A Story: Lenses & Lust

[abcwater]

It was an early Saturday morning, the kind where the city is still rubbing sleep from its eyes. The air had a crispness to it, carrying the promise of new beginnings. I met up with my manager, who also served as my assistant, at a coffeeshop near our destination. Over coffee that was too hot to sip, our conversation was light, filled with nervous anticipation for the day's photo shoot.

 

We walked together to the apartment where Darius, a self-taught photographer with quite an impressive portfolio, lived. The building was nondescript from the outside, its facade blending into the urban landscape, but the thought of what awaited inside sent a thrill of excitement through me, making my pulse quicken.

 

As we approached the void deck of the building, my assistant, ever efficient, checked his phone. "All clear," he confirmed with a nod after a moment, his voice barely concealing his own excitement. We made our way to the elevator, the quiet hum of its operation doing little to calm the nervous energy buzzing between us.

 

The photographer, Darius, did not live alone, so timing was crucial for our session. Fortunately, his housemate had already left for the day, leaving the space entirely to us. As we stood before Darius's apartment door, we could hear the soft murmur of conversation from inside — most likely Darius preparing for the day or perhaps talking to himself, as artists often do when in the throes of creative setup.

 

With a deep breath, my assistant knocked, the sound echoing slightly in the quiet hallway. The door swung open, revealing Darius, his presence immediately filling the space with an aura of creative energy. "Welcome," he greeted us with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling with the excitement of the day's work ahead.

 

The conversation that had been behind the door was revealed to be Darius setting up the final touches with Blaze, the other model for the shoot, who was already there, his presence adding another layer of anticipation to the morning's already charged atmosphere.