Welcome Summer!
↧
In the Pink
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for June 21st
↧
↧
Capturing Angels: Angelspins by NICKET
'Dance is my passion, it gives me a reason to create and share art with people. Modeling enables me to save some of those creative moments.'
It's hard to capture an Angel. Like other spiritual and mythical beings, they can fly, are lightening fast and are only visible when they want to be. When I first spotted this particular Angel, San Francisco dancer and model Angelspins, he was flying high in the air, captured on a beach by photographer StudioMGPhotography.
Angelspins has all the qualities usually associated with a spiritual Angel including expressing great joy, being both beautifully delicate and mighty and powerful and able to travel at incomprehensible speeds. This particular Angel also has the most beautiful and soulful brown eyes, that penetrate both the spiritual and physical realm in each of his images.
When I contacted Angelspins, I was overwhelmed with the array of incredible images on his ModelMayhem and Instagram pages. I started a piece mixing images from different artists, but there were two artists, whose images I really wanted to focus on. Don't worry, those shots of the flying Angel from StudioMGPhotography will be featured, but I am introducing Angelspins with this series of shots from Santa Cruz photographer NICKET.
The images featured here were taken over the span of five separate shoots. I love that NICKET captured so many great locations and looks including stunning portrait shots, fashion, nudes and course, the dancing Angel in beautiful motion. I was especially fascinated with how Angel so elegantly interacts with whatever location NICKET is shooting him in, from becoming part of the art and graffiti, to spreading his wings on the roof of a car, on the ground, and in the air.
'Working with Angel is an amazing gift. His natural talent and gracefulness from years of ballet comes through in his effortless posing. He is always up for a challenge, including shooting in the freezing cold foggy San Francisco autumn or traveling to a new location without much notice. Most importantly he is interested in trying the new and seeks out concepts to try not just waiting to hear what the plan is. Whether an urban concrete landscape, an Arcadian backdrop or abandoned properties Angel finds a way to not only bring out the best of the location but tie it in to his dance background and let his talents shine.'
No matter who he is shooting, NICKET always manages to tap into use his skill and creativity to let those in front of his models shine. NICKET's eye is expansive, never limiting the range or boundaries of the working space, or his models captivity to move within.. By simply providing a beautiful playground, and encouraging his models to play within it, NICKET always captures natural, erotic and energy filled images, even when his subject moves as quickly as an Angel.
At what age did you begin to focus on dance?
I always loved dancing since I was a little kid, I didn’t start my official training until I was in high school.
When did modeling come into play and who or what got you started?
I always loved photography and taking selfies, it wasn’t until I answered an ad on Craigslist that I officially did my first modeling gig with AlwaysANovice.
Was the initial reason to model to capture your work as a dancer?
Yes, I wanted to focus on how the body can create art and dance was a way of doing it.
What has been your favorite experience modeling thus far?
I think my favorite part has been becoming comfortable in my own skin.
Any odd or strange stories from any shoots?
Hmmm...one photographer had me dance like a gogo dancer, that was fun since I always thought about doing that.
What has your experience on ModelMayhem been like? Any strange offers or requests?
ModelMayhem has been a hit and miss, I’ve found some great photographers and some individuals who basically wanted sexual favors.
What factors did you weigh before deciding to shoot nude?
Of course I was worried it would effect my career or personal life but there comes a point where art is beyond that.
Did the response from friends/family enter into your decision?
This was definitely a factor in my decision, but I thought why not make a choice to make nudity a positive.
On a scale from 1-10, how nervous were you before the first time?
I was definitely nervous, maybe a 7 but the photographer did not post the photos without my permission which made me feel better. iIt was a duo shoot, with my partner at the time. AlwaysANovice made sure we were comfortable the whole time which made it so much easier.
Dancers usually have a keen connection between mind and body, how does this impact your work as a model?
I’m a better model when it comes to doing dance shoots because I’m more me then.
What part of your body are you most happy with? What part gets the most attention from others?
I would have to say that I’m most happy with my ass because I’ve worked hard to get it ahaha. Most people actually say they like my eyes the most.
How did you connect with NICKET?
It was on-line, on ModelMayhem or Instagram
Tell me about your work together, you've shot five times, what were your goals going into the shoots?
I always have a great time shooting with NICKET, we just pick a location and go for it. There’s no exact goal, just have fun.
You did a lot of dance moves and work outside, including some nudes. Did you ever draw an audience while shooting?
I have actually, this family was visiting when we were shooting and one of them said what a handsome model and took photos of me with their phone, it made me blush ahaha.
↧
WombMates
'It turns out, both twins had made out with the same guy...'
So the story goes, the Zakar Twins, Michael and Zach, didn't know the other was gay until they were in high school and news of Michael kissing a guy in the school bathroom got back to Zach. True or not, it's a good story for a set of hot gay twins making an name for themselves with their Instagram and Youtube. The twins have turned their fame, and their story into a popular memoir, Pray The Gay Away.
I didn't discover the twins on social media, I followed them after first seeing them strut their stuff in a Marco Marco underwear fashion show. I added a clip of the twins below, but you can check out the full show on Youtube HERE:
Pray The Gay Away
↧
Trigonous
Some say that three's a crowd, but personally, I love a trio. In life, having a relationship of three can take the pressure off, there's always a buffer, and someone to help carry the load. In photography, triads provide more angles, more curves and more lines in the creation process. When I recently searching for vintage images for my Memorial Day post, I came upon many images that were beautifully tri-focused.
If you're interested in seeing more, I put some of my favorites on The OVER-FLOW HERE:
↧
↧
Room With A View
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for June 23rd
↧
A Rousing Retire: Rixio by Anthony Timiraos
'Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.'
Fred Rogers
Although many States, especially Southern States welcome retiree's, the traditional retiree magnet of Florida continues to attract the highest number of enthusiastic new beginners. It was Fort Lauderdale, Florida where the retired Anthony Timiraos connected with soon to be retired model Rixio. Anthony didn't retired to Florida to sit on a porch swing, in fact he's been busier than ever, especially with his photography, since moving South back in 2003.
Rixio isn't exactly retiring to sit on his ass either, although his beautiful behind may be planted in the sand on occasion after he moves back to Venezuela later this month. Thankfully, before Rixio left for his new beginnings, Florida provided the nexus for Anthony, who's photography career has soared since 'retiring' to Florida, and Rixio, who's time in front of professional camera's was coming to a close.
Rixio reached out to Anthony after checking out his photography on Instagram and on his website. They initially met at the studio to discuss working together and left with a shoot schedule for two weeks later. When I got in touch with Rixio, we was in the process of packing and moving, but took the time to share his experience working with Anthony. Rixio has been in front the camera since he he was a teenager, posing for countless photographers for commercial and advertising campaigns. Now, at almost 50 years old, Rixio is choosier about who he works with, and describes Anthony as one of the best.
'I have had the privilege to work with Anthony Timiraos, to be perceived from his optics and that sensitivity that he possesses to capture the drama of male beauty. The nudity, without hiding the reality of how it transforms itself over time, showing how sublime and aesthetic is still the body of man... He's an artist!'
'When I first met Rixio, he reminded me of Armie Hammer, the actor. He didn’t know who Armie Hammer was so the compliment went unnoticed when I told him to call me by his name.'
I can see the resemblance, especially when Armie's sporting a bit of facial hair. Rixio certainly has both the look, and aura of a movie star with his chiseled face, and alluring brown eyes. Those features as you can see, are just the tip of Rixio's many impressive attributes. Despite the power and strength of his appearance, Anthony says that in person, Rixio is incredibly handsome, but with a very quiet personality, he is very polite, but also with a great sense of humor.
Anthony Timiraos on Instagram | ModelMayhem
↧
DrDerrol: The Maine Event
'All alone in the woods of Maine with nothing but me and my camera... Looks like I MAY have forgotten my safety gear.'
I can't exactly say that I spent my childhood summer's in Maine, but I can say I spent many summers as a kid driving through Maine. Usually I was in a car driving North, South or East of the The Pine Tree State, but I loved my drive through's and the stops along the way. One summer we did beg our parents to stop at Old Orchard Beach and I almost regret that they said yes... Our stop was so quick, it only had me wanting to stay and enjoy the area longer.
It was perfect timing then, that as spring officially turned to summer last week, Derrol (DrDerrol) sent on these shots from Maine. Many of you might remember Derrol from my previous piece featuring Derrol's work on The Pure. (Paint Removal) There's no body paint this time, just Derrol, his camera and the captured sites while visiting his family in Maine.
'It’s always nice to get back home for a visit into the woods of Maine and away from the hustle and bustle of California! I’m always happy when the family is away for the day because that means I get to have some naked time in the woods...the woods and being naked! Two things I love!!'
Whenever I visit home, whether for a day, or a week, I always find myself needing a break from my family. I love them dearly, but not having lived there for awhile, it can be stressful trying to integrate back into the rhythm and schedule of our parents and siblings. My dogs were always my saving grace, those nightly walks served a different purposes for myself and the dogs. Let's just say, we all felt relieved through the experience.
For Derrol, his 'alone' time away was a naked walk in the woods. Without worrying too much about the additional delicious spots for ticks to latch onto, Derrol strolled through the Maine woods with just his camera to catch the sites. It is also lupin season in the North East, and lupins always ensure nature's pathways are lined with brilliant pinks and purples.
As well as my drive thru's, when I think of Maine, I think of all the summer's I spent there via Stephen King. King is my favorite author, and his tales of Maine always weaved the local flavor with of course a dash of the sinister... Derrol's adds a sexy sprinkle of sinister in the shots with the axe, and of course his wood.
↧
↧
Spencer Clark in Ouija
I haven't gotten the chance to get totally caught up on last weeks Broadway Bares, but I've started... One of the many highlights so far was has been Ouija, featuring the oh so talented and hot Spencer Clark. Clark, currently on Broadway in Frozen is mesmerizing, as is the entire ensemble.
You can see a a week bit in the clip below, but you can check out the entire Ouija number on Youtube HERE:
↧
Freestyle
'The ESPN Body Issue comes out on Monday and I’ve never been so nervous and excited to see my own butt'
Anyone that's watched Adam Rippon on the ice, in his tight skating pants, knows he has nothing to be nervous about. Rippon's rump headlines this years ESPN The Body Issue, on sale tomorrow!
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for June 25th
↧
The Forces of Nature: Stephan Tobias
One of the things I love most about working on FH is the places I get to visit virtually through art. This set of images transports the viewer to the Italian Island of Ischia. The volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, Italy is a beacon to tourists looking to take in its majestic views, incredible beaches, hot springs and volcanic mud.
Our tour guide for today's visual vacation is Stephan Tobias, who's work as both a model and photographer I have featured in several pieces previously on FH. (HERE:) I love the magnificent views, both Stephan and his surroundings. There is an 'at the end of the world' quality and a beautiful feel of erotic isolation.
Although there is an isolating feel, Stephan wasn't alone, he was joined at the seaside an don the roads by his friend Marco Cortese, who photographed the series. An artist since childhood, Stephan edited Marco's shots to create the finished look and feel you see here. For my next feature focused on Stephan's work, the Berlin artist will be behind the camera in a piece I am working on for next month.
Stephan shares there were two goals with the shoot, the first to capture the incredible beauty of the location. The second was to capture the vulnerablity of the human form in contrast with the forces of nature, in these shots, represented by the sometimes menacing cliffs of Ischia.
'The male nude over the last years has been the main focus of my work, as it is such a powerful and charged tool of expression, and I keep adding to the experience as a model, photographer and digital editor. Living in Berlin gives me the opportunity to meet other photographers, models and creatives. Interacting with them I am happy to experiment with view of broadening my horizons.'
'Digital photo art for me is a fascinating medium to playfully examine the relationship between the subject and the object. In my photo series I try to make personal statement about the relationship between the individual and the world around, as I see it.'
↧
↧
All Things Come.... Aaron by Robert J. Guttke
'To Those Who Wait.'
As we all have learned, no amount of waiting is going to bring us all things, but I still appreciate the idea behind the famous quote. In a world where so many demand that all things come fast or instantly, there remains a payoff for those with patience and the ability to wait. In order to capture this series of images, photographer Robert J. Guttke had to be patient, patient enough to wait close to two years before having Aaron in front of his camera.
Although most photographers now connect with models on-line, Robert still prefers the old fashion way, in person. The Minneapolis artist, sculptor, photographer and writer has worked with hundreds of models over the course of career and has learned that meeting a model face to face remains the best way to both discover, and find out if a model is the right fit. On-line images don't always tell the entire story, whether it be a model's height or look, or their ability to connect with, and give an artist what they need.
Robert has approached would be models as they're walking down the street, running along the lake, in the park and frequently when working out at the gym. It was at the gym where Aaron and Robert first met and started a conversation about modeling. As they were chatting, Aaron was very enthusiastic about modeling, but when he mentioned he was only 16, Robert ended the conversation telling Aaron if he was still interested in a couple of years to give him a call.
Robert had pretty much forgotten about the gym encounter, and about Aaron, he has often had conversations with guys who seem really interested, only to never hear from them again. Not this time, right after he turned 18, Aaron got in touch about wanting to shoot. It was a gray and windy day when the freckled Aaron went up to the rooftop for his shoot with Robert. Robert says Aaron was firmly pro pubic hair, and wanted to keep his body hair un-shaved or trimmed. The lines and bodyscapes Robert captures are usually focused on the nude male form, but with the wind up on the roof, Robert captures some great shots with Aaron's shirt billowing in the wind, framing his tight chest and stomach.
'There was one model that I first found at Lake Calhoun, I dd not hear from until two years later when he broke up with his long time girl friend Another guy I approached at the gym and he waited FIVE years to get back to me, when he did his first body building competition. Poor guy He worked out so hard for that competition, then accidentally slept through it. There were some models that I approached that later got in touch that I did not remember approaching. One of the last guys I worked with tole me that I had come up to 6 times at the lake, once when he was with his father who told him to DO IT.'
As you can clearly see, Aaron has a likable boyish charm that comes through in Robert's shots. Although this was his first time in front of the camera, with Robert's direction, Aaron looks relaxed and at tease. Because of the specific look he's working to achieve, Robert doesn't always encourage smiles, Aaron was however, both enthusiastic and very curious about the process, and was sporting a big grin most of the shoot. Robert included his favorite shots of Aaron in a couple of calendars and exhibit in SF. Robert remembers a model agencies in both Chicago and New York were interested in signing him, and as much fun as Aaron had with this shoot, wasn't really into the work required to model professionally.
↧
What A Dick....
I don't like to automatically label anyone, there are idiots on both sides of all isles, the political one especially. That being said, watching Antonio Sabato Jr. spew such hate and ugliness on Chris Cuomo last night had me regretting those times Antonio provided... well, inspiration. Conservatives in Hollywood often feel put upon, and with Sabato as their spokesperson, it's no wonder.
I remembered Sabato has appeared numerous times over the years on FH, and briefly considered deleting any mention or photo. Then... I thought re-posting some of his nude scenes, including his two gay roles would be a better response. The actor always had a bit gay following, especially after showing The Full Monty in Testosterone, and I wondered where he stood on LBGTQ issues, but it's not noted as a key issue on his website. Doesn't matter really, I'm not in CA and although I have voted for candidates who's policy's I haven't been 100% behind, I could never vote for someone who's soul and spirit is so hate filled.
↧
See Shore
↧
Favorite Pic of the Day for June 27th
↧
↧
Path of Exuberance: Ben by Robert Colgan
'This was probably the most spontaneous and productive shoots I've had. I wish all my models had such excitement in their blood to burst onto the scene like Ben.'
One of the things I'm always curious about is how shoots come together. How the artist and model connect, and how the theme or story for the shoot comes together. For this series of Ben, photographer Robert Colgan says it started with a coffee mug. On one side of the mug is the logo for the Save the Artist Foundation. On the other side is an image of two people swimming in a sea surrounded by all of the tasks that occupy their time.
'It makes me laugh thinking of all that occupies my daily routine with an outside job shoved in there, and wonder how I ever manage to be productive. Of course those tasks, much like the ocean, ebb and flow with their demands. One task that is particularly troubling is the model. Models are ethereal, fickle, distant characters that are the cement holding our work together. It also demands that initial question that I intensely despise - "will you model for me?" Ugh!'
Despite his experience and skill behind the camera, Robert says he'd rather chew off his own arm that ask models to model. I don't always think of photographers struggling to ask a model to model, but when thinking about Robert's quote, it made perfect sense. Presumably, a model would check out an artist's portfolio before responding and response of no, can certainly be interpreted as a judgement on the artists work. We often assume it is the model most vulnerable during the shoot, but the process, from a concept's beginning to the final images, also requires risk from the artist.
'Considering how much I dread it, imagine my surprise during the doldrums of winter, I notice a particularly handsome young man from New York mentioning that he's actually in MY town! So, I contact him and am equally surprised with his enthusiastic response The only difficulty is the time he has available - early Sunday morning - REALLY early Sunday morning! Before his flight home to the Big Apple. So I wing it and boy was I overjoyed!'
'Ben is one of those guys that has boundless enthusiasm. It kinda makes you feel old. Once he entered the studio, he immediately picked up props and began his playful interaction with them. It was well worth getting up at 5am on a Sunday! Ben was a whirlwind of expression and movement. For almost two hours the lens tried to follow his path of exuberance. Then it was off to gather things for the airport.'
'Afterwards I felt as though the most amazing moment had come my way. And on a Sunday, no less! Ben was terrific! I hope someday to recapture that exuberance and create more works with this amazing guy. Thanks Ben!'
FH readers know how much I love Robert's location work, many of which you can see on FHHERE: One of my favorites was the last piece we did earlier this year. (The Mansion in the Woods)
It's wonderful however, to join Robert back in the studio and the resulting images with Ben.
Robert's creativity and eye for architecture and design are still strongly in play and Robert' images beautiful capture and match Ben's expression and movement. Ben has a great look, physically impressive and classically handsome. Ben also expresses great emotion and character and I love how he so fully gets into his role and perfectly utilizes the costumes and props with energy and personality.
'Robert was an exceptional and playful photographer to work with. We did a shoot starting at 6:30 in the morning and I had never been in a space with so many objects to work with in a creative way. I was impressed by his willingness to try obscure poses and use evocative objects.'
↧
As for you, Troy Donahue
I know what you wanna do
You got your crust
I'm no object of lust
I'm just plain Sandra Dee
My only reference to actor Troy Donahue until last week was Stockard Channing singing his name in my old VHS of Grease. From the song, I gathered he was a blonde teen idol, the object of lust of both young girls and young boys in the 50's and 60's, but that was the extend of my knowledge. Last week, I got to experience Donahue's lust factor for myself when I watched my PVR recording of 1950's A Summer Place.
A Summer Place (1959)
A Summer Place was an overly dramatic soap, that at times bored me to tears, and at others, had me paying close attention. Donahue and Sandra Dee play Johnny and Molly, (got to love the 'y's) young loves, who were accused of being lovers before they actually did the deed.
Even though they weren't intimate, when accused of it, they run away, (I said overly dramatic) are separated apart, but eventually come together and marry by the films end. The main drama involves their parents and I especially enjoyed Constance Ford as Molly's mother, but Donahue and Dee are purdy and blonde and spend a lot of their time on the beach.
Troy with Van Williams, both looking fine in their short shorts
↧
Intimate Encounters
This is either just before, or just after an intimate encounter, That, or he's pissed someone used up all the hot water.
↧