I've known John since he was only 13 or 14 years old. He's now in his early 20s and in the army, getting ready to be deployed to Iraq in a few months. John asked if I'd take a few photos of him with some of his gear and, of course, I said yes.
Sometimes these sessions start off more than a little stiff and formal. While I shoot, I talk - about nothing really, just chat - and soon enough, people relax. They begin to reveal, by the poses they choose, different sides of their personalities, fantasies, emotions and more. It is, in many ways, the kind of photography I like best - when the barriers come down and the truth behind some of the masks we all put on begins to be revealed.
There are other shots of John, some equally intense - others showing him relaxed and laughing. All facets of an interesting young man.