Back in the 90's when RC Clemmons was just 13 he signed his first modeling contract at a local agency in Charlotte NC where he grew up. This allowed him to do commercial print and TV work in the South East. New York however was calling and RC left NC to attend college and study voice and musical theater in the big apple.
Shortly after arriving in the city, RC signed with a NY modeling agency and began work on Broadway as a professional performer in shows including "Footloose" and "Hairspray". After spending some time on the stages of Broadway, RC took a dive into the world of cruise lines and worked as a lead singer for both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. It was coming back to New York after those contracts ended that had him wanting to focus on modeling full time.
RC says that as much as he wanted to sign with a major agency in NYC, 'the economy was on the way down and agencies were restructuring within'. Since he was not working as much as he would have liked RC accepted a starring spot in the Carolina Opry located in Myrtle Beach, SC as a feature performer doing shows six nights a week eleven months a year.
With his busy schedule, modeling was had to be placed on the back burner. A major perk of the job however was being close to home and that his Mother Agency Evolution Models & Talent had now become Wilhelmina Evolution.
'A good friend of mine was visiting me at the beach and as we talked about him having a great face for modeling one thing led to another and I opted to take some pictures on my small digital camera of him. I sent them to the agency and the "who took these" began it all.' RC has been shooting for the agency and also freelance since.
'Not being able to travel to go sees and auditions since I am now fully committed to the shows and my cast keeps me here and focused on photography more than modeling. I feel that the experience I have being in front of the camera modeling over the years hurdles and makes being behind the camera effortless. The combination of a natural eye for good looking people, things and style with experience allows me to capture some pretty great shots.'
All shots of RC above by Rick Day.
TOM STAPLEDON BY CLEMMONS PHOTOGRAPHY:
RC's first professional photo shoot in NYC as a model was with the remarkable Rick Day, someone he had been a fan of for a long time. RC had admired Rick's work with model Tom Stapledon and RC challenged himself to do as good of a job with the same model.
'The connection I have with my models is one of a friendship and not a working relationship. As I still consider my photography a hobby I am in it to meet great people and make great work and not for recognition or a huge pay off... yet lol'
RC Clemmons
21 year old Tom Stapledon from Boston, Massachusetts has been modeling for about a year. Tom entered the modeling world after he began to take getting fit seriously and says 'I love seeing the changes in my body and has given a lot more self confidence.'. Tom stays motivated to stay fit to stay in peak shape for photo shoots which is clearly evident from his work with RC.
Tom came into town having slept in the Boston airport all night due to a 5am flight, he flew in and went directly with RC to the theater to see his show and then relaxed for the evening. Tom and RC worked all the following day in the studio with RC's great friend and fellow photographer Rob Mills who was teaching RC about lighting and studio work.
'From shooting on top of a blazing hot roof to doing the sexy oil underwear and tank top shoot by the elevator made for a great shoot. Before we finished for the day I asked Tom if he would be up for something off the wall creative and in true Tom Stapledon fashion he said.... "Let's Do It". Before we knew if Tom was practically naked and rubbing oil all over himself as I cover him in silver glitter. The pictures say it all.... needless to say, the glitter went on a lot easier than it came off!'
You can see more of Tom at his MM page HERE: or BodyBuilding.com HERE:
RC Clemmons has turned his time in front of the lens into the experience he needed to step behind it. If these shots of Tom are any indication, and with Rick Day at the front of the class, the student has indeed become the teacher! Thanks so much RC for sharing your shots of Tom with FH!!!
Check out more of Clemmons Photos at his MM page HERE: and on FB HERE:
