At the end of a shoot based on the moustached theme of Mowember, I thought I would portray nice-guy model Brian Chu as a desperado. I’ve always been drawn to the natural power of portraits in which the subject faces the camera square-on, so that symmetry and balance are the main features of the composition.

Although Brian is an animated guy (see Visual Ode to Mowember, Part 1), he held the expression-less pose that I asked for. Thanks to the magic of post-processing, the image features exaggerated pores and skin blemishes, making for a tough, weathered look.

Support Brian’s Mowember fundraising efforts by donating at http://mobro.co/brianchu.