'The first time I posed naked was after I started losing weight. I lost 60 lbs. Originally, I wanted to document the process- plus I was beginning to feel super confident about who I am and what I was doing. It was a completely new experience for me to get in front of the camera. I was nervous as all hell, but as the first shoots went on it became fun. It was acting- without all of that line memorization.'
It is always interesting for me to read answers to the questions I throw at models, especially when the model in question is also a writer. The quote above comes from December feature profling model, actor and storyteller Mark-Eugene Garcia. (Teller of the Tales) I think we sometimes assume when seeing images of great looking men, that they have always looked that way, and are confident and self assured in their appearance.
It is always fascinating to exploring transformations. Many of the models I have featured have through a physical change prior to finding the courage to step naked in a front of a camera. Their stories, have also made some of the most interesting stories to share. Losing or gaining weight or muscle are not the only ways to stimulate a metamorphosis, but they often result in biggest changes in strength and self confidence. For many, being vulnerable, both physically and emotional for others to see, and to judge means getting to a point of not actually giving a shit about what others think and feel.
When I was working on choosing images for my first piece on Mark, I knew from all the images that I couldn't fit in, I want to share more. When I was going through Mark's port looking for what images I wanted to share next, some of my favorites were Mark's work with photographer Jerzy Kowalksi (JK-F7 Studio). To be honest, I didn't even notice any differences in Mark's appearance, only that I loved these images, and loved how incredibly hot Mark looked in his dress shirt ad ties.
'Jerzy's shoot was one of my first so I was still getting used to the idea of getting naked in front of a camera. He kept me laughing the whole time, which loosened my nerves and really played with his style of bow ties. This was when I first started losing weight so I was still a little chubby. But I was already starting to feel good.'
When we look at images of others, we look at the surface, what we see, and it makes us feel. When we look at images of ourselves, we generally go instantly to how we felt when the capture was taken. For Mark, his shoot with Jerzy was during the beginning stages of change, and only his second time shooting the nude, the first being with photographer Patrick Mulcahey. Mark was feeling good about his body, and himself, and wanted to document it, originally, only for himself. Mark wasn't sure when these images were taken, anyone would but himself, or Jerzy ,would see them. But the freedom he felt, and the enjoyment that came from the process of shooting, thankfully for us, changed his mind.
'Exhibitionism.... freedom.... honesty. It was really just a breaking down of walls.) But it was the start of something- it's been quite a journey.'
Most of us who have followed the career, and body, of Zac Efron, have enjoyed the evolution. From his time on Summerland and High School Musical through his buffed up bod in Dirty Grandpa. As Zac has changed, so then must the way he is portrayed in paper doll land.
Who knew? Not sure that golfer Shawn Stefani could have done anything in his golf shirt and Khaki's that would have brought him the attention that he got by taking them off. Stefani looks pretty fine in just his tight white briefs at last weekend's The Honda Classic.
Now in its seventh year, pb&j gallery presents Body & Soul. With all you've come to expect from this sensual and erotic event, this exhibition celebrates the nude male form at its most compelling. Last year's photographers Bob Burkhardt and Trevor Green return and accomplished photographers, Bart Thomas and Habeeb Mukasa will be joining the exhibition. The show's featured models include Brandon Akins, Victor Alexander, Nasir "Navy Navy" Bashir, Kai Bell, Ak Brown, Lance Forrest, Tony Holley, Denerick Lindsey Moses "Matado" Mukiibi, and Antwan Sirmons.
Bob Burkhardt's book Body&Soul2 will also be available for purchase.
'Fine art nude is my favorite genre. This means monochromatic or simple color, simple objects or settings, body's assuming different shapes to highlight the human form.'
I often use the words 'art' and 'artist' within the profiles I write. Although not all photographers are necessarily artists, some just take pictures of naked men... most of the photographers and models I feature are art creators, generating visuals through both skill, as well as imaginative concepts and vision. Model Michael J Summer gives most of the credit for his extraordinary visuals, to the photographers who lit, captured and gave direction to him during the shooting process.
So often when I put together questions to send to a model, I try to convey a full picture of the person, not just the body, and body parts seen in their images. Although Michael's focus is on creating great art, it was refreshing that his favorite genre is fine art nudes. Michael is more comfortable with the focus on his body, not his face or a particular body part. Michael loves using his entire body in the creative process and it was fascinating to find out why.
'I guess I’ve always been in a love-hate relationship with my body. I get praises about having a good shape now and then, but have always lacked a bit of confidence about my height and small frame. The idea of becoming a model gave me the confidence of being ‘on par’ with people with really great physiques that I aspire to, and I probably still think that way. A photographer friend asked if I would do a shoot with him, so feeling shy, anxious, and excited all at the same time – I did it. And it was full nude in this first shoot as well.'
Favorite experience modeling thus far:
'It’s hard to pick a favorite as the various experiences are good in different ways. In general, I enjoy working with photographers with great creative ideas and artistic sense (thrilled to have worked with one just this past weekend!); and those who’re skilled at lighting and can make the model’s physique look awesome. These elements are ingredients to cook up a good shoot.'
Odd or strange stories from any shoots: 'A pretty interesting experience I guess was shooting in a small local bar in the Algarve. That’s something I’ve never imagined would happen, and didn’t expect that the owners would be so kind to let us shoot there just before its opening hours. The bar was so classy and beautifully decorated that inspired me to pose in certain ways to blend in as part of the ‘furniture’. Posing nude for the shoot while the owners and a few early customers were there felt strange, yet in a good way. This is a huge contrast with some other experiences posing outdoors when there were people passing by – some even stopped, looked, and started chatting with the photographer. That was plain uncomfortable!'
'Model Mayhem and sharing my images has been overall a pleasant experience getting to know artists and photographers from all over the world. Getting praises about my work of course brings a lot of satisfaction as well – after all, what model doesn’t like getting compliments? These compliments have been doses of confidence booster for me at times of low self-esteem. Some of the picture comments are also well-thought out and help me look at different artistic qualities of the images (I don’t otherwise have a background or training in art or photography). I do get a lot of requests specifically for a nude shoot, I suppose because many models simply don’t shoot nudes. I have been asked to get involved in videos, wearing strange underwear, or being covered in a food mess lol didn’t agree to any of those...'
Factors weighed before deciding to take it all off?
'I’d look carefully at the photographer’s work to see if they do nudes tastefully and in artistic ways, to create lines and shapes in the images, and to emphasize the beauty of the human form, rather than having an overwhelming focus on the ‘goods’.'
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
'The chest. It has always been the most developed part that looks the best without too much effort. I have to make a great deal of effort to work on my arms and shoulders to match that! Part that gets the most attention – it really varies from person to person. But I guess most people notice and comment on the chest, and some on the nipples, and a lot of attention to the penis when it’s not covered – I guess that’s inevitable when that’s hidden in the vast majority of everyday images.'
Do you have any dance background, your create some beautiful lines and poses?
'Nope, not a dancer or athlete in training. In fact, I’d definitely see myself as above-average clumsy! The beauty in the poses you see in the images are a product of the photographer’s direction, the lighting and angle, the setting and props, and the mood I was in taking in all the above.' Last four images from Mark Leighton
Why do you think you like modeling? 'I enjoy the creative process, and I enjoy the compliments about my physique (by the photographers and the viewers of the images). It gives me confidence boosts, and feeds the narcissist in me. And although it’s not the original purpose, I have genuinely learned a lot about art and photography through modeling, and have met many interesting and talented people around the world I otherwise wouldn’t. Guess that’s part of the reason why I tried retiring but couldn’t.'
You describe fine art nude as your favorite genre to shoot, but you seem to keep the focus on your body more than your face. Many models say they don't show their penis because they want to keep a bit of 'mystery' in their work, is mystery part of the reason you keep a piece of yourself... to yourself?
'I keep the focus on my body because I admire the human form and how it can be a form of art in itself or be involved in the artistic process. What photographers and drawing artists are able to create from the human form never ceases to amaze me. I’ve never really thought about deliberately keeping a bit of ‘mystery’ in my work until you mentioned the idea. I guess keeping a bit of ‘mystery’ can be interesting in a piece of art work, which leaves people thinking, imagining, and savoring the piece of work. So it could well be part of the work’s appeal! Many models say they don't show their penis because they want to keep a bit of 'mystery' in their work, is mystery part of the reason you keep a piece of yourself... to yourself?'
I never thought I would be doing a favorite 'hunk' post on actor Beau Bridges. It isn't that I didn't think he was talented and cute, but I have only really known Beau for his appearances on TV the last decade, usually playing the dopey grandfather. I have lusted after his brother Jeff, and posted about him in last Sunday's salute to the Oscars. Beau however, was never really on my radar until last week.
With Darren Criss in Broadway's How To Succeed in Business Without Even Trying (2012)
I love Sally Field, and always wanted to get around to watching her Oscar winning performance in Norma Rae. Finally a few weeks ago, it came up on one of the movie channels I subscribe to. I thoroughly enjoyed the move, especially the performances of Sally Field and actor Ron Leibman. The movie reminded a bit of Erin Brockavoch, with Beau Bridges in the Aaron Eckhart role, complete with hairy chest and shirtless scenes. I all of a sudden started looking at goofy Beau in an entirely different way.
The Family Business
According to ncdb, Beau has shown a little skin both Gaily Gaily (Chicago Chicago) in 1969, and Hammersmith is Out in 1972. As good a researcher as I think myself to be, I could not find copies to either buy, or download of either of these flicks. Neither, including Hammersmith which also starred Elizabeth Taylor, seem to have made to DVD, nor did I find any old VHS copies. I will keep looking and let you know if anything comes up!
With brother Jeff on Saturday Night Live (1983)
Village of the Giants (1965)
With Elizabeth Taylor in Hammersmith is Out (1972)
'Bond does not disappoint his fans as he turns up the heat in a series of casual, lifestyle essays to complement the more formal art nude studies. As he matures as a model, the confidence and command that he brings to his work is palpable. This is Bond as you've never seen him: bold, wet and steamy.'
At the end of January, I did a piece about Bond: Private Portfolio 2, New Manhattan Studio's new uncensored look at one of their, and FH's, favorite subjects, Bond! At the time of that posting however, only the hard cover edition was available for purchase. As of the week however, you can also get your hands on the soft cover, and low priced digital download editions. Although not technically 'hard' covers, the soft cover, and digital editions have their own unique hardening appeal.
The Private Portfolio series features the uncensored work of New Manhattan Studios. This book has 62 pages of art nude and physique art studies taken in both New York and California during our second year of working with the man who has turned out to be the studio's most popular model. Most of the images (the work of three staff photographers, Alex Corso, Wm Weyeneth and Wes Triplett) have never been published. Together, they represent a definitive collection of the best of our most recent work with Bond. Captured over the course of six months, the collection is a fitting sequel to his first private portfolio, featuring our work during the first year of his modeling career.
I am certainly not an expert on wresting, especially it's history, but sometimes an image can inspire a little history lesson. The image in this case, was an image of British wrestler Jack Sexsmith, and the history professor... DC poster Davidid. Before we get to Jack, let's go back just a bit. Some of you who follow wrestling know of Rikishi, the Samoan American wrestler who became famous for some of his signature moves throughout wresting rings in the 1990's.
One of Rikishi's most famous moves was called...wait for it, the stinkface. To complete the move, Rikishi wave his ginormous gluteus maximus in the face of his opponent. Since most wrestlers wouldn't sit there quietly awaiting the stinkface, Rikishi waited until they were down and dizzy and, like The Rock in the video below, unable to resist the rump.
That brings us back to the self described sexually frivolous and morally ambiguous, Jack Sexsmith. The gender neutral and plural wrestler has put his own spin on Rikishi's signature move, doing the ass waving with his wresting gear pulled down, and butt bare.
Thankfully for his opponents, Rikishi never tried this method, but Jack manages to pull it off beautifully. First off Jack's ass is perfectly shaped for face waving, and unlike his predecessor's opponents, I am guessing some of Sexsmith ring rivals might might just go down on purpose and await the up close and personal coming their way.
It's been over a month since I posted on The Over-Flow and I thought it was time to remedy that. When I was going through some old files with 'blog idea's in them, I knew I found just the right model for the Over-Flow. Some of you might might remember Men Magazine, a magazine that although I don't really remember, have learned about thanks to the net. 1999 May cover boy Nick Russell had me inspired to seek out more of his images to share.
'I have always been an adrenaline seeker my whole life. My mom nicknamed me Monkey when I was five years old for climbing a tall apparatus at a park. I started skateboarding when I was 10 years old and I started Parkour and freerunning when I was 15 years old.'
If you follow of the work of photographer Joseph Lally, you had the pleasure of being introduced to his work with Daniel Jensen. At the end of last week, Joseph posted close to 20 images of the 21 year old California model on his Instagram, causing a flurry of excitement on social media.
It isn't hard to figure out why, Daniel has a stand out look, beautiful hazel eyes, great facial structure, and an incredible body, all perfectly captured by Lally. I immediately headed to Daniel's own Instagram page and got lost in the many breathtaking images which show off not just his great body, but the many amazing things Daniel is able to do with it. Gravity and boundaries seem immaterial to Daniel as he accelerates through his surroundings, running, jumping, skateboarding, scaling tree's and flying through the air.
Many of these moments of motion were taken by photographer Damien Manspeaker. (PopJuice) Damien and Daniel make an ideal collaborative team, with matching energies that have merged to create some truly incredible images! Damien is also a friend of Daniel's who was in part, through his images, responsible for getting Daniel started in the modeling business.
'I actually never intended on modeling. I bought a camera and asked my friend Damien or as you know him on Instagram as @too_much_yogurt, who is really good at taking pictures, if he would teach me how to use my camera and we could do a photoshoot for each other. When we arrived at the location I slipped on mud and my shirt got dirty so I took it off. Damien looked at me and said "OH MY GOD. DO NOT PUT YOUR SHIRT BACK ON!" and started to take pictures of me shirtless. I uploaded those pictures to Instagram and Facebook and they drew a huge liking! Thats when I saw the potential I had. I started doing more photoshoots with him and then a talent agent found me.'
One of Damien's first shots of Daniel that drew those many likes!
After spending some time with Daniel's images, I knew I wanted to share and feature his work on FH. I followed the link on Daniel's page to Faraj Management, and within a day, Faraj had me in contact with Daniel who welcomed a feature, and my long list of questions. Those first images from Damien were just taken last year and I was particularly interested in the many changes, from leaving the military, and starting a modeling career, which have all occurred in a relatively short time span.
'I've had so many new and exciting experiences this year! Every time I meet a new photographer there is a new essence to the photoshoot. I think in all the learning experience is what I enjoy the most collectively from all the photographers I've worked with. One time I actually got naked in the middle of a huge cemetery for a funny photoshoot with Damien! That was my first time getting naked in a public location.'
Being new to modeling sometimes means maneuvering between photographers who want to create artist images, and photographers who just want to get you naked. How are you handing weaving through this given you're fairly new to modeling?
🔹I have had photographers ask or change the agreement closer to my arrival to location and I had to cancel the shoot because they tried to be sly. Its not too hard because most photographers are upfront and its easy to just say no to a request.
What factors did you weigh before deciding to do nude/implied nudes?
🔹What are my parents going to think when they find out or even see those photos? I don't know but I hope in the end they are proud of how far I've gotten at that point with my career.
Did the response from friends/family enter into your decision making process?
🔹I weighed the odds and told myself that I can't let others stop me from doing something I want to pursue. My family and friends all support me though and are love the progress I'm making. I love them all very much for their support!
Is it strange having women and men lusting over you virtually on-line?
🔹I don't mind the thought of that reality. In a way it is very flattering! My newly found fans are very excited for new content and love show their love with comments and likes. Can you share the stories behind your tattoos?
🔹The Pigeon tattoo was my first tattoo. I got it because I love pigeons and thought I might as well get something I love as a tattoo. The Black Panther tattoo was my second tattoo. I got that because I showed the picture to a friend who was looking for tattoo ideas and he said it would look stupid so I went and got it to prove him wrong. The Sun/Moon tattoo is my third tattoo and final for now. I got it spontaneously wanting to kill an hour of time.
What would you consider the most important thing you took from your time in the military?
🔹I learned how to conceal my emotions and thoughts and rationalize situations in strategic ways. I also learned how to control my bearing and many useful life hacks. Ultimately I learned how to work out and that is what helped men to sculpt my body from scrawny to toned and muscular.
Any feedback on your images from any of your military friends?
🔹My military friends are impressed and congratulate me every now and then on my progress.
🔹I actually need to start skateboarding more often to strengthen my calves because its very hard to do that in the gym compared to the natural work out of pushing yourself on a skateboard.
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
🔹I am actually most happy with my legs. They don't look as strong as they really are. I don't normally do a squat or leg press work out for leg day. I have my own work out and it helps me jump high and far. Most people love my arms and my back muscle.
Where does your confidence in front of the camera come from?
🔹My photographers instruct me to be me and so some of the images they capture are me trying to practice talking with my eyes. I haven't perfected that yet so the images may send weird messages but I also like to show creative and fun active photos of climbing and flipping to show a wild and fun side of myself.
Why do you like most about modeling?
🔹I like that I am getting paid to stay fit and take care of my body. I also look forward to traveling the world on trips to photoshoot locations when I am assigned to agencies. Right now I have so many options I can't decide. I am open to many paths in the industry and looking forward to my options and opportunities in the near future.
KJ Apa might be the show's heartthrob, and Cole Sprouce is completely adorable as Jughead, but there is another hunk roaming the halls of Riverdale High. So far Kevin has been written mostly as Bettys BFF, but Casey Cott has been bringing a serious case of the hotness to his Instagram, especially his work with New York photographer Nathan Johnson.
Riverdale is the first show in awhile I have loved from the get go, and Casey's Kevin is part of the reason. Kevin was featured quite heavily in the show's first few episodes, but lately, Betty has been more interested in Jughead than hanging out with Kevin. Hopefully the show will get a season 2, and Kevin's role will be expanded to take advantage of Casey's talent, looks and strong appeal. If you haven't caught the show on The CW yet, all episodes are also on Netflix for anytime viewing.
I first noticed actor Nico Tortorella when he was part of The Following sexy throuple. I haven't caught Younger yet, but I am looking forward to Nico playing Lyle in the upcoming Menendez Brothers movie. In the meantime however, you can get your Nico fix from photographer Samuel Ramirez in the current issue of Rogue Magazine.
