↧
Happy Birthday today December 9th
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for December 9th
↧
↧
The Cusp of Cool: Andrew by Unlimited Male
'Don't play the saxophone. Let it play you.'
Charlie Parker
Jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker knows, that unlike most other musical instruments, playing the sax means not just committing to the instrument and the music, but a way of life. Sax players are reputed by many, to be more physically attractive, sexually magnetic and personally charming than performers on all other instruments. Sax players are also thought to straddle a fine line between the edge of weird, and the cusp of cool.
I think Charlie Parker's quote helps delineate which side of the line one falls on. If you watch any sax performance you can tell simply by the way they hold their instrument, whether they are playing, or succumbing to to power of the music and the instrument. Think of any performance by Clarence Clemons or Tim Cappello (think of that scene in The Lost Boys) and you know the music takes over their entire body, rhythmically pulsing and driving every movement.
Now, I can be sure all of the traits I described fit every sax player, but they certainly seem to fit 20 year old model and sax player Andrew Hann. Andrew first picked up the sax at age 8, and as you can tell from his images, it is not just a prop in a photo shoot, but has become a part of who he is. You can almost feel the way the music and the brass instrument bring out a unique power and distinctive rhythm when in Andrew's hands.
Andrew has an incredible body, one kept in tip top shape, not just from playing his instrument, but from working out and running. Andrew's chiseled body comes from hours of hard work and sweat, credit for his great facial structure and beautiful brown eyes must in part be given to his Asian-American background. In addition to his great look, I equally love the personality and seemingly endless energy that Jay from Unlimited Male managed to so perfectly captured within this shoot.
Whenever I feature Jay's work, I continue to be impressed at the varied models he chooses to shoot and his ability to bring out unique pieces of their personality in his images. I first saw Jay's images of Andrew's naked sax playing a couple of months ago, and knew instantly I wanted to feature them on the site. Due to Jay's busy schedule, it took a little while to pull things together. In that time, it is clear many others have seen the special qualities in Andrew and beautifully he photographs in both fashion and fitness, as well as creatively inspired concept shoots like his work with Jay.
'Andrew was full of energy and never met a stranger. He made a new friend on the flight down and spoke to almost everyone we met. I don't think that I have ever met anyone as friendly and outgoing as he is before. All in all, I think it was one of the most fun, productive shoots that I have had. I think that Andrew has a very bright future ahead of him and I hope to have the opportunity to work with him again soon.'
That energy Jay describes was apparent from the first moment he and Andrew met. Andrew had flown down to shoot for the weekend, and after flying down on Friday afternoon, Jay thought he might need some time to rest and settle in after his flight. Instead, after a quick bite, they began shooting right away, and began again, bright and early the next morning.
Jay and Andrew spent most of day shooting in studio and locations in and around the hotel. Whenever they were shooting in pubic places,, Andrew was constantly meeting up with new people, making friends and adding followers to his Instagram and his Snapchat (drew_clarky88), which Andrew shares he loves to be on.
↧
12 Days: Aaron O'Connell in With Love, Christmas
I first featured model turned actor Aaron O'Connell back in 2009 as Model of the Day. As a model, Aaron was working with some of the industries most well known photographers. His images, especially his frontal from Bruce Weber (HERE:) which had the net (well a segment of the net...) in a tizzy when it was first scanned and uploaded.
No all models are able to make a smooth transition to acting, but O'Connell seems to be bucking that trend. First cast by Tyler Perry as Wyatt in TV series The Have and the Have Nots, O'Connell has also been making a name for himself on Hallmark including this seasons holiday flick, With Love, Christmas. I liked With Love, Christmas much more than I expected, mostly due to Aaron's performance.
O'Connell plays Donovan Goodwin, an uptight curmudgeon, with no Christmas spirit at all. His main focus is his job as an ad executive, and keeps as busy as he can so he doesn't have time for anything festive or fun. But... thanks to his works secret Santa, and the fully spirited and adorable Melanie, (Emilie Ullerup) Donovan shares why he isn't a bit Christmas fan. But... as with all Christmas movies, by the end Melanie, and the spirit, has won him over.
As successful as Aaron was as a model, he really belongs in front of a camera that catches him in movement, his sexy walk just the beginning. With his matinee idol looks, Aaron, I think his days on Hallmark may be numbered. Next up, Aaron hits the big screen along with Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme in the action film Black Water, due for release next year.
Aaron by Joseph Bleu
Aaron by Mariano Vivanco
↧
Seasonal Sightings
The Magic of the first Snow of the Season.
↧
↧
Happy Birthday today December 11th
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for December 11th
↧
Fashion & Form: David by Greg Lindeblom
'It is still a dream to collaborate with him again -- this time in Paris. We will make it happen.'
So often in life, there seems to be a emphasis on new. Some, including many photographers, seem more invested in uncovering a new body, than the actual creative process. Therefore, I always consider it significant when a photographer shares their excitement about the possibility of shooting again with a model they have already worked with. An essential piece of creating is inspiration, and not all creative collaborations inspire and satisfy a photographer's artistic energy and vision.
With just a quick glimpse at some Greg Lindeblom's images of David is all you need to see why the Florida photographer would be creatively inspired to work again with the French model. David has a ruggedly handsome face and an incredible body which so perfectly personifies the strength and beauty so many of us associate with, and imagine when envisioning the male form.
In many of Greg's images, David's physique is reminiscent of Classical statues and Ancient Greek sculptures. especially in with of the incredible body poses captured. David creates such elegantly masculine long lines and curves. David's body, and his artistry and finesse with pose, come from his years of training and work as an aerialist and dancer. Greg shares that David is also an amazing dancer, and dance teacher, which help contribute to why Greg says he's a dream to work with.
'I love to shoot with dancers. They are so body-aware and are trained to pose beautifully. Whether it is a long-pose or short one, dancers know how to look fantastic. I used David's dance background in creating the images with him. '
Working on FH has led me to believe that you can't always truly appreciate a naked body, unless you also see it dressed. It is one of the reasons I chose 'Fashion & Form' to title this selection of images. Whenever I feature Greg's work, there is always an varied array nude imagery, with a focus on form and creative and classical poses. In fact, the first image of Greg that I saw were the nudes, which had me wanting to feature more of his work with David. Greg also generally shoots a selection of fashion, fitness and underwear looks, and when he sent on a wider selection of images, my appreciation for David's nude's only grew stronger.
There is a reason Greg's dream is not only to shoot with David again, but to do it in Paris. David is pretty much sticking close to home these days, for work and because he is now a parent. But, as an aerialist and dancer, one of David's jobs was a cruise contract which brought him into the port of Miami pretty much on a weekly basis. This made it fairly easy to plan multiple shoots when David was in Miami. Earlier this year, Greg was in Paris, but although they talked on the phone, were unable to find a day both were free to shoot. It remains a goal though, and I look forward to hearing when Greg is again heading to La Ville Lumière.
'The most shown image from the shoot is called "To Dance". The lyrical way he posed his body made that image something special. It has a prized position in my portfolio.'
↧
Instagrams that Inspire: George Todd McLachlan
George Todd McLachlan (GTM) is a talented actor and recording artist, but I it was his images on Instagram that first led me to his work. George lights up in front of the camera exuding a sultry energy that's totally captivating.
George has had small parts in Grease Live, Fresh Off The Boat, CSI and Guidance and appears in the new film adaptation of Billionaire Boys Club which featuring Taron Egerton, Billie Lourd and Ansel Elgort.
↧
↧
Hungry? Satisfy your Sweet Tooth!
'How do you satisfy a man in the kitchen? Pour sprinkles and chocolate sauce all over him!'
Photographer Michael Craft knows that two of the things we crave the most, two of the things we think about, dream about, lust about. Two of the things we love to taste and devour are mouthwatering, decadent and ooey, gooey good! Michael combines both, smooth hot men and creamy sugary goodness together in his new book 'Sweet Tooth'.
Who doesn't want a little eye candy when satisfying your sweet tooth? Who doesn't like a little naked skin to go with their vanilla and caramel? Sweet Tooth combines naked men with a delicious array of recipes to turn them on. And hell, if they don't bite, you've got the baked goods right at devour! Michael's new book was a labor of love, from selecting the 27 sexy models to taste, eat and later up in the sexy desserts they pose with.
Check out and order more about Sweet Tooth HERE:
↧
Seasonal Sightings
Santa's Sack
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for December 13th
↧
The Cover Up by Hans Fahrmeyer
'The intent is to evoke desire, and it’s evident in the eyes of the models on each page. The energy is palpable through his use of vibrant colors, unique body poses and positions, as well as his creative editing. Hans channels the energy into images drenched in both intensity and urgency.'
I usually post the work of New York based artist Hans Fahrmeyer on Sunday's, but with Christmas just a week and half away, I thought I would give those still looking for the perfect holiday gift a bit of extra time to uncover Hans new book The Cover Up.
'In in his last book, The Naked Truth, Hans unveiled an extensive collection of breathtaking images of a multitude of men that Hans has photographed throughout his career. Each image, and each page, revealed models completely bare, with nothing to hide behind, nothing to mask or conceal their own raw truths. Why then, would Hans follow-up The Naked Truth with The Cover-Up?'
'Why physically expose his models only to then cover them up? The art of reveal is one of Hans greatest skills as an artist. Although many of the models in The Cover-Up are partially covered, the bits of fashion are used to highlight and accentuate the body and specific body parts.'
'Viewers will enjoy the voyeuristic tease Hans creates with the creative uncovering of models. with a variation of textile and transparent materials. But the viewer is rewarded with what is revealed and then, what is left to the imagination. Underwear, jock-straps and jeans are worn to cover and protect, they cling directly to our bodies like a second layer of skin.'
'The uncovering of garments highlights and illuminates the male form exposing it in exciting and unique ways. Like the frame of a painting, Hans uses The Cover-Up to focus our eye and to spotlight a piece of the painting, or a part of the body, creating an erotic transparency that would not be possible if the model was completely nude'
Preview more images from the book in the video below.
MY PHOTO BOOK 'THE COVER UP' By Hans Fahrmeyer from Hans Fahrmeyer on Vimeo.
↧
↧
Dany Douk: The Bare Necessities
'Modeling gives me a unique confidence and posing provides a sensation of the special appreciation of the connection between myself and the artist.'
Most of you who check into FH regularly, know there's a consistency to how I usually present images when I feature a model or artist. I want tell a story, and a complete story of the person I am featuring. Although nudity is frequently a big part of the tale, I strive to not make the entire focus of the story or narrative. I usually start with a few headshots, some fashion, fitness and maybe some underwear shots, then end with a few nudes. For 21 year old model Dany Douk however, it's all about the bare necessities.
It's not that fashion isn't important to Dany, it's just that thus far, his focus has been on nude modeling, specifically for artists. Although Dany is interested in trying out being shot by a professional photographer, most of his images were taken by a friend of his. The focus of Dany's images, are not to show off the talents of the photographer, but to give artists a full view of his classic physique to give them an idea of how his naked body might provide creative inspiration for their art. Artists have been impressed with Dany's classical body style, his strong and tall legs and his natural body hair, especially his bush... Attributes, Dany is aware may not be as popular with some photographers.
Dany drawn by Peter Bridgstock
As much I am inspired by Dany's naked physique, it wasn't his body that had me first reaching out. I was drawn to his beautiful long hair, his great face and soulful brown eyes which pull focus even with Dany's other impressive body parts competing for attention. I asked Dany if he had any additional portrait or clothed shots that i could add in order to present a variety of looks. I loved that Dany said he would prefer not. Given his focus is on nude modeling, he would like to keep his clothed shots personal as they are more connected to his social media pages and real life, and not a part of his modeling work.
As you can imagine, my experience with most models is often the opposite. Dany's positive attitude about nudity comes naturally, especially with his background coming from his a nudist family. Being naked is pretty normal for him, so when in college, a friend asked him to pose for a group of artists, he had little hesitation before saying yes. Dany has continued to model for many artists, as well as live venue nude modeling and modeling for amateur students in college classrooms. Dany says it also sort of fun thrill to see who see who was signing up to see him naked when his name was added on the model list for a class.
Thus far, Dany describes all his work as amateur, but joined Model Mayhem to see what connections he might be able to make with professional artists and possibly photographers. It is that connection which Dany says is one of his favorite parts about modeling nude. The unique atmosphere created with him being the subject of focus, naked and in such close proximity to the artists creating live in front of him. It is a unique perspective and very interesting viewing the model as the voyeur, the watcher of the artist at work, and not the other way around.
↧
Seasonal Sightings
Pumped Up & Plugged In
↧
Happy Birthday today December 15th
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for December 15th
↧
↧
Stocking Stuffers
Dear Santa...
I believe Santa stopped leaving living, breathing naked men under the tree sometime in the 70's It was after a particularly sad and unfortunate incident which occured under Andy Warhol's silver tree. Rumor has it... Warhol was far too intoxicated on the 25th to open his gifts. It wasn't until the 27th that he was coherent enough to unwrap his packages. What he found was not a pretty site. The wrapped and scotched taped model under his tree had choked on a tiny piece of tinsel which had lodged in his throat. He may have survived if not for the foil reindeer paper that he was tightly bound in.
The moral of the story, is never give anything living as a gift, no matter how much they're desired and begged for. On the plus side, books, calendars and prints of naked men make incredible gifts, with no risk of choking, except for maybe the chicken. The plus side, is that if you're a late shopper, many of the books below come in digital form, making the perfect stocking stuffer for the lover of the male form on your gift list. Most of the artist I feature on FH sell prints of their work, but below are some of the many photographers and models, who have created gifts and books that I have had the pleasure to feature this past year.
Hans Fahrmeyer
I was fortunate this year to be asked by photographer Hans Fahrmeyer to write forwards for his latest books, The Naked Truth, and The Cover Up, which I featured earlier this week. Both available in Print and low priced digital additions for immediate download.
Beau by JBDI Photography
Jon from JBDI Photographyput his incredible work with Beau at the Ouse Valley Viaduct into book form. In Perspective available in print and e-book editions HERE:
Bond by StudioMGPhotography
I have been lucky to be able share the work of many of the incredible models StudioMGPhotography has shot and commemorated to book form. From his work with Greg, Devin and Andrew through his work with Bond, Yorgen and Anton who I loved featuring this past year. Check them all out on Mark's blurb page HERE:
Austin by Gordon Nebeker
Some photographers give previews, or teases of what lies ahead. With Gordon Nebeker's work with Austin, and Yorgen and Devin in Utah, he gave us an incredible opening act which had us eagerly awaiting act 2. Gordon turned his work with Austin in Mexico, and Yorgen and Devin in Muscles and Mountains into two incredible large format book editions HERE:
Yorgen & Devin by Gordon Nebeker
Steve by Anthony Timiraos
Anthony Timiraos compiled his huge portfolio of models, and years of shooting the male form into expose, which I was more than pleased to contribute the forward to, available on his site HERE:
Nick by Richard Rothstein
Richard Rothstein's images of New York City, as well as the many men (including Nick above) that he has shot there are just waiting to be given for Christmas. Prints, t-shirts and greeting cards are available, along with my personal favorites, his two calendars. One, Fantasy Island, features Richard's view of Manhattan. The second is year long tribute to Lord of the Concrete Jungle. Check them all out on Redbubble HERE:
Ash by Mark Leighton
Although photographer Mark Leighton has been shooting beautiful men on the rocks and along the incredible beaches of Portugal for awhile, it was just last year he published his first book. Mark has now created four books showcasing his images, including one spotlighting Ash (above) one of Mark's most popular subjects. Check them out HERE:
↧
Marc-Antony: Countless Ways
'Modelling allows me to express myself in countless ways without having to say a single word. It is a great form of expression!'
2 images below by Krystian D
It was precisely those countless ways of expression that first attracted me to the work of model Marc-Antony. As you can clearly see from his images, the London based model looks not only comfortable, but incredibly hot in or out of tweed, wool or cotton. Stylish and sophisticated, Marc-Antony's ease and professionalism in front of the camera comes from years of experience, beginning at the age of 16 with fashion and runway work.
There is a magnetism and charisma about Marc-Antony's look, and work in front of the camera that is incredible alluring. His energy and spark, not to mention his beard, that remind me a bit of another bearded hottie we see a lot this time of year. No, not the Santa we see squeezing his way down a chimney, but a younger, sleeker and more contemporary version. A Santa after a professional make over, after giving up Christmas cookies, and after many days, many months at the gym.
Next 4 shots by IAmWillDube
'My work with IAmWillDube was a great studio shoot combining fashion and artistic nudes into an editorial story line.'
Marc-Antony continued to model through college and part time throughout his years in university. I know from my time at university, as much as I loved the experience, it did have a way of rewriting, not to mention rerouting, a few of my childhood dreams down a more realistic path. A road heading towards a future and financial stability. For Marc-Antony, this road led him to pursue a corporate career.
'After nearly three decades away from the modelling world, I was scouted by a fashion photographer a couple of years back, whilst working out at the gym. It coincided with a time when I was ready to step away from the corporate world. So when I was scouted, I felt like I had gone a full circle and "the universe" was pulling me back to my first calling.'
Marc-Antony shares that he has had many great modelling experiences, working around the globe with numerous hugely talented photographers, models and artist. Recently, Marc-Antony had the opportunity to shoot with one of the world's most famous photographers, known for his unique style and work. They did an editorial shoot for a global magazine, which has a monthly circulation of over 2.5 million, in the US alone.
With his vast experience, both as a young model in his teens and 20's, and his work since his return to the business, I was eager to pick his brain about his experiences in the industry, and the challenges of returning to modelling after three decades away.
Next 5 shots from Bobby Cray Photography
'Bobby Crayand I shot in this most interesting and beautiful town house, decorated and furnished in a 1950's style. It was a dull autumnal afternoon which in itself gave us diffused lighting, helping create beautiful, low-key, soft "dudouir" images.'
What are the pro's and con's of being a model over 50?
'To me the positives of being a model over 50 is that we bring with us many years of life experience and the self confidence which comes with it. This does reflect in the result of the work we do. Additionally, I think we are pretty much grounded and have a clear understanding and expectations of the industry in general without the naivety perhaps. The over 50's models or "Best Agers" as we are often referred as, are now much in demand, which is a hugely positive sign of how the modelling industry has changed for the better. You would have struggled to find the "Best Agers" becoming mainstream models even less than a decade ago. Times have changed!
If there were to be a negative in my opinion, I'd have to say that whilst we are now rocking the industry, not everyone has embraced this shift and to some it is still a very slow learning curve.'
You describe yourself as an experienced, professional, bearded model in your bio. How central is your beard to your modeling work and the jobs you get?
'My beard and handlebar moustache are an integral part of my look and personal branding. They give me a strong, distinctive look, which I am glad to say is in great demand currently When I started out in the industry over 30 years ago, I was clean shaven and too young to have a beard.'
Is there a photographer you would really love to be shot by?
'There are numerous photographers I would very much like to be shot by in different modelling genres. However there are two photographers who specialise in the male physique who I greatly admire - Dylan Rosser and Michael Stokes. It would be a dream to shoot with them!'
Have you ever modeled for an art group or class?
'I have previously modelled for a group of artists and as it happens I modelled this week for three creatives in one shoot - A motion artist / photographer, a videographer and an artist / illustrator. We utilised a projector, fabric, light painting techniques and face paint, to create some fantastic, experimental art.'
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part, besides your beard, gets the most attention from others?
'I am most happy with my face, my chest and arms. Overall I am very comfortable in my own skin! In addition to my beard, it is my eyes, chest and ears (hehe) which seem to get the most attention from others.'
What would your dream scenario be for a shoot?
'It would have to be a shoot with two of my favourite male models (whose name will remain a secret) in either a world famous historical building or in a rugged landscape, to capture some very dramatic imagery.'
'My shoot with Superchargedguys combined various distinctive styles: The male form captured in a sea of rich fabrics, texture and colours, highly stylised fashion editorial and an experimental play of colour and lighting on the male form using coloured gels.'
Last three shots by Superchargedguys
You have shot fashion, fitness, underwear, nudes. Do you approach all shoots the same, or are their different factors involved with each?
'Overall I do approach all shoots in the same way, by giving them all my 100% focus and professionalism irrespective of whether they are fashion, fitness, underwear, artistic nudes etc. Having said that, one also has to be very flexible in adapting to the setups of the different styles or genres of modelling. A fashion shoot is all about the clothing you are wearing, whilst an artistic nude is all about your own physical expression, as there are no clothes to hide beneath.'
What are your boundaries when it comes to nudity? is about the concept, the photographer or personal boundaries you have set.
'When it comes to nudity my boundaries are limited to aesthetic, artistic nudes. I combine that with working together with photographers on a concept to create beautiful and artistic imagery of the human body and I have then achieved what I wanted - a celebration of the human form captured through an image, appreciated by the model, photographer and the viewer alike.'
You have worked and lived in many parts of the world. Have you found any differences in the attitudes about modeling and the male form?
'Oh absolutely! Culture, tradition, religious influence, conservatism etc play a huge part in the attitudes toward modelling. Some regions of the world are much more open to the male form than others. I have however noticed in recent years that these attitudes are changing for the better and that societies are becoming more open and accepting of the male form.'
↧
12 Days: Steve Lund in Christmas Incorporated
'It’s like, Hallmark or Prozac?'
'We would typically be the first person to mock the idea of the Hallmark Channel, but there is something specific about this December: It’s crap. The news stinks, current events stink — turning on the television, in general, stinks. Another beloved icon revealed to be a sexual predator? Nope — let’s watch Hallmark. Another North Korean missile, now deemed capable of hitting the United States? Nope — Hallmark. The president is retweeting fake video clips of — NOPE, LA LA LA LA. HALLMARK. HALLMARK. HALLMARK.'
Writer Monica Hesse, and her theory on Hallmark, rings true for me this year. I was someone who would mock a Hallmark movie watcher, feigned annoyance that they seem to play on a loop when I visit my parents. I would have them on occasionally at home, to check out the eye candy, or play in the background as I did other things. This year however, I have found myself actually watching a couple, actually enjoying a hiatus from from the shit show that makes up the current state of politics and the world.
I still keep my focus on the eye candy, especially when they're as adorable as actor Steve Lund. The Nova Scotia born actor may be familiar to some of you from his work on television roles on Reign, Haven and Bitten. Lund has appeared in a few Hallmark movies, but the one I recently caught was 2015's Christmas Incorporated. Lund playes a rich spoiled corporate executive who has to decide whether to shut down a toy factory, just as Christmas approaches. Can you guess the ending?
Steve in Schitt's Creek
With sexual assault and harassment to prevalent in headlines, the popularity of Hallmark movies isn't merely a coincidence. In almost every Hallmark movie, woman are the focus, women are the interesting characters, women are in charge. Yes, most are driven by a desire for romance and love, but most have careers and full lives and although looking for love, looking on their terms. The men are secondary in Hallmark movies, interchangeable and alike. They're all well dressed, handsome and successful, and although intelligent, don't always see that love is right in front of them. They are written with minor complexities and just enough past pain to draw them to healing power of the female lead. All of which occur of course, just in time for Christmas.
Bitten
↧