By Shawn Petrovich of Totally Ripped of Los Angeles, which specializes in photography and video of fitness models.
When choosing between Key West luxury hotels, an often overlooked gem is a property that has been used to photograph Ohio State University students for a male modeling shoot. Our photographer said it best, "Simonton Court Inn in Key West is a 'Disney World' for photographers," because its gardens offer ample backdrops for photo locations and ultimate privacy.
Headed to Key West for Warm Weather
Our crew and cast of 10 male models headed south from frosty Ohio, anticipating a shoot in Key West, Florida that would combine fun, females and some series moments in front of the camera. They weren't disappointed.
Luxury base of operations for Photo Crew
We'd scouted the historic Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages as a good base camp for our male models and crew. Located at 320 Simonton St, the Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, was once a cigar factory. It featured a central mansion-house with cottages in the rear that offered luxury and seclusion in a lush, tropical setting. Beaches, bars and all the main points of interest in Key West were a short bike ride away. Duval Street was a half block. We simply parked the van and let it gather dust for the week since everything we needed was within cycling distance.
Students Receive Private Luxury Cottages
To our surprise, the inn's staff opened the doors of four, fenced-in cottages for our models. Crew members had separate rooms in the mansion. We enjoyed full access. In return, we gave the inn a advertisement in the calendar and a few hundred copies to distribute in their marketing efforts. We definitely got the best end of the deal!!!
It wasn't only a great place to sleep and hang out, but a very private place to hold nude and semi-nude photo shoots without leaving the complex.
Complimentary Breakfast - another Luxury Perk
Breakfast time was the high point of the day. Simonton served the best breakfast we've ever had anywhere! And the staff served it each morning by the sparkling pool. Evenings brought a free cocktail hour - a definite plus on any working vacation.
Privacy
At the end of a long day of shooting, the models would hit nearby bars and return with local ladies who were anxious to see their luxury "digs" up close and personal.
Nude tanning
Privacy and long days of sunshine led our models to abandon their inhibitions and tan nude outside the cottages to correct tan lines.
Students Return to Simonton Court
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages proved such a popular getaway for our cast and crew that several of our models returned in later years for their personal vacations.
The 10 college students selected for this photo shoot definitely got more than they bargained for - Key West luxury and more fun. And we got more than we bargained for - great photographs for very little cash outlay. It won't happen again!!!
These 10 college guys were selected for this trip, but you can have a say on who gets selected to appear next as a Campus Man. You can Nominate a Student to Become a Campus Man. The guy you nominate will be flattered someone "nominated" him for such an honor.