantastic to see him come such a long way.
Unfortunately, Shawn doesn't get to talk much as a member of the Pit Crew on RuPaul's Drag Race. Were you surprised to learn anything about him when you spent the day photographing him?
Shawn is one of the nicest guys I've worked with in Los Angeles. He loves anime and videogames. He would honestly rather stay in and watch anime all day. Before we met, I had no idea he was a huge event promoter here in Los Angeles. He did talk a lot about the show, and he has his favorites, for sure, but in LA you don't dare repeat much stuff. Willam and Jinkx were a few mentioned.
What's something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I'm really really animated and silly. I'm not sure how surprising that is, though. Should I say something cooler, like I can speak four languages? Or that I have perfected the cartwheel?
The scruffy model looks like he's ready for a night at the Eagle. Where would we find you on a Friday night?
It really all depends on the week. Some Friday nights I am ready for wine and laziness. I love trying new restaurants or food trucks too, so Friday's are sometimes filled with fatness. Other times I'm ready to high kick and party all over town. As long as I am surrounded by my friends and good people! But, I do have to say I prefer a laid back dive bar over a big club any day. I live in front of an Irish Pub. It's my favorite.
What inspired the concept of this popular photo shoot featuring model Parker Hurley?
The concept was actually Parker's idea. He wanted to do a fun shoot that would capture his personality, so what you see on there is exactly how he is. In his undies, surrounded by his artwork, watching cartoons or playing video games. It's his favorite way to spend his Saturday morning. So we aimed to capture that. Which was perfect, because that is my strongest area: Lifestyle photography.
What's a typical Saturday morning for you?
GG: Waking up late. Watching some Golden Girls. And it either goes one way or another. I go out and enjoy a beautiful Los Angeles day, or I am working. Weekends for a photographer are always filled with a little work. I am lazy as often as possible. Naps. Naps are good. Cupcake breaks as good, as well.
All photos by Gabriel Gastelum. More work and complete collections can be found here.