Portrait | Pete Plotchev
Pete Plotchev is a big man who doesn’t let a little disability keep him away from the gym and a good workout.
Don’t let the eyes fool you. Pete Plotchev may not be able to walk, but he works his arms hard in the gym. This was one of my last shoots in U.S. (possibly forever) and the goal was to highlight his interest in hitting the workstations while also showing that even people in wheelchairs can do some muscle-building for their upper bodies.
There were two machines in particular that I had to shoot — a all-purpose weight-lifting station and a NuStep T5 cross trainer — both adapted for people who don’t have the use of their legs. Because the machines were fixed and immovable, it really limited the kind of angles I could shoot from. Because of that I played with colored lighting, while shifting from traditional, long, portrait lenses to some wider shots.
Pete is an extremely easy-going guy and always packing a smile. He never once complained about my directing (sometimes I feel I might be too commanding) and he always tried to make his weightlifting look as natural as possible (which I had told him to do too). Below are the selected best shots. Comment if you like!
I am suspect to write anything about this man. He is not only a big, strong man that keeps going no matter what, he is also rich in determination and owner of such a great personality. Manly and lovely this is my husband!!! Congratulations for the pictures, and for the model too…
Jan
Thanks for the comments! Pete’s a great guy.. hah I’m sure he feels the same way about you too. So glad you two have each other