Quantcast
Channel: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
Viewing all 12891 articles
Browse latest View live

Dominick Avellino Studio: A Layered Addition

$
0
0

'Nude is always a winner, adding something to that... adds another layer to the work'


Earlier this year, while working on a story on model David Christopher, (above) I was introduced to the work of Dominick Avellino. In the piece, (Studio) David had sent on a few images of him wearing a denim shirt, leather jack and white long johns. I loved the fashion combination Dominick chose for David. I loved how the choice of clothing made the images stand out, adding an intriguingly seductive tier to my enjoyment of the images.


I headed off to see more of Dominick's work on his Model Mayhem page and feel in love with so many of his images. In almost all of them, there was a piece of clothing, long johns or underwear, a jacket, t-shirt or piece of fabric. Dominick's images, had me seeing the connection between fashion and the naked male form in an entirely different way. In most shoots featuring a naked model, fashion is an after thought. It is something used to tease or to temporarily cover, but only for a short time.


The fashion isn't generally that important. It's often used like a garnish. Great for initial presentation, but not really that important to the end game. Eventually, we know, whatever the model is wearing, will end up in a pile, just out of camera range. In Dominick's imagery, fashion is not a garnish. The Massachusetts photographer uses fashion not to cover, but to bring out layers and features in his models, aspects that might remain hidden, if they were totally naked.


'We all know you either you have it or don`t. When a model has a sense of style without any clothing, and, is able to project that that, it`s in his DNA. When a model puts on some form of clothing or gear, he`s than able to, create, using his own sense of style ( whatever that may be) a character and attitude he may not be able to achieve without it. Generally the models i`ve worked with, love the adventure and feel a bit more sexy doing this. Nude is always a winner. Adding something to that, adds another layer to the work.'


It probably won't surprise you learn that Dominick spent many years working as a fashion designer. As part of his work, he was often part of the photo shoots for his designs. Dominick saw the relationship between the model and photographer and how electrifying it could be during the creation process. Dominick's goal, is to recreate that same feeling and creative spirit during his own shoots.


That electrifying spark is certainly evident in so many of Dominick's images. To create this, Dominick's goal is to make his models feel comfortable, so the best his models has to offer, comes to light in the final images. It's interesting, but totally understandable, how using fashion, can help support this.


Not every model, can stand completely naked under the lights of a studio, and look totally at ease. Sometimes the smallest thing, even a teeny tiny pair of white briefs, can provide layer of comfort to allow a model to relax, letting their personality and emotions come to the surface.  The briefs don't necessarily hide, or cover very much, but they can provide a model with something to grab and hold on to and focus on during a shoot.


'During the shoot, when all else disappears -except for what is in front of the camera- it becomes a kind a of meditation. One of the reasons why I'm continually drawn to this kind of work is being able to meet great people and work creatively and collaboratively with a single focus in mind: great images.'


I've never heard an artist use the word mediation before when describe working with a model. The more I thought about it however, the more I thought that it fits photographing the male form perfectly. I have written several times before, that being naked, doesn't necessarily expose anything about the model in front of the camera. I have profile many models who have shown literally every part of their body in images, but are hesitant to share much about who they actually are. A model's goal, even when naked, can be to hide, whereas an artist, is all about revealing.


This can lead to a kind of mediation, a back and forth between the artist's creative goals and a models emotional boundaries. Some artists, seem to see everything, their lens, cutting through any barriers or layers of protection a model has built around them. Dominick, through the relationship he is able to create, has clearly has learned to remove those layers, interestingly enough by adding, not removing clothing.


In so many features I have done, the image order is all based on reveal. As you scroll down the site, less and less clothing is featured in the images. Now, as you can see from the image below, I still like the big reveal. As breathtaking as the nude shot is below, one of my favorite images, of the same model, is the image I used as pic of the day. Although the model is exposing his beautiful naked backside, the exposure is much hotter, and far more visually interesting by the hat, plaid shirt and chaps that he is wearing. With Dominick's images, I am less interested in seeing the fashion removed, and more interested in seeing how he and his models, incorporate it into overall concept and look of the image.


Media Men: Dutty Wruck

$
0
0

Whether you like him with blonde or with darker hair; whether you like him dry or wet; whether you like him in or out of his undies, you can't help but love a guy named Dutty Wruck. It is especially hard to dislike a Dutty who is one of Brazil's busiest and most popular male models.



Dutty Wruck on Instagram


Next two shots from Luis de la Luz

Last four images from Michael Del Buono


Costume Fitting

$
0
0

Actor Steve Howey recently modeled his costume during the filming of Shameless Thanks Steve for sharing your pink elephant trunk on both Twitter and Instagram  prior to last week's season premier.

Happy Birthday today October 7th

Favorite Pic of the Day for October 7th

Ten: POTD 2011

$
0
0
Image by MvR photo

For me, 2011 was about cementing. Cementing what I wanted FH to be, and cementing relationships with photographers, models and actors who were a part of my vision. I have written before that one of the things that drove FH in the beginning was respect. I was so tired of certain sites and site owners who seemed to see their purpose in bringing others down. I hate cruelty, and wanted FH to be a celebration of the male form, not a site to tear down, belittle or make fun of others.

Image from Jon Seneca

But.. nice can be boring, so it was one of my goals to try to keep things interesting. That proved fairly easy with all the sexy images, and stimulating stories that artists and models shared. So many photographers made their FH debut in 2011. For some, it was just one visit, others visited a couple of times. Many others, made FH a regular place to share their work. MvR Photo, Jon Seneca, TWD Photos, Manuscript Photography, Christopher Singleton, GymImage and JR Williams were just some of the many artists who shared their vision and images in 2011.

Image by Richard Rothstein

Joining the photographers from 2010 who became regular contributors were Peek Physique, Doug Vetter, TR Pics, Studio James, Von Melzer and Greg Lindeblom. Gordon Nebeker also had his first appearance, but with an entertainer who had second thoughts about having his penis swinging about. Gordon's images made their next appearance in 2012 and have been a regular, and favorite part, of FH in 2010.

Keith by Carl Proctor

Carl Proctor, and his images of Keith, also first appeared in 2011. I have featured Carl's work each year since, including updates whenever he manages to get the very busy Keith back in front of his lens.

Image from Peek Physique

I also was thrilled to feature model great model features in 2011. Adam Fletcher, Seth Kuhlmann, Colby Keller, Brandon Connelly, Benjamin Godfre and tMf model search winner Kyle Goffney were just a handful of models who took the time to answer my questions and curiosities. Although Matt Eldracher won the 2010 model search, his winning photo shoot with photographer Chris Teel was featured 2011.

Image from TR Pics

I can't post about 2011 without giving a mention and thanks to Marlen Boro. Over 2011 and 2012, almost every Thursday, The Gentlemen of Marlen Boro was a highlight. It wasn't just a highlight to share so many incredible shoots from Marlen, it was also a treat to join Marlen for a short time on his journey to creating his signature Dudoir themed shoots.

Image from Doug Vetter

Image from GymImage

Matt Eldracher by Chris Teel

Brandon Connelly by TWD Photos

Image by Von Melzer

Quinn by Marlen Boro

Top of the Cove: Matt by Cooks Photography

$
0
0

It's interesting to me, how many times there's a nexus between art, and some of the artists and shoots, that I feature on FH. One of the themes of Friday's story with photographer Dominick Avellino, was how big an influence fashion has played with my love of so many images I have featured of the nude male form. In that piece, I mentioned how much I enjoyed the way Dominick incorporated many types of fashion, but especially long johns, into his work. Oddly enough, it was also long johns, that initially drew me to the work of Cooks Photography.


I actually began this piece long before Friday's piece on Dominick's work, shortly after profiling model Ivan Bohman last August. One of the shots in his port that I especially liked, was a image of Ivan looking mighty fine in a pair of long johns from Hal Cooks from Cooks Photography. Since then, I have been fortunate to have seen much more of Hal's work, so much that it was difficult to narrow down a model, shoot or theme to feature.


Ultimately, I asked Hal about featuring his work with Matt. Matt is obviously gorgeous, young, hot with an incredible body. Most of the models I feature however, are hot with incredible bodies, but it was the choices Hal made, with fashion, prop and location that me wanting to feature this shoot. I love how Matt looks in his trapper hat and boots, especially hanging on the rocks holding his long staff. I also love Hal's shots with red fabric, the deep red visually contrasts beautifully with Matt's skin and muted color of the rocks that surround him.


One of the reason I believe so many artists feel the compelled to create is that they have a vision they haven't seen in the work of others.  If your only goal is to duplicate something that has already been created, what would really be the point....   Hal started shooting in 2007 after searching for a greeting card, featuring a great images of a black and a white model together. Hal didn't find much selection so began creating and shooting his own greeting cards. Although he stopped making his cards awhile ago, he never stopped shooting hot sexy men.


One of those men was Matt.  Hal connected with the 20 year old model on Model Mayhem and has worked with him twice.  The first shoot produced the set of image shown here shot top of the Cove, outside behind the houses in Cathedral City California.  The next day, they went inside to shoot in the studio.


Hal likes to ask a few simple questions before meeting and setting up a shoot with a model. Questions to ensure that  they're comfortable with the direction of the shoot.  One of the questions is about limitations, and if there is anything they don't want to show on camera.  I loved Matt's response, a response I think possibly typical for many models shooting nudes. ' I don't like shots of my asshole haha. I think they're weird, but outside of that not really.'  Matt's not really, gave Hal plenty of ideas and options for their trip up to the top of the cove.


'Matt was great to work with, so comfortable in underwear or fully nude. He was funny and very genuine,  I was so impressed with him.  I have used this location before it's private, with usually no one around. As far as the theme, all I did was to pick out a variety of my props and went with the flow. I always have ideas before the shoot, however; I'm not confined by them.'




Turkey & Undressing

$
0
0

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating this weekend!



Happy Birthday today October 9th

Favorite Pic of the Day for October 9th

Ten: POTD 2012

$
0
0
Image from Gordon Nebeker

One of the things I love best about working on FH is the relationships I have formed, and the artists who put their trust in the site, and my ability to respectfully present their work. Trust is an intricate piece of art, especially when the art's focus is the naked male form. The best photographers respect the fears, vulnerabilities, boundaries and egos of the men they are shooting.

Alex by New Manhattan Studios

In turn, I have learned to respect the trust models place in the artists that shoot them, and what I share as I put together the text. Sometimes the most interesting and titillating stories, are the ones that I have to leave out. Often a photographer or model will share a story or image, not to include in the story, but to give me context and help in putting together the text.

Image from Robert J Guttke

2012 marked the first appearance of several significant artists and contributors. Many of the artists have become trusted collaborator and supporters. Many have not only continued to share their work, many have shot images exclusively for FH. Gordon Nebeker, Steven Kahrs, Robert J. Guttke, DAVISICON and Bob Burkhardt all had their first features in 2012. The year also marked the first post from New Manhattan Studios, and of course Wes's work with Alex, a model who is now one of the studio's photographers.

Image from Steven Kahrs

Some of the many other photographers who have become multiple contributors have included; Andrew Bowman, JGH Photography, Eros Adonis, Danny Barson, ClearEye, Dennis Nauert, Get Shot by Christopher, Brenton Parry, Suntown Photography, Max Woltman, Fotorebelxt Photography, Chris Free, Sean Cooper, H2H PHotography and Bacchus Stuart and his work with Quinn Christopher Jaxon.

Image from Bob Burkhardt

Image from Danny Barson

Image from Eros Adonis

2012 also marked the debut of theme days, days when each of the 5 stories covers the same focus. Some of the themes have included, men of the cloth, models with horses and a salute to the stage version of Into The Woods. I began however withCircus featuring the work of flondo, Richard Rothstein and StudioMG Photography.

Image from StudioMG Photography

Image from JGH Photography


Image from Andrew Bowman

Image from ClearEye

Ten: Hunter by YogaBear Studio

$
0
0

'YogaBear Studio provides fine portrait and physique photography for men of all ages and body types.'


It was back in 2011 that I first profiled the work of YogaBear Studio. Since that first piece, YogaBear's work has appeared in close to 50 features on the site. I have featured the yoga, I have featured the bears and I have covered so many of men that David has so beautifully captured.


I have loved David's location work and the stories he and his models have shared from their time on the beach, the desert, the railroad tracks and the old splintered porch. I have equally loved David's studio work which weaves classic male physique poses with David's signature nod to yoga poses and spiritual warriors of the past.


I also love how David often weaves in shots of the various stages of undress, something I especially love in his studio work. I first saw these shots of Hunter last spring and immediately asked David about featuring the shoot. I love his look, Hunter is incredibly hot, and I especially enjoy how much fun he seems to be having in front of the David's lens. It took a little while to get in touch with Hunter about featuring his images, but the wait made Hunter's appearance perfectly timed to help celebrate FH's 10th. Be sure to check out many more images of Hunter on his page on YogaBear Studio's site HERE:






YogaBear Studio


T E N

$
0
0

Like most of you, I always hated when my favorite sit-com had a clip show. You know, one of those episodes that looks new, but only has one or two new scenes, filmed only to set up a series of flashbacks to previous episodes. At the same time, when you love a great comedy show, you also know some of the best moments are usually from the some of the shows earlier episodes. FHturns 10 this week. On October 13th, 2007, I started the blog. What began as an outlet for my writing, and a place of course for hot naked men, has morphed over the last decade to what you see today. I never thought when I started it would last 10 weeks, let alone 10 years. That being said, I am proud of the what the site has become. I love love photography, the arts and creatively imaginative imagery. As much as I love the male form, I also have no interest in just posting images after image on a site, no matter how hot the photo, without thought, credit or investigation.

Posting great imagery of naked men may have been the impetus, but getting to know the story behind those images is the motivator that keeps me going. Every time I think it's time to quit, an image, artist, model or story lures me in with questions and curiosities about how the image came to be. So... despite my feelings about sit-com clips shows, I am devoting the next week and a half of FH to celebrating. Not the sites anniversary really, but more the artists, models and stories that have inspired and kept me motivated the last 10 years. There is a little bit of looking back, but it is mostly a chance to once again spotlight some of the artists who have supported and contribute to FH over the years. Soooo, look for some old favorites, new images and shoots, and a few surprises as I celebrate what else, some of my FaVorites!

Happy Birthday today October 11th

$
0
0

Happy 38th to actor Trevor Donovan!

I have been covering, and uncovering Mr. Donovan since the blog earliest days. Check out my very first Trevor inspired post from 2007 HERE:

Check out more of today's birthday boys's HERE:& HERE:

Favorite Pic of the Day for October 11th


Ten: Location Location Location: Michael MM by Robert Colgan

$
0
0
On The Rails

'Doing an on location shoot with Rob is like going on an Urbex adventure. He always picks a really cool spot and even when we're between shooting sessions, we've got a cool environment to explore.'




The Water Plant

I love featuring Robert's images and when I recently contacted him about a return visit, was excited to hear he had recently shot with a new model. Given Robert's love of places, and spaces, Robert was happy to find the model, Michael MM, was also enthusiastic for the environmentals. For this shoot, there were three locations. And bandoned rail car, not far from a busy road with people and cars coming and going, and two locations a little more private. A long ago closed Electric company building and a water plant.


'After crawling through a window to get inside, we encountered some pipes separated by deep openings. after getting some interesting shots up top, we moved into the lower level. The timing was perfect as the sun created some cool shafts of light. Knowing the art of photography myself, I can see Rob's passion reflected in the composition of every photo. Whether it's an up close perspective from a lower angle or a distant shot through an opening, he uses the environment as an integral part of his framing and not only as a backdrop.'


After first doing a studio shoot, Robert and Michael ventured to the three locations on their second shoot together. After crawling into that factory window, photographer and model were greeted with a visual feast of lines and pipes, abandoned equipment, deep pit like openings and a 50 foot drop. 25 year old Michael only recently started modeling and his work with Robert was first experience getting down and dirty on location shoot.


If you send 5 artists to a beach, you'll end up with 5 different visuals of that same beach. One focused on ocean views, one on plant life, one on the sun and sky and one, or maybe two, on shirtless swimmers. Location shoots don't just show places, they also show bit about the people in front of, and behind the lens. What they focus on, how they move and relate to the environment. It is fascinating to see what is seen, what is felt and what is experienced.


'Michael is a curious young man and always enthusiastic about being in front of the lens He has proved to be very open to any idea or concept and being new to location work, it was interesting to watch him in the different locations, experimenting with his figure in space. I think he appreciates the final conceptual goal and wants to be a part of that mechanism. He has been a wonderful part of the creative process because he understands a lot about photography as a physical and technical medium. Michael seems ready to take on whatever project is thrown his way. And it's exciting to watch his progress...'

The Electric Copany

'The major electric plant building was the most difficult to get into but it was worth it. The environment inside was stunning with large abandoned machinery and some cool corridors.'
Michael MM



Quarternate: Robert Colgan

$
0
0

The Photography of Robert Colgan


An old bank vault, abandoned buildings, factories, farm houses, a prison and a Veterans memorial hall. These are all places photographer Robert Colgan has visually taken viewers of his work. Whenever I profile Robert's work, the locations play an important part of the story. Robert's stories, the places that he has captured, and the models who joined him, have been some of my favorite stories to dive into and explore. Great artists, like great stories, take you places you might otherwise never experience if not for their work and I thank Robert for letting FH join him on so many adventures since first featuring his imagery back in 2009.


2015/2016




2009-2012






Facts About Favorites: Thanks John Mayer

$
0
0

You may not know that John Mayer, and his fluorescent green thong, was in small part, responsible for FH's success. Back in early 2008, in the early stages of the site, I was sent some images of Mayer from his now infamous music cruise.


Although I wasn't the first to post them, my piece came out early enough that many other sites and blogs linked to the images and post. For the next week FH's site hits went through the roof! After a week or so, the hits certainly went down, but it drew a huge number of people to the site, many of whom continue to visit again and again.


Happy Birthday today October 12th

$
0
0

Happy 35th to Rugby's Guillaume Boussès

Guillaume is one of the close to 50 FH features on the men of Dieux du Stade

Check out more of today's Birthday's HERE:

Favorite Pic of the Day for October 12th

Viewing all 12891 articles
Browse latest View live