“The more freckles the merrier I say, without them I wouldn’t be the same person.”
The words of Alex Franck are like music to award-winning photographer Brock Elbank’s ears as he shoots his latest campaign Freckles.
Alex, 21, was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his family relocated to London when he was just three.
They lived in South Wimbledon for three years before moving to Colliers Wood where they stayed for 14 years.
Known to his friends as ‘Freckles’, it seems Alex was the perfect candidate for Brock’s latest project.
MODEL BEHAVIOUR: Freckles by name, Freckles by nature
Brock, known in photography as Mr Elbank, is most recognised for his skin cancer awareness campaign Beard which showcased in Somerset House earlier this year.
After the success of Beards, Brock moved onto Freckles. This is where Alex comes in.
The aspiring model was elated when Brock got in touch with him on Instagram.
Alex said: “I felt shocked, surprised, nervous and very excited at what this opportunity could bring for me as I knew he is known around the world.”
SCOUTING FOR FRECKLES: Alex was found by Brock on Instagram
After spotting him on the social media site in April, 42-year-old photographer Brock invited Alex to his home studio in south east London to take part in the Freckles campaign.
But it was bad-timing as Alex was about to jet-set off to Ayia Napa for four months – luckily for Brock the sunnier conditions are perfect for showcasing them at their best.
“I get more when the sun comes out,” Alex grinned.
I myself am a big fan of freckles, in my family we call those extra ones you get in the summer ‘sun kisses’.
Brock’s photographs are stunning and challenge society’s perceptions of beauty.
STUNNING: Brock’s portrait of Natasha Culzac captures her freckles beautifully
The striking yet pure images somehow manage to make me feel better about myself just by looking at them.
Although I cannot imagine liking a picture of me that close-up, it does make me question women’s obsession over make-up.
The war paint may well be hiding our true beauty (or a beauty spot in my case).
Perhaps a clean slate is in order.
CAPTIVATING: A combination of curls and freckles made Josh Hardwick a perfect model
On October 1 Alex travelled back to London for his long-awaited photoshoot.
“It was so relaxed and there was no pressure. Every time he took my picture he commented on how I had such a unique face and how come it had taken so long for us to finally arrange the shoot,” he explained.
“It was a relief when I finally got to do it. He made me feel like in front of the camera was where I was meant to be.”
Unlike some people Alex is very proud of his freckles. He said: “I don’t get judged on having freckles, I don’t see it as a bad thing, or as a good thing, it is how God intended us to be.”
IMPRESSIVE: Elsa Pea’s slick ‘do showcases her freckles
Alex isn’t the only one who loves his freckles, his girlfriend Millie is also a big fan.
He revealed: “She tries to count them sometimes and wishes she had more.”
Being part of the Freckles campaign means a lot to Alex. He said: “It means a great deal to me, it means that I might get noticed by a model agency, my face might be shown in his exhibitions.
“It’s something to be known for and I am thoroughly humbled by being a part of the Freckles series.”
TATT’S WONDERFUL! Mikey A Hamer’s reveals his body art, freckles and hairstyle in the portrait
Brock is clearly a talented photographer, but he also captures the hearts of his models.
Alex said: “He is one of the most down to earth people I have ever met in my life, he is the sort of person that you could have a coffee with and talk about anything for hours on end, just meeting him and speaking to him made me realise how passionate he is about the art.
“He is such a talented man and I am nothing more than over the moon with joy and modesty that I have been part of this experience.”
STRIKING: This close-up of Kaine Buffonge captures his freckles and eye colours
Brock got into photography in May 1987 after buying U2’s The Joshua Tree album shot by his hero Anton Corbijn.
“Faces, characters and people who don’t fit into the ‘normal’ everyday mould, basically anyone who is unique looking, individual in their appearance inspire me,” Brock told SW Londoner.
“I tend to be drawn to what some people would see as their flaws, though I see these unique things as beauty.”
BEAUTIFUL: Brock believes freckles to be ‘a thing of beauty’ and not a flaw
He also loves flowers – roses and peonies especially. So what is it about freckles that Brock loves so much?
“I’ve always loved freckles and never understood why children tease freckled people or why people hate having them,” he explained.
“I see them as a thing of beauty.”
WILD THING! Sean Conway bouffant hair, beard and freckles make for a quirky portrait
When asked how he chooses who to photograph, he said: “Simply gut feeling, I know the minute I see someone if I want to photograph them.
“Last night on the way back from school pick up, I stopped a fantastically freckled guy in the street named Tim.
“I like to have a good chat with each person first to get to know them a little, so they relax.
“This helps for a better series in my opinion.”
ELEGANT: Sonny’s freckles are scattered delicately across her face
Brock has photographed 75 freckly subjects to date and aims to take around 150 in total.
Brock, who is married with two daughters, Elkie and Olive, revealed he would love to shoot David Beckham for Beard Season to keep raising awareness and shoot Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne for Freckles.
UNIQUE: Francis Johnson poses for Brock
Follow Brock on Instagram @mrelbank
Pictures courtesy of Brock Elbank, with thanks
