Photographer James Critchley: laughter and muscle

By DREW Rowsome
15 Oct 2018

"I love it when models are really creative and bring their own props and ideas," says photographer James Critchley. Even more so when they have a "sense of humour and are willing to get naked in the freezing English weather."

Critchley's models are usually at least partially naked and they do seem to be having a good time. "I used to be a model, which has helped me enormously with my career," says Critchley. "I also have a wicked sense of humour which puts clients at ease. I find laughter is the best remedy for relaxing in front of the camera. I like to make the models laugh, smile and relax. It amazes me that this generally  isn't permitted with other photographers. It's got to be fun to get the most from both of us."

That sense of play extends into all aspects of Critchley's work including his fashion and family portrait photography. "I love interacting with the families and I banter with the models," he says. "The male physique photography is expanding more rapidly than the family photography. I also have a third side to the business, which is my most profitable area, book covers. I have sold over 90 book covers in the last year, from images of both the male physique and the family photography."

He enjoys the process regardless of the subject. "Family photography is so much fun as I love getting the family to interact and laugh. Fashion model photography can be more challenging as you need more of an eye for the detail. Fitness model photography is my favourite type because I like to show the models' bodies to their very best potential."

As Critchley's self-portraits reveal, he himself is a chiseled - and always smiling - specimen. "I have a passion for muscle and bodybuilding," he says. "I take great pleasure in knowing what my models go through to look good for a photo shoot. My models are inspirational and keep me motivated. I hope my photographs inspire people to keep fit and healthy."

While the models are always the central focus, Critchley is also attuned to the surroundings. "I loved landscapes and sunsets," he says of his original impetus to pick up a camera. "I was inspired by nature. I have a reputation for being a great outdoor photographer, which I believe could also be from my previous profession as a landscape architect. Physique photography has now become my passion especially when entwining it with nature."

The physique photography is never stagy but always exuberant, dynamic and quite simply sexy. "I like photos that tell a story and provoke emotion," says Critchley. "Eroticism plays a large role in my work, I try to keep it playful and fun but with the view of them being able to be displayed on social media." 

The client always comes first. "I try to find out what the model's want out of the photo shoot. Many of my clients are male erotic dancers and they ask for provocative images. They are easy to work with. Some models are more timid and I try to help them get those sexier shots, as on social media those are the shots that get the likes." Even photos never meant for social media are fair game. "I have photographed staged images at the request of couples. And working with real couples at their request, they are generally at ease and ready for action."

Critchley cannot recall a difficult or awkward photo shoot but he does know the one he found the most amusing. "Getting famous well hung stripper Marshall Arkley naked in a snow covered Scottish loch with a penis pump and very bemused passing walkers," says Critchley with a laugh. "Every photo shoot is individual."

There is wonderful joie de vivre that pulses through all of Critchley's work, and also a striking humbleness. He says of his photos that it is "A great honour to photograph some of these muscle men, most of which are not models but everyday guys." If those are everyday guys in his hometown of Dursley, when can we visit? He doesn't miss a beat, "Anyone is welcome to visit my country home in the Cotswolds. At first I photographed my gym buddies but now my reputation brings fresh models from all around the world to my studio."

Critchley's artistic output encompasses puppies, families, vistas, lots of brawn and a consistent playfulness. Is there a dark side to his artistic vision? Just in time for the Halloween season, Critchley describes his fantasy photographic scenario. "A gothic-themed werewolf and vampire shoot . . . Using my muscle models."