It's a Thin Line...

LOVE AND HATE IS PROBABLY THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL CONTRADICTION THAT WE KNOW. TWO COMPLETELY OPPOSITE EMOTIONS, THAT DOUBTLESS ARE AMONGST THE STRONGEST WE HAVE, AND TWO FEELINGS THAT PROBABLY COULD NOT EXISTS WITHOUT EACH OTHER. NOT ONE CLICHE IS MORE TRUE THAN THE FAMOUS THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE. HOW EASY ONE CAN TURN INTO THE OTHER, MOSTLY IN THE NEGATIVE SENSE, BUT SOMETIMES ALSO IN A POSITIVE WAY.

It is said that you are truly alive as long as you love. But sometimes feelings of hate can provoke a passion even stronger than love. What it really comes down to is that love – true love – doesn’t come without the pain of hurting and being hurt, and sometimes, when love is really deep and strong, it is that pain that it inflicts which can turn the feeling into feelings of hate. Love and hate. We all know it, but we hardly understand it.

In Maryland, USA, lives a photographer who goes by the unusual name rSEANd. Wandering through his portfolio is like a journey trough his subconscious. rSEANd is a dreamer and likes to reflect those dream in his portraits. Portraits that often involve the ‘every day male.’ Searching for emotions he often focuses on the eyes of his models, creating strong, sensual images by doing so. Recently he did a collection of series with two young models – A Lewis and Diego Moran – and when we saw these portraits for the first time we couldn’t help but thinking about those strong emotions of love and hate. It is like this series shows a lifetime of two men who love each other dearly, but somehow grow apart and inevitably go their own way.

With 23 years, A Lewis is the oldest of the two although his looks would indicate he is younger. On the photos he is recognizable by his dark hair and look and his smooth body. Originally from Mexico, A Lewis now lives in North Carolina. He is the loving father of a 4 year old son. His counter part in this photo series is Diego Moran, who originates from Guatemala and currently lives in Maryland. His facial structure, deep piercing eyes and right amount of body hair give him a mature image that makes him look older than his 19 years, but he really is that young. Like A Lewis, Diego is also the proud father of a son, who he named after his father and who counts 10 months.

Even though rSEANd has worked with both men individual, they never met before this shoot. Which means that this series of photos marks the first time these two met each other. Even though A Lewis is gay and Diego is straight, together they were able to paint a beautiful love story of two young men, a story that shows how passion can easily turn from love to hate, from caring to hurting. rSEANd believes the series turned out to be very sensitive and is particularly happy with these shots, that are part of a bigger collection, including love, fight, brotherhood and some fashion. Love and hate, pleasure and pain, happiness and sadness… it is clear we are walking a thin line. –B-

rSEANd | BEAUTIFUL

Comments

[Steve]

"...Then in despair,
I bowed my head.
There is no peace,
on Earth, I said.
For hate is strong,
and mocks the song,
of peace on Earth,
good will to men..."

From "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Bing Crosby.

There is already too much hate in this world of ours. Let us strive to spread a little love around whenever and wherever we can.

[Jean]

I don't like this shoots :( the models are expressionless

[Betty]

I LOVE EVERY photo in this collection.I don't know how anybody could say there is no expression. It is so sexy without being to much. I LOVE IT!!!

[ryan]

Oh, WOW! These photos are absolutely beautiful and not at all the standard, overdone ubermale type of shots that I have come to expect from even the best of photographers. After reading the text, I am even more impressed, seeing as one of these young men is heterosexual. I am confused by one of the comments suggesting that these models are expressionless, as what I see is true passion in these shots. I almost feel as if I am spying on a true intimate moment. The casual air in which they are posed suggests a comfortability that is hard to manufacture, leaving the viewer with the impression that they are witnessing the real ups and downs in any relationship, be it lovers or friends. I would love to see some of their individual work.
A huge thumbs up to the photographer for his unique vision and incredible style. It says alot when a photo can produce emotions in those that view it. I find the series highly erotic, which is surprising as the models never go farther than being shirtless. I hope you feature more from this talented artist.

[rSEANd]

This is truely and honor for me, to see my work featured alongside so many amazing artists whose work has both fascinated and inspired me. Thank you so much Beautiful Mag.

I would like to respond to one comment from Steve:
I am in complete agreement with you about the fact that there is too much hate in the world, and feel that each of us would do well to spread as much love as possible. I always tell those that work for me or are close to me - "Never underestimate the power of being nice".
Having said that, I would like to point out that these shots were my first foray into "storytelling" with my images. The last few photos were from a series on "brotherhood" and "hate" respectively, and came about as a natural progression (in theory) from the "Love" series that is most prominantly featured here. The idea to advance beyond the love was formulated collaboratively between the models and myself. Each of us wanted to inject some realism into the day long shoot, and as disconcerting as it may be, the dark side of relationships (as well as human emotion)is a reality. To shy away from that just to produce the happy would be like refusing to run coverage on the war, just because it is unpleasant.
What I am saying is that it was not, nor is, my intention to glorify violence or dispair, but rather offer a glimpse into the dark portal, in the hope that it causes each of us to think about the consequences of our actions and feelings.
But art is supposed to provoke feeling and thought, create discussion, or simply entertain, so in that respect - I guess I've done my job.
Thank you to every one who took the time to view these images.
-Sean

[tyler]

MORE PLEASE!!!!!!

[Spence]

I am a straight man but I love photography and beautiful pictures be it male or female. I have to say I love this entire series. Would like to know and see more of this photographer.
In the words of Brittney Spears:
Gimme gimme gimme more.

[Anton Russ]

rSEANd knows how to construct a beautiful story and he has done that very discreetly and with great sensuality in this assortment of images - it both sweet and innocent and leaves much for the viewer to read into - you have the luxury of turning it into your fantasy - BRAVO - great work !!!

[Erika]

Amazing and beautiful story-telling of two males. For it to be their first shoot together they captured a sense of love and comfort in the photos. Keep up the amazing work and please send us more!

[FAGALAA]

WOW! First shoot together and it comes out amazing. You can feel the vibe of there love, friendship, hate, lust. And kudos for the photographer captured the essence of the models wit such pressitence in every shot. LOVE IT!!!

[JaySin]

This photographer is probably one of the most talented I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is creative, diligent, knows how to tell a great photographic story, and is very technically talented. I can not wait to work for him.

[OCTAVIO POZOS]

THIS HAPPEN FOR A REASON AND ALWAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT BEAUTY IN THE WAY SHE EXPRESS WILL CAUSE EMOTION...FOR SOME WHO HAVE HATEIN THEIR HARST ,HATE WILL SEE IN THE MANIFEST,FOR THOSE WHO HAS KING SPIRITS WILL SEE THE GREATNESS OF NATURE.

CONGRATULATIONS SEAN,WE ARE CREATING BEAUTY.
OCTAVIO

[J Romero]

So each photo depicts such a different level of intensity, as I'm sure most everyone can tell. Both men are stunning and each has their own unique look and the most intriguing part of this I think is the fact that both men had never met before. Each shot of them portrays a different kind of emotion, it's beautiful. A job well done by the photographer and especially the models.

[Michael]

What a fantastic set of photos. The photographer really caught the beauty of each and showed the symbiosis between these two guys. I am blown away!

[Dave]

Absolutely beautiful work, The models are fantastic, superb connection between them, I would love to see more work from the three of you.

[Murray!]

Great looking series - love Seans work.

[Lance]

Sean, your photography here is fantastic. You have created a very a wonderful story between these two models, from intimacy to anger. Your photography always amazes me and as usual you have done an outstanding job.

[Ron]

Great Job on this photoshoot Sean! I love the "Sensual Shots" of these "Boy next door" types! ALOHA, Ron - www.RonReyesPhotography.com

[Griffin]

these photos are very strong and really bring back memories of my own experiences, i feel a connection with these images. the models are beautiful too, i can't believe that one of them is gay, i can't tell which one it is! they seem so connected in some of these pictures

[thiago]

i love the pics!! you are amazing!! hope to see more of your work soon!!

[Mark Bower]

beautiful, sexy, provocative series!

[cobykoehl]

the composition & enormity of this photographers talent are breathtaking.these out side shots are reminiscent of a multi million dollar ad campaign.the fight shot is very Romanesque or even grecian god like. stunningly beautiful.bravo rseand.your future is bright and filled with endless possibilities.

[Steve]

Hey Sean. I hope you were not offended by my earlier comment. I did not intend to suggest that you were promoting hatred or violence. I was simply trying to express the fact that hatred still exists in our world, and that your portfolio skillfully demonstrated how even an innocuous domestic situation can devolve into one of anger, hatred, or violence. Your photography has generated more comments on this blog than there have been in a long time. Your work is interesting, stimulating, and getting people to think and express themselves. These are all good things! Keep-up the great work. You are awesome!

[rSEANd]

Thank you to eveyone for the incredible feedback on my series. I am truely flattered.

-Sean

[Gregg]

amazing work!!!