THE MEN OF CINAVA

BIG SHOT //

THE MEN OF CiNAVA MIX MUSCLE AND GLAM

BY WAYNE DAVIS

ANGEL CINTRON AND STEVE NAVA, the duo behind the CiNava photography team, have become known for crafting highly produced editorial images of finely sculpted men. “The perfect image should capture the attention of the viewer for at least three to five seconds,” Cintron advises. “That is when we know it has made an impact.” He knows from whence he speaks; Cintron obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in photography at the Academy of Art University. thirty years working in drug discovery and development, with photography being merely a fun side hobby. “Angel taught me the technical aspects of the camera, from lighting to concept and composition,” he explains. “Joining Angel and creating CiNava offered me a chance to leave clinical and technical work for a life of creativity and self-expression. I’m finally exercising a creative side that had remained dormant in my life for way too long.”

We spoke with the life/work partners from their home in San Francisco.

YOUR PRACTICE COMBINES THE MALE PHYSIQUE AND FASHION. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN THIS SUBJECT?

Angel Cintron: We started with a deep passion for high energy fashion. It led to our interest in athleticism and from there, it was a natural progression for us to incorporate the male muscular physique into our art.

CINAVA PHOTOGRAPHS ARE OFTEN DUBBED AS HIGHLY STYLIZED AND PROVOCATIVE. HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE YOUR WORK AND THE CONCEPT BEHIND IT?

Angel Cintron: Our images are creative, edgy and artistic. We stretch the limits in our photos. We strive to incorporate fresh ideas that tell a story in a way that hasn’t been told before.

THE MALE FORM IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS IS OFTEN PORTRAYED AS MIGHTY YET SENSUAL.

Angel Cintron: It’s a heightened take on the male physique that examines feats of strength and the power of the pose.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT CINAVA’S WORKING PROCESS?

Steve Nava: We first collaborate with all the

different creatives on our team to build a mood board that determines the feel and direction of the shoot. We then search for the models that are best suited to bring the vision to life. It’s similar to casting a movie. Once models are selected, we refer to the mood-board again. It is always beneficial to show the model examples of poses and facial attributes that we are looking for in the shoot.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER WORKING WITH A MODEL WHO WASN’T WITH AN AGENCY?

Steve Nava: We have worked with non-exclusive agency models in the past, however, casting is not always under our full control. The models in many shoots must also be approved by editors and publishers and, often times, they will only work with agency models.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO CONNECT WITH A MODEL ON SET?

Angel Cintron: It is extremely important. Vital, in fact. Part of the job of a good photographer is to take the lead and have the model adapt to your vision.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU DO TO ESTABLISH THE CONNECTION?

Steve Nava: When on set, first and foremost, the mood and vibe have to be established. Everyone on set needs to have a positive school of thought and the energy needs to be kept up. Music is essential.

IT DIFFERENTIATE FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO SPECIALIZE IN PHOTOGRAPHING MALE FITNESS MODELS?

Steve Nava: We view ourselves as fashion photographers who work in a new age of brand advertising, influenced by social media. Our images tend to be sexual, often featuring men with six packs, but they’re more complex than the typical swim and underwear billboards you might see along West Hollywood and in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. Our images tell a unique story while also highlighting the stylist’s fashion and designs.

CINAVA’S PORTFOLIO INCLUDES A VARIETY OF MAGAZINE EDITORIALS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE BETWEEN PERSONAL AND COMMISSIONED WORK?

Angel Cintron: The one thing our personal and commissioned work have in common is that in both, we are never afraid to take risks. We see our work as art and art is about stepping out of the box, embracing challenges and not letting anything step between you and the vision.

WHOSE WORK DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST TODAY?

Steve Nava: Mike Ruiz. He is a really brilliant photographer, creative director and role model. He uses photography as a platform to speak on important societal issues including homeless youth and animals in shelters. He is truly an inspiration.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND PROJECTS?

Steve Nava: We are always looking for ways to support our community. Currently, we are using our platform to raise awareness for the Equality Federation, an organization that works to amplify the power of the state-based LGBTQ movement.

Visit Cinavaphotography.com